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Provincial Program · Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Income Support

NL Income Support

Newfoundland and Labrador's Income Support program pays monthly basic benefits for food, clothing, personal care, household maintenance and utilities, plus shelter, to people who pass a financial assessment. Monthly basic rates are $561 for a single adult, $1,122 for a couple with or without children, and $729 for a single parent with dependent children, before shelter, fuel allowance and special needs. Shelter support is up to $522 for a single person living alone, $299 with a roommate and $598 for a couple, with a $71 fuel supplement on the island, $132 in Labrador and a $150 cost of living allowance in coastal Labrador.

Last reviewed: November 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

Non-basic benefits depend on your circumstances and can include municipal tax payments, eye exams and prescription glasses, private child care related to employment or training, and burial expenses. A drug card comes from the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program, and medical supplies and equipment from the Special Assistance Program. Benefits are normally issued twice a month by direct deposit, and your application is only assessed once a signed, complete application with all documents is submitted. If your earnings end your eligibility, the Extended Drug Card Program keeps covering approved prescriptions for 12 months. Report all income, including CPP, EI and insurance settlements.

Who May Qualify

You must be at least 18, a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, submit an application, and be found eligible under a financial assessment. If your net income is below your basic living requirements you may qualify while working, and earnings exemptions reduce the income deducted.

Required Documents

• Income Support application • Medical documentation of disability • Proof of identity and NL residency • Financial information

How to Apply

1. Contact the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development 2. Complete an application at your local Integrated Service Delivery office 3. Provide medical and financial documentation 4. Meet with a caseworker

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not applying for the federal programs at the same time • Not providing updated medical information when your condition changes • Missing out on supplementary benefits like the drug card

Preparing an application?

The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.

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Need help from a real person?

Free disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.

Government-funded navigation service

Plan Institute — Disability Planning Helpline

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Indigenous Disability Canada / BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)

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Application denied?

If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.

Read the Appeals Guide

Resources in this area

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Inclusion Newfoundland and Labrador

Supports inclusion and community participation for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

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Disability AdvocacyNewfoundland and Labrador

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Newfoundland & Labrador

Provides programs, information, advocacy and support for people who are hard of hearing.

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HealthcareNewfoundland and Labrador

Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador

Provides information, education, advocacy and support for people living with epilepsy and their families.

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Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.

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