Canada Income Assistance Dates & Social Benefits for 2024

Social and income assistance programs in Canada offer income support to people who cannot afford their essential financial needs without assistance or support. 

These special programs are designed to provide safety nets for individuals unable to meet their basic needs. They extend their reach beyond financial assistance, offering targeted support for job-seeking individuals and those hindered by disabilities from earning an income.

Spanning diverse provinces and territories, each region offers unique income support initiatives tailored for its residents. This guide unravels the specifics of provincial social assistance payment dates, benefit types, and a step-by-step guide on the application process.

What is Social Assistance, and How Does it Work?

Social Assistance payments provide vital monthly income support to individuals and families facing challenges in meeting their basic needs. These payments are designed to help cover fundamental living costs like food and housing, offering much-needed relief to Canadians in need.

The government ensures that those who cannot manage everyday living expenses without assistance receive monthly payments. This support is extended to individuals with disabilities and elderly Canadians who have retired from active work, aiming to provide a safety net during times of financial strain.

It’s important to note that the details of these programs vary by province in Canada. Each province has its own set of rules and regulations governing how these programs are carried out. As a result, the amount of assistance and the payment schedule may differ from province to province.

When determining the amount you’re eligible to receive from these social assistance programs, factors such as your family size, financial situation, degree of disability, and the type of accommodation you need are considered.

Below, we provide an overview of the 2024 social assistance payment dates for each province and territory in Canada.

Social Assistance Dates in British Columbia

The BC Income Assistance payment dates and PWD payment dates for 2024 are:

• January 17, 2024 (February)
• February 14, 2024 (March)
• March 20, 2024 (April)
• April 17, 2024 (May)
• May 15, 2024 (June)
• June 19, 2024 (July)
• July 17, 2024 (August)
• August 21, 2024 (September)
• September 18, 2024 (October)
• October 23, 2024 (November)
• November 20, 2024 (December)
• December 18, 2024 (January 2025)

The BC welfare benefits comprise two programs: Disability Assistance and Income Assistance. To qualify for Disability Assistance, you must be confirmed as a Person with Disabilities (PWD).

In British Columbia, income assistance is also available for Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB). If you are single in BC, you can get monthly income assistance of up to $935, and PWD assistance provides $1,358.42 monthly.

The application process can be completed online. To learn more about the BC welfare benefits, read more on BC Income Assistance 

Social Assistance Dates in Ontario

The ODSP payment dates and Ontario Works payment dates for 2024 are:

The social assistance program in Ontario is administered through the Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Ontario Works provides employment and financial support to eligible individuals within the province. Meanwhile, ODSP offers income assistance to individuals with qualifying disabilities.

Your financial circumstances and household size determine your monthly income. For instance, a single person can receive $733 for shelter allowance and essential needs. The best part is that the application process can be completed online.

Social Assistance Dates in Alberta

The AISH payment dates and Income Support payment dates are: 

Alberta offers the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and the Alberta Seniors Benefit programs. If you have a medical condition that impairs your ability to work actively, you may qualify for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) payments. Additionally, the province provides Alberta Income Support for residents.

AISH beneficiaries receive a monthly living allowance of $1,787. For those seeking income support, a single adult can receive up to $866 each month. The application process can be completed online. 

RELATED: Alberta Seniors Benefit: Coverage, Application & Payment Dates 2023

Social Assistance Dates in Manitoba

The Manitoba EIA payment dates for 2023 are:

• January 29, 2024
• February 27, 2024
• March 27, 2024
• April 24, 2024
• May 29, 2024
• une 26, 2024
• July 24, 2024
• August 28, 2024
• September 25, 2024
• October 29, 2024
• November 27, 2024

Manitoba’s social assistance program, known as Employment and Income Assistance (EIA), is categorised into three groups:

• EIA for general assistance
• EIA for single parents
• EIA for persons with disabilities

For single adults, the monthly payments are as follows, subject to their situation and federal benefits:

• Employment and Income Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: $1,093
• EIA General Assistance: $796
• EIA Single Parent: $948

The application process can be conveniently completed online.

Social Assistance Dates in Saskatchewan

The SAID payment dates and SIS payment dates for 2023:

• January 30, 2023
• February 27, 2023
• March 30, 2023
• April 27, 2023
• May 30, 2023
• June 29, 2023
• July 28, 2023
• August 30, 2023
• September 28, 2023
• October 30, 2023
• November 29, 2023

Saskatchewan offers three income assistance programs:

• Saskatchewan Employment Supplement (SES)
• Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS)
• Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID)

The SIS program provides monthly benefits to those who need it. It was designed to replace SAP and TEA, both of which were phased out in 2021. For single individuals enrolled in SIS, the monthly support ranges from $810 to $860 to cover shelter and basic needs. The SAID benefit varies based on location, offering between $931 to $1,064 per adult.

