Newfoundland and Labrador

Income Support Program

Complex application

Tax filing required

The Income Support Program can give you money and other services to help with your daily living expenses if you are living on a low income.

Income Support Benefits include basic and non-basic financial help such as:

Basic benefits:

  • Family and Individual Benefit (to help with expenses such as food, clothing, personal care, household maintenance and utilities).
  • Shelter (Including rent and mortgage).

Non-basic benefits (your situation will determine whether you qualify):

  • Municipal Tax Payments
  • Eye Exams and Prescription Glasses
  • Private Childcare (related to employment or training)
  • Expenses for Burials

You may qualify for Income Support if you:

  • Are 18 years of age or older.
  • Live in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Submit an application for benefits.
  • Are determined to be eligible according to a financial assessment.

Income Support benefits are considered as the last possible option for income. If there is potential for income from another source (for example, Employment Insurance or Canada Pension Plan), you must first get that income before applying for Income Support.

You may be able to get Income Support even if you are working.

Social Insurance Number

For example:

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

The quickest way to apply for Income Support is to complete a telephone application by contacting the appropriate toll free # for your region:

Avalon

Toll-free: 1-877-729-7888 TTY: 1-877-292-4205

Central

Toll-free: 1-888-632-4555 TTY: 1-877-292-4205

Western

Toll-free: 1-866-417-4753 TTY: 1-877-292-4205

Labrador

Toll-free: 1-866-449-3144 TTY: 1-877-292-4205

A Client Services Officer will gather information from you, such as: date of birth, Social Insurance Number, family composition, living arrangements, income and financial assets to complete the telephone application and a preliminary (first) eligibility assessment.

Visit the Applying for Income Support page for details on how to apply for benefits.

Last updated: July 18, 2021