Feedback

Determining Eligibility: Understanding the 12 Months of Care Requirement for the LFYA

The Learning Fund for Young Adults (LFYA) offers a one-time grant of $1,500 to support youth and young adults who have experienced care in British Columbia. A key eligibility criterion for this grant is having 12 cumulative months in care. But how exactly is this period of care calculated? Understanding this requirement can help you determine if you qualify for the LFYA grant.

How is 12 Months of Care Determined?

To be eligible for the LFYA grant, youth and young adults must have accumulated 12 cumulative months in an eligible care status. This period is calculated based on the following criteria:

Cumulative Time in Care:

• The 12 months do not need to be consecutive. Instead, they are measured in 30-day intervals over time. This means that even if your time in care was spread out over several years, it can still add up to meet the 12-month requirement.

Eligible Care Statuses:

• The care experience must fall under one or more qualifying legal statuses, including:
  • Interim Custody Order (ICO): Custody to the director.
  • Temporary Custody Order (TCO): Custody to the director.
  • Continuing Custody Order (CCO): Permanent custody to the director.
  • Guardianship of a Director (Infants Act or Adoption Act): Legal guardianship by a director.
  • Custody with a Person Other Than a Parent (Interim or Temporary): Custody awarded to someone other than a parent.
  • Youth Agreement (YAG): An agreement between a youth and the director for the provision of support.

Age Range:

• The cumulative 12 months of care must be accumulated between birth and age 19. This means that any eligible care experience from the day you were born until your 19th birthday counts toward meeting this requirement.

Verification Process

When you apply for the LFYA grant, your eligibility is determined by Specialized Provincial Services (SPS). Here’s how the process works:

Application Submission:

• Upon submitting your application, the SPS team will review your care history to verify that you meet the 12-month care requirement.

Record Review:

• SPS will access your records to confirm the cumulative time spent in care, ensuring that it aligns with the eligible statuses and the required age range.

Eligibility Confirmation:

• If you meet the requirement, your application will proceed, and you’ll be notified of your eligibility for the LFYA grant.

Why This Requirement Matters

The 12-month care requirement is designed to ensure that the LFYA grant supports those who have spent a significant amount of time in care, recognizing the unique challenges they may face. By understanding how this time is calculated, you can confidently determine whether you qualify for this valuable financial support.