After you are approved for income assistance, you will receive:
Depending on your circumstances, you may also get other expenses covered. If you have children, you'll keep basic health coverage. This includes Medical Services Plan and 100 per cent coverage under PharmaCare for a full year after you leave income assistance for employment.
Effective January 1, 2024, the earnings exemption for people on income assistance are:
If you are on income assistance and able to work, you will have to complete an employment plan. The activities in your plan will help you become self-supporting, if you are able.
In certain circumstances, you may not have to seek work while on income assistance. If you think you shouldn’t have to complete an employment plan, call 1-866-866-0800 or visit your local office.
Some people can't work because they have persistent and multiple barriers to employment. If this applies to you, you might be able to get extra support while you’re on income assistance.
When you are on income assistance, you must complete the monthly report form each month. This form is also known as the “cheque stub”. It is due by the fifth of each month.
The monthly report is a legal document that tells the government you are still in need. We’ll verify the information with private, provincial and federal agencies. We'll then use this information to determine your eligibility or the amount of your next assistance cheque.
You can submit your monthly report using My Self Serve. Or, you can complete the manual monthly report (PDF, 100KB) and either drop it off at your local office or mail it in each month.
Get help and answers to your questions at your local office or: