COVID-19 boost permanent.Social Development Minister Nicholas Simons said Tuesday the increase will cost about $400 million per year and benefit more than 300,000 people.It’s the largest ever permanent hike to income assistance and disability assistance rates in the province and will be applied starting in April.“This past year has been challenging for everyone, and especially so for those British Columbians already relying on assistance to make ends meet,” Simons said.“Now that we are seeing signs of some economic recovery from COVID-19, it’s essential we provide the stability of a permanent rate increase for people and families, including 49,000 children who live in poverty.”The province is also raising the seniors’ assistance supplement,.