BC Family Residence Program
To apply, email us at the link below and our Variety team will reply with next steps. Please review the guidelines before applying.
Note: Variety administers this program on behalf of the Government of BC and does not set program criteria or guidelines.
What is BC Family Residence Program (BCFRP)?
Variety administers the BC Family Residence Program on behalf of the Government of BC/Provincial Health Services Authority to provide accommodation assistance for families while a child requires care at BC Children’s Hospital and/or Sunny Hill Health Centre, BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver location) and babies in the Neo-natal unit at BC Women’s Hospital.
As of April 1, 2026, there is a limit of 21 nights per medical stay as well as an annual total family income threshold of $80,000.
Accommodation Assistance for BC Families
Accommodation arrangements are provided for families who live outside of Metro Vancouver, with a child aged 18 years and under, including premature babies and newborns with other health concerns.
The program provides accommodation assistance to a family for one room up to 21 nights per medical visit.
Please note our hours of operation:
- Mon-Thurs 9:00am-3:00pm
- We are closed Fri-Sun and all statutory holidays
Criteria for Assistance
- Are a resident of BC and have a Care Card/PHN number issued by Medical Services Plan of BC.
- Are or have a child 18 years of age or younger and receive medical care at BC Children’s Hospital/Sunny Hill Heath Centre, BC Women’s Hospital NICU, and/or BC Cancer (Vancouver location only).
- Live outside Metro Vancouver. Note: residents of Bowen Island and island communities within Electoral Area A are eligible for program assistance
- Have an annual total family income under $80,000
Note: the criteria is set by the Government of BC.
BCFRP Frequently Asked Questions
What does BCFRP cover?
Variety administers the BC Family Residence Program on behalf of the Government of BC/Provincial Health Services Authority to provide accommodation assistance up to 21 days maximum per medical visit at approved partner hotels/vendors for eligible BC families/patient(s) when the patient is receiving medical care at BC Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Heath Centre, BC Women’s Hospital NICU, and BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver location only) and lives outside the lower mainland.
Partner hotels are approximately a 15–20-minute drive from BC Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Hospital and BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver).
BCFRP also provides accommodation coverage at Easter Seal House (ESH), which is three blocks from BC Children’s Hospital. ESH is especially convenient for families travelling without a vehicle (find more info here.) Please note, ESH has single beds only. Please indicate in your application if your/the family prefers to stay at ESH. Note that ESH is very busy. Families travelling within a week of their appointment/admittance date(s) are advised to call ESH directly (604-736-3475 | 1-800-818-3666) to self-book requested dates. When you do, please let ESH know the patient is/will be registered with BCFRP. If you confirm a self-booking with ESH, please email BCFRP an update so we can facilitate sending ESH eligible accommodation coverage on your/the family’s behalf.
For visits of 3 nights or more, BCFRP can provide accommodation coverage at Ronald McDonald House (RMH), which is located on-site at BCCH. Booking requests for Ronald McDonald House must be made by the patient’s BCCH health care worker/social worker who will determine if RMH is the best option for the family. Please communicate with the patient’s support worker/social worker regarding referrals for RMH bookings. If you or a social worker confirms a booking with RMH, please email BCFRP an update so we can facilitate sending RMH eligible accommodation coverage on your/the family’s behalf.
What isn’t covered?
BCFRP does not cover:
- Non-approved hotels/vendors: these are any vendors that do not appear on our approved partners list.
- Any stays at Airbnb’s
- Hotels/vendors on route to medical visits
- Transportation, groceries, or other travel-related costs.
Meals and other personal expenses are the responsibility of the patient’s family/parent/guardian.
How do I apply for support?
To apply for assistance simply send an email to [email protected] and our team will promptly send you a formal application.
Once your application has been received it will be reviewed and someone will contact you with next steps.
What if I want to book my own travel arrangements?
Families who wish to make their own arrangements for accommodation are responsible for the cost of that accommodation.
Download the BCFRP Self Booking Guidelines for more information.
Download these guidelines if you are staying at Ronald McDonald House.
Is the BCFRP a Variety program?
No. The BC Family Residence Program’s criteria and budget are set by the provincial government. Variety BC and Hope Air administer the program as per the guidelines set down by the government.
Is the program subject to change?
Yes. The government re-evaluates the program each year and will sometimes set for new parameters like income threshold or a limit/increase to the number of days the program covers.
The Variety team will do our best to inform those impacted if and when there are any changes to the BCFRP program in a timely manner. These changes will always be reflected on our website.
Are there resources available that can help cover travel expenses?
YES! The following organizations are not affiliated with BCFRP but may be good resources to help with transportation for medical visits outside of your home community.
Hope Air
Provides free air travel for eligible families travelling for medical care. You can learn more about this program here.
Northern Health Connections
Call 1-888-647-4997
nhconnections.ca
TAP BC – Travel Assistance Program
Helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible BC residents who must travel within the province for non-emergency medical specialist services. You can learn more about this program here.