NWT Income Assist
The NWT Income Assistance Program provides financial help to Northwest Territories residents 19 and older whose income cannot cover their basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, and other essentials. It offers enhanced support for people with disabilities and seniors, with expanded eligibility options since July 2025.
Submit your CRA Notice of Assessment, since income is verified through it. Ask your Client Navigator about the enhanced support for seniors and people with disabilities, which can be higher than the basic amount. Since July 2025 you can choose between the standard and the seniors/disabilities stream, so compare them before applying.
You may qualify if you are an NWT resident 19 or older and your need is greater than your income. Since July 2025, seniors and people with disabilities have the option to apply to either the standard Income Assistance program or the Income Assistance for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities stream, whichever provides more support.
Proof of NWT residency, government-issued ID, your CRA Notice of Assessment, and information about your housing and family costs. For the seniors/disabilities stream, medical or age documentation may be needed.
Apply through an NWT Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) office or Client Navigator. A caseworker assesses your income, assets, housing, and ability to work, and helps you choose between Income Assistance and the seniors/persons-with-disabilities stream.
A common mistake is not reporting all income and assets, which can cause overpayments. Another is not asking about the enhanced disability and senior support, which offers more than the basic amount. People also miss that since July 2025, seniors and people with disabilities can choose between two streams, so compare them.
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
NWT Housing Benefit and Public Housing
The Canada-NWT Housing Benefit and Public Housing Program help low-income NWT residents afford housing. The Canada-NWT Housing Benefit provides up to $800 per month toward rent for households paying more than 30% of their gross income on rent, and Public Housing offers income-based assistance in Housing NWT-owned units in 31 communities.
View detailsNWT Home and Community Care
In-home and community health services for eligible Northwest Territories residents, including personal care and nursing.
View detailsNWT Métis Health Benefits Program
Extended health benefit coverage for eligible Métis residents of the Northwest Territories.
View detailsFree disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.
Yellowknife, NT
The NWT Disabilities Council exists to educate, advocate, and support the self-determination of all individuals with disabilities in the Northwest Territories. It is the territorial cross-disability organization supporting NWT residents with disabilities and their families.
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
National
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
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.
The NWT Disabilities Council exists to educate, advocate, and support the self-determination of all individuals with disabilities in the Northwest Territories. It is the territorial cross-disability organization supporting NWT residents with disabilities and their families.
View detailsGovernment of the Northwest Territories programs and services for persons with disabilities, coordinated through the Department of Health and Social Services.
View detailsAccessible 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.
