Income Assistance
The Income Assistance (IA) program 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.
Once you receive Income Assistance, Employment Support Services (ESS) staff will help you explore the many programs and services that can support you in accessing new employment opportunities.
More About Income Assistance
- Eligibility
Read about who can receive Income Assistance. - How to Apply for Income Assistance
Call or visit us to get started with your application. - Income Assistance Payment Dates
Find the date you may get your cheque or direct deposit here.
- Basic Needs Assistance
Learn about the allowance you may get for your basic needs.
- Special Needs Assistance
Income Assistance can help with various special needs.
- Pharmacare
Prescription drug coverage available to recipients of Income Assistance and others who qualify. - Other Benefits
Read about the Poverty Reduction Credit, Nova Scotia Child Benefit and the Canada Child Benefit.
- How Working Affects Income Assistance
There are a number of ways Income Assistance may continue to help you.
- How Going to School Affects Income Assistance
Make sure that you speak to your caseworker about your continuing eligibility for Income Assistance.
- Money from Other Sources
To get Income Assistance, you must tell us about any other money you receive.
- Harvest Connection Program
This program allows eligible recipients to keep up to $3,000 of income earned from working in seasonal harvesting.
- Decision Reviews and Appeal Hearings
You may appeal any decision related to your application or the amount of your assistance
- Employment Support and Income Assistance Forms and Brochures
Direct deposit, appeals, and more. Available in printable format.
- Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) Policy Manual (PDF)
This manual contains all of the policies that your caseworker uses when making decisions.