NWT Child Benefit
The NWT Child Benefit is a tax-free payment to help low- and modest-income families with the cost of raising children under 18. It is combined with the federal Canada Child Benefit and paid together, with the full amount going to families with the lowest income and a partial benefit for higher incomes.
Apply for the Canada Child Benefit and file your taxes every year so the NWT Child Benefit is paid automatically. Families with net income under $30,000 receive the full benefit (for example, $815 per child aged 6 to 17), and families with income between $30,000 and $80,000 receive a partial benefit. The benefit is combined with the federal payment.
You may qualify if you are an NWT resident with a child under 18, file your taxes, and your net family income is under $80,000. Families with income under $30,000 receive the full benefit; those between $30,000 and $80,000 receive a partial benefit.
Your Canada Child Benefit application and your filed annual income tax return, since the NWT Child Benefit is calculated automatically from your net family income.
Apply for the Canada Child Benefit through the CRA. You must file your annual income tax return; the NWT Child Benefit is calculated automatically based on your net family income.
A common mistake is not applying for the Canada Child Benefit, which is required. Another is not filing your tax return, since eligibility depends on your family net income. People also miss that families with income between $30,000 and $80,000 receive a partial benefit, not just those under $30,000.
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 Income Assistance
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.
View detailsNWT Home and Community Care
In-home and community health services for eligible Northwest Territories residents, including personal care and nursing.
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.
