How to Apply for Income Assistance

  1. How to apply
  2. What to bring to your first meeting with a caseworker
  3. Finding out if you will get Income Assistance
  4. If you are eligible
  5. If you are not eligible

Who can receive Income Assistance

How to apply

 

To apply for Income Assistance, call or visit a Community Services office in your area. Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Tell the person you speak to that you want to apply for Income Assistance. They will ask you questions to gain an understanding of your situation. Have these things with you when you make the call or visit the office:

  • bank statements for your accounts
  • your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • any other information that can help the caseworker understand your situation

What to bring to your first meeting with a caseworker

In this meeting, a caseworker will look at your information and documents to see if you are eligible for Income Assistance. You will be told what to bring to this meeting when you schedule the appointment. This may include:

  • your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • driver’s licence or photo ID
  • bank account statements
  • income tax assessment forms
  • a copy of your lease or mortgage agreement

The caseworker will photocopy all the documents you bring and keep the copies in a file. This information is kept confidential. Keep the original documents for your records.

Finding out if you will get Income Assistance

After your caseworker receives from you the information they need, they'll follow up with you.

If you are eligible

Monthly assistance usually comes three working days before the end of the month. Check the schedule here. Depending on your situation, you may get money at a different time (for example, if you have an emergency).

You can get Income Assistance payments in one of two ways:

  • have it deposited directly into your bank account

This is called direct deposit. We recommend direct deposit because it is safe, you get your money on time, and it is confidential. Your caseworker will help you set up direct deposit if you want to use it.

  • have your cheque mailed to you

We recommend direct deposit but in the event you receive cheques your cheque may take longer to arrive depending on mail service. If you move, make sure to tell your caseworker.

If you are not eligible

If you are not eligible for Income Assistance, you will get a letter from the Department of Community Services that will explain the reasons for this decision. You can also contact your caseworker and ask them to explain the reasons for the decision. If you have new information that may change the decision, you should share this with your caseworker.

You can also ask for a Decision Review. Learn more about the process here.