NWT SCSB
The NWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit (SCSB) is a monthly cash payment to low-income NWT seniors to help pay for living costs. It tops up income for seniors who receive the federal Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance.
Apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement when you apply for OAS, since the NWT supplementary benefit is paid automatically once you receive GIS. The benefit can reach around $196 per month, so confirm your payment. Also ask about the NWT Senior Home Heating Subsidy and other seniors programs that can stack with this benefit.
You may qualify if you are an NWT resident 65 or older, receive Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance, and have a low income.
Proof you receive Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (or the Allowance), and confirmation of NWT residency.
There is no separate application if you already receive OAS and GIS — the benefit is paid automatically. If you are not yet receiving OAS and GIS, apply for them through Service Canada first.
A common mistake is not applying for the Guaranteed Income Supplement first, which is required to receive this supplementary benefit automatically. Another is not confirming NWT residency. People also miss that the benefit can reach around $196 per month on top of GIS.
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 Senior Home Heating Subsidy
The NWT Senior Home Heating Subsidy helps low- and modest-income NWT seniors with their home heating costs. A related seasonal Senior Fuel Subsidy provides a one-time payment to help with winter fuel costs. Together, these programs reduce the burden of high northern heating costs for seniors.
View detailsNWT 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.
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.
