NWT Student Aid
NWT Student Financial Assistance helps residents pay for post-secondary education through grants and loans. Students with disabilities can receive additional support, including grants for assistive technology, equipment, and other services, using the NWT Disability Assessment Form.
Submit the Disability Assessment Form early so your disability support is ready when classes start. Ask about grants, which do not need to be repaid, in addition to loans. Work with your school's accessibility office to identify the equipment and services that would help you most.
You may qualify if you are an NWT resident, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person, have a valid Social Insurance Number, are enrolled or planning to enroll in a designated post-secondary program, and demonstrate financial need. Students with disabilities receive additional grants and supports.
A completed Disability Assessment Form signed by a qualified professional (for disability support), proof of enrollment in a designated post-secondary program, and your NWT Student Financial Assistance application.
Apply through NWT Student Financial Assistance online or at an ECE office. Submit the Disability Assessment Form if you are applying for disability-related support, signed by a qualified professional.
A common mistake is not submitting the Disability Assessment Form, which is needed for disability-related support. Another is not applying early, since processing takes time before the school year starts. Students also miss that the program includes grants that do not need to be repaid, not just loans.
Explore our Canada-wide guide to assistive technology and disability equipment funding, including provincial programs, workplace supports, tax considerations, and community resources.
Disability Equipment & Assistive Technology Funding in CanadaThe Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
NWT 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 detailsNWT Disability Allowance / Income Assistance Disability Supports
Disability-related supplements within Northwest Territories income security programs, adding to basic income assistance for people with disabilities.
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.
