Programs and Services – Victoria Office
Legal Advocacy
INCOME ASSISTANCE
Our Income Assistance Legal Advocacy Project provides information and legal help regarding the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR). Commonly provided services include help with file reviews, reconsiderations of Ministry decisions, and appeals to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal (EAAT).
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY
Our Tenant Legal Advocacy Project provides support for tenants who are experiencing issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the Residential Tenancy Branch. Commonly provided services include help with eviction notices, help resolving conflicts with landlords, and providing legal information and advice about tenancy rights and responsibilities.
PWD Application Help
Our Volunteer Disability Advocacy Project (VDAP), helps folks navigate the lengthy application process for the provincial disability designation, Persons with Disabilities (PWD). TAPS-trained volunteer advocates work directly with applicants to complete the application, help them communicate with medical professionals, and review the completed application prior to submission.
Income Tax Filing
As a member of the CRA's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), TAPS tax volunteers offer free income tax preparation services for folks in Greater Victoria who earn a modest income and have a simple tax situation. To access tax services, drop by our Victoria office during business hours or give us a call for more information.
Tax season 2024: in preparation for tax season, the tax project will be closed from February 1st-29th, 2024.
We will re-open for help filing years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 on March 1st, 2024. This is a drop-in service – you do not need an appointment.
Public Legal Education
TAPS also provides public legal education on topics related to our work for interested community groups and organizations, empowering and enabling them to better advocate for themselves. If you’re interested in having TAPS speak to your group or organization, please contact our front desk (250-361-3521) for more information.
Things we cannot help with:
Finding housing or applying for housing subsidies
Applications for Income Assistance, Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) or Hardship Assistance
Applications for or issues relating to federal disability or income support programs (CPP-D, OAS, GIS) including Employment Insurance (EI)
Criminal, civil, or family law issues