Homeowner grant threshold raised

The threshold for the phased-elimination of the B.C. homeowner grant has been raised from $1.525 million to $1.625 million.

People whose properties are below the threshold will qualify for the full grant, which in the Central Okanagan and most other areas outside the Lower Mainland is $770. It's $1,045 for Kelowna-area homeowners age 65 or over.

The grant is reduced by $5 for every $1,000 of assessed value over the threshold. Some low-income seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities can apply for a supplement to replace the lost portion of the grant if their home is over the threshold.

By raising the threshold from $1.525 to $1.625 million, the government says the same percentage of B.C. homeowners will be able to claim the homeowner grant as in past years.

New in 2021, the province is taking over full administration of the grant program to ease the burden on municipalities.

The province already administers the grant for rural homeowners.

Homeowners in all municipalities will now submit their applications directly to the province instead of through their municipal office.

Similar to previous years, applications will open in May when a majority of property tax notices are received.

As in previous years, homeowners are reminded to keep their property assessment notice from BC Assessment or property tax notice from their municipality.

They will need their roll and jurisdiction number from their notice to apply for the Home Owner Grant with the province.