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Back to Income Assistance

Income Assistance

The Income Assistance Program is a program of last resort intended to help Nunavut families and individuals meet their basic needs when for various reasons, including disability, illness, low-income or periods of unemployment, they are unable to provide for themselves.

There is an expectation that you apply to all other programs that you may be entitled to such as employment insurance, various pension programs, worker’s compensation and child maintenance, and that you access all other financial resources that you may have available first, such as money in the bank and RRSPs, before you apply to the government’s program. Annual filing of your annual tax return is also required.

Who Can Apply:

Any person 18 years of age and older in financial need living in Nunavut may apply for Income Assistance.

Determining Eligibility:

  • You will be required to have a monthly financial assessment completed with an Income Assistance Worker.
  • You will be required to develop a Productive Choice with your Income Assistance Worker to become more self-sufficient
  • Productive Choices may include upgrading of your schooling, training, parenting under certain circumstances, employment, community work, harvesting and/or individual mental health or alcohol and drug counseling.
  • Individuals who have a disability or are over the age of 60 are exempt from engaging in a productive choice.

What to Bring to Your First Appointment:

  • Copy  of all family members: birth certificate, social insurance number and health care plan number.
  • Other documents.

During your appointment, the Income Assistance Worker will discuss and investigate all available resources you may have access to before determining eligibility.

How to Apply:

Contact your community Income Assistance Worker to set up an appointment.

For assistance and information, contact your Income Assistance Worker or your Family Services Regional Office:

  • South Qikiqtani: 867-975-6580 /1-855-975-6580
  • North Qikiqtani: 867- 473-2607 / 1-800-567-1514
  • Kivalliq:  867-645-5040/ 1-800-953-8516
  • Kitikmeot:  867-983-4032 /1-800-661-0845
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