If you’re having trouble getting online to apply for B.C.’s COVID-19 recovery benefit – you’re not alone.

The province says it is experiencing server issues – prompting crashes and very slow loading times – after a high volume of online applications slowed the process this morning.

Applications opened up at 8:30 a.m., and several users this morning reported getting an error on the site when making their application for the benefit of either $500 or $1,000.

A Finance Ministry spokesperson says there were about 2,500 applications in the first few minutes of the site opening on Friday, but the page hasn’t crashed and those applying are being urged to be patient.

Finance Minister Selina Robinson is asking people to be respectful to staff at a Service BC call centre as they help people apply for the benefit, which was promised by the NDP during the election campaign.

“This will give people some breathing room, and peace of mind. A bit more to spend on groceries, on coats, on boots for their growing kids, and special gifts to lift their spirits,” she said, earlier this month.

The province says an estimated 3.7 million people and families will be eligible, roughly 90 per cent of the province’s adult population. Families, including single parents, with an annual income under $125,000 last year can expect to receive $1,000 while those earning up to $175,000 qualify for a reduced amount.

Single people earning less than $62,500 can expect to get $500 and those who earned up to $87,500 qualify for reduced amounts.

In order to apply, you will need to be at least 19 years of age as of Dec. 18, and a resident of the province. You will also need your 2019 tax return and notice of assessment, your social insurance number, driver’s licence number if you have one, and direct deposit information.

If you don’t have access to a computer or the internet, you will be able to apply toll-free by phone starting on Monday, Dec. 21. You can call 1-833-882-0020 from anywhere in North America from Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

There province says there will be as many as 350 call centre agents available over the first week to answer questions or complete applications over the phone, though it is cautioning wait times may be increased to begin.

Applications are open until June 2021, and people are being urged to apply online to avoid any potential delays. The government says most people can expect to get their money within five business days of applying.

The government says it will introduce a modified application process in the new year for people receiving disability and income assistance who do not have banking services, or who have barriers to filing income taxes.

– With files from The Canadian Press