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Provincial Program · New Brunswick

New Brunswick Disability Stream (Extended Benefits)

NB IA Disability

The disability stream within New Brunswick social assistance is the Extended Benefits Program, paid at a higher rate than Transitional Assistance to people assessed as blind, deaf or disabled by the province's medical advisory board. This record and the separate Extended Benefits record describe the same program and should be merged.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

Ask Social Development for an assessment for the Extended Benefits Program if your disability is long-term rather than accepting a Transitional Assistance file. Nurse practitioners as well as physicians may sign the medical forms for a disability designation.

Who May Qualify

You must be a New Brunswick resident in financial need who has been assessed as blind, deaf or disabled by the medical advisory board. Nurse practitioners as well as physicians may sign the medical forms for a disability designation.

Required Documents

• Proof of New Brunswick residency • Government-issued photo ID • Medical documentation confirming disability and its impact on employment • Financial information (income, assets, bank statements) • SIN card

How to Apply

1. Contact the NB Department of Social Development 2. Visit or call your local Social Development office to start an application 3. Complete the application forms with your personal and financial information 4. Have your doctor or healthcare provider complete the medical assessment portion 5. Submit documents and wait for a decision

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying only for general income assistance without requesting assessment for the disability stream • Not having adequate medical documentation of how the disability impacts employment • Missing scheduled reviews that can result in benefit interruptions

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

National

Plan Institute is a Canadian non-profit and registered charity that helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. Its free national Disability Planning Helpline offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Benefit, wills and trusts, and future and financial planning. Plan Institute also offers free webinars and online courses on the RDSP, DTC, and building personal support networks. The helpline is free, confidential, and available across Canada by phone, email, and online request form.

Languages: English, Interpretation in ASL and other languages on request

1-844-311-7526Website
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Disability Alliance Canada

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Disability Alliance Canada is a national cross-disability non-profit that provides free one-on-one support to help people navigate federal disability programs, including the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (CPP-D), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). They also offer educational guides, training and workshops, and help with applications, reconsiderations, and appeals.

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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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Easter Seals New Brunswick

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Inclusion New Brunswick

Supports people with intellectual disabilities and their families through advocacy, inclusion and community supports.

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Premier's Council on Disabilities

Provincial council providing disability information, advice, referrals and support navigating access to services.

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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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