BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon/via Twitter

The BC government is taking steps to try to help low income seniors make their rents.

This includes a one-time rental benefit of $430 dollars for those who are enrolled in province’s Rental Assistance Program.

The BC government is also modifying the the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program.

“We are making changes to the SAFER program to support more seniors, and delivering a top-up cheque for seniors and families who are now struggling with the cost of living and rent,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s Minister of Housing in a news release. “This benefit, and the long-term changes to SAFER, will help ensure more seniors and families can remain in their homes.”

The one-time benefit will go to recipients of B.C.’s RAP and SAFER rent supplement programs.

Current recipients automatically qualify, and will receive the one-time benefit with their regular RAP or SAFER payment this month.

The province is also making changes the SAFER program by lowering the threshold to qualify, while also increasing the monthly subsidy, which the government says will see recipients get roughly $110 dollars more per month.

The threshold to qualify for SAFER now goes from $33,000 per year in income to $37,240.

The minimum benefit will also go up from $25 to $50 a month or $600 a year.