Who can receive Income Assistance

Income Assistance (IA) helps you when you are not able to support yourself or your family. Depending on your situation, you may get money for your basic needs or help with other special needs. 

View information on how to apply for Income Assistance.

Getting help in an emergency

If you need financial assistance because of an emergency, let a caseworker know. They may be able to get you help faster. 

Here are some examples of emergencies: 

  • you have no food
  • you might lose your home
  • your health or safety, or your family's, is at risk

Who can apply

You can apply if you:

  • live in Nova Scotia
  • are 19 years old or over (sometimes 16 to 18)
  • need financial help for your basic needs
  • have tried to find work or other income (unless it is not possible for you at this time)

If you’re an Indigenous person

  • if you live off Reserve, you can apply the same as a non-Indigenous person
  • if you live on Reserve, you need to contact your Band for assistance

If you have a disability

You may be eligible for Income Assistance if you need financial support to pay for your basic needs.

You should tell the caseworker that you have a disability. There are other supports and programs that may help you. Your caseworker may ask you to have your doctor confirm your disability.

If you’re under 19

You may be eligible if you are 16 to 18:

  • if your home is not safe for you to live in
  • if you and your parents or guardians have conflicts that mean you can not come back to live in your home
  • if you have no parent or guardian

Child, Youth & Family Supports must confirm you are in need of protective services.

You must agree to go to school or take training for work, and live in a supervised home or apartment while you are on Income Assistance.

Ongoing eligibility

Your caseworker will review your situation regularly. They need to know: 

  • if anything has changed in your life
  • if you are still eligible for Income Assistance
  • if you have new needs they can help with

 Employability assessment

You and your caseworker decide when you are ready to take part in an employability assessment. 

Employment Support Services (ESS) staff will help you explore programs and services that can help you access new opportunities in employment.

You must: 

  • take part in an employability assessment
  • work with your caseworker to make an action plan to build the skills and experience you need for work

This assessment looks at all your skills and experience to see what kind of work you can do, what training you may need and if there are any barriers that make it hard for you to work. 

Getting money from other sources

You must always tell your caseworker about any money you receive.  

Depending on the source of your money, you may still receive Income Assistance if your eligibility shows that you still need help. Learn more at money from other sources. 

If you work

You may still get Income Assistance if you are working.

Learn about how your work affects your assistance.

Learn about the supports available to help you with employment.