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Provincial Program · New Brunswick

New Brunswick Extended Benefits Program

NB Extended Benefits

New Brunswick's Extended Benefits Program provides financial support to people assessed as blind, deaf, or disabled by the Medical Advisory Board. It offers a higher rate than Transitional Assistance for people whose disability is long-term and who are not expected to support themselves through employment.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

Provide thorough medical documentation so the Medical Advisory Board can confirm your status quickly. The Extended Benefits rate is higher than Transitional Assistance, so if your disability is long-term, request an assessment. You may also qualify for the Disability Support Program and health services programs at the same time.

Required Documents

Proof of New Brunswick residency, government-issued ID, medical documentation of your disability, blindness, or deafness, and verification by the Medical Advisory Board.

How to Apply

Apply through the New Brunswick Department of Social Development. Your disability, blindness, or deafness must be verified by the Medical Advisory Board as part of the assessment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is assuming enrollment is automatic — your condition must be verified by the Medical Advisory Board. Another is not providing complete medical documentation, which delays the assessment. People also miss that the program can include some clients beyond the standard blind, deaf, or disabled categories.

Preparing an application?

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

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NB Transitional AssistProvincial

New Brunswick Transitional Assistance Program

New Brunswick's Transitional Assistance Program provides short-term financial assistance to people who have some training and employment potential, as well as people with long-term health needs who are not eligible for the Extended Benefits Program. It sits within the province's Social Assistance Program and supports people along the path to employment.

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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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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
Government-funded navigation service

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada — GAIN Program

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The GAIN Program (Guidance & Assistance in Navigating Disability Support) is a free service offered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC). VLRC's Disability Benefit Navigators provide one-to-one support to help people with disabilities understand and apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), and other federal, provincial and territorial credits and benefits, including help with appeals. Although operated by VLRC, the GAIN Program assists people with all disabilities, not only vision loss.

Languages: English, French

1-844-887-8572Website
Government-funded navigation service

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

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Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization providing cross-disability support and navigation services to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) peoples in Canada with disabilities. It delivers the National Indigenous Navigation Services to help Indigenous persons with disabilities access the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and other federal, provincial and territorial disability benefits.

Languages: English, French

1-250-381-7303 (BC); 1-613-899-6893 (National Coordinator, Ottawa)Website

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

RecreationNew Brunswick

Easter Seals New Brunswick

Provides mobility equipment, camps, recreation and disability supports for children and adults.

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Disability AdvocacyNew Brunswick

Inclusion New Brunswick

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

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Government ServicesNew Brunswick

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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