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Family Maintenance Program (FMP)


Overview: November 25, 2009

Effective: November 25, 2009

Persons who apply for BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) are required to pursue and accept all other means of support for which they may be eligible. When a family breaks up, spouses and parents who have primary care of the children may be entitled to financial support (maintenance) from the other spouse or parent.

The Family Maintenance Program (FMP) assists BCEA recipients to seek maintenance payments and support that they may be entitled to receive from those who are legally obligated and financially able to pay. Through the FMP, the ministry seeks to:

  • ensure that family breakdown does not impoverish dependent family members or place an excessive burden on public funds

  • promote the financial independence and economic security of clients by ensuring that they receive enforceable maintenance orders

To be eligible for assistance, clients who meet specific criteria are required to assign their rights to maintenance to the ministry. Family Maintenance Workers work on clients’ behalf to obtain maintenance orders or agreements and strive to reach a consent or agreement whenever possible.

The Family Maintenance Enforcement Program, operated under the Ministry of Attorney General, monitors and enforces all maintenance orders belonging to recipients of assistance.