When applying for SIS or SAID programs, you can do so online or over the phone.

Social Assistance Dates in Quebec

The Quebec welfare benefits are paid on the following dates for 2023:

• February – February 1, 2024
• March – March 1, 2024
• April – March 31, 2024
• May – May 1, 2024
• June – June 1, 2024
• July – June 29, 2024
• August – August 1, 2024
• September – September 1, 2024
• October – September 29, 2024
• November – November 1, 2024
• December – December 1, 2024
• January 2025 – December 28, 2024

Quebec provides two primary social assistance programs: the Social Assistance Program and the Social Solidarity Program.

The Social Assistance Program offers financial support to individuals lacking immediate financial options, assisting them until they can regain self-sufficiency through employment. Conversely, the Social Solidarity Program aids those grappling with physical or mental conditions that restrict their capacity to work.

For single adults eligible for the Social Assistance Program, a basic benefit of $726 per month is allocated, contingent on their ability to engage in employment. Those temporarily limited in employment capacity receive $870. Single adults eligible for the Social Solidarity Program receive $1,138 monthly. The application process can be conveniently conducted online. 

Social Assistance Dates in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Employment Support and Income Assistance dates for 2024 are:

• February – January 29, 2024
• March – February 27, 2024
• April 2024 – March 26, 2024
• May 2024 – April 26, 2024
• June 2024 – May 29, 2024
• July 2024 – June 26, 2024
• August 2024 – July 29, 2024
• September 2024 – August 28, 2024
• October 2024 – September 25, 2024
• November 2024 – October 29, 2024
• December 2024 – November 27, 2024

Nova Scotia Employment Support and Income Assistance program offers financial assistance for both special and essential needs, aiding individuals in securing employment. Additionally, a Disability Support Program is available to eligible individuals.

Single adults are eligible for a monthly payment of up to $686 (standard rate for households). Those who qualify for the Disability Support Program (DSP) can receive up to $850 monthly (standard rate for households). The application process can be conveniently completed online.

Social Assistance Dates in New Brunswick

New Brunswick offers financial help to residents who cannot meet their basic needs. The social assistance programs in New Brunswick comprise basic social assistance benefits and benefits for people with eligible disabilities.

If you receive your social assistance benefits through direct deposit, you can expect your payment on the first day of each month. If the first day coincides with a holiday or weekend, the payment is issued on the final business day of the preceding month.

The monthly amount for single adults under the Transitional Assistance Program is $564. Those with enduring disabilities, covered by the Extended Benefits Program, receive $697 monthly.

Applying for these programs can be done online.

Social Assistance Dates in Newfoundland and Labrador

Qualified residents in Newfoundland and Labrador typically receive two benefits through the Income Support Program: Basic and Non-basic.

Basic benefits cover essential daily needs such as food, clothing, utilities, and shelter. In Newfoundland and Labrador, social assistance benefits are generally distributed twice a month, typically on the first and 16th days of each month, with the amount determined by your circumstances.

Payments can be received either through mailed cheques or direct deposits. For single individuals, the basic benefit can go up to $534, while the shelter benefit can reach $372. Additional amounts are also available for special needs and fuel expenses. The application process can be completed online.

Social Assistance Dates in Prince Edward Island

PEI’s Social Assistance Program provides financial support to individuals and families unable to cover basic necessities. Residents facing disabilities can qualify for AccessAbility support.

Prince Edward Island does not adhere to specific dates for payments. The amount you are eligible to receive hinges on factors such as family size, financial circumstances, and homeownership situation.

Social Assistance Dates in Nunavut

Eligible residents in Nunavut can apply for Social Assistance support at their local Income Assistance Office.

For single individuals, a monthly basic allowance is provided, with rates ranging from $682 to $782, depending on the location.

Social Assistance Dates in Yukon

Social assistance programs offer benefits to Yukon residents who cannot meet their essential needs.

In Yukon, you can continue receiving social assistance even while working. However, the Yukon Social Assistance Act regulates the criteria for receiving benefits.

Application for these benefits can be completed online.

Social Assistance Dates in Northwest Territories

Within the Northwest Territories, a range of assistance programs is available, including the NWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit (SCSB), the Senior Home Heating Subsidy (SHHS), Student Financial Assistance (SFA), and the regular NWT Child Benefit.

In northern regions, residents aged 19 and above can apply for Social Assistance at any ECE Service Center. Alongside meeting the age criterion, you should be financially unable to provide for your needs and engage in productive activities, such as being a student or seeking employment.

Final Thoughts on Social and Income Assistance Dates

Social assistance is worth considering if you find yourself in unfavourable financial circumstances.

Many Canadians have and continue to use it to provide basic needs like food and shelter while looking for ways to get back financially.

Payment dates and amounts differ by province, so check the rates where you live to know what you could be entitled to.

Factors like your home ownership situation or disability status could also be important when estimating the benefit you can be paid.