Nunavut Income Assistance
NU Income Assist
Nunavut's Income Assistance Program provides financial help to residents 18 and older in financial need, covering basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. It includes enhanced support for people with disabilities and seniors, with people 60 and older exempt from the work requirement.
Useful Tips for Applying
Ask your caseworker about the enhanced support for people with disabilities, which can be higher than the basic amount. People with disabilities and people 60 and older are exempt from the work requirement, so confirm that applies to you. Benefit rates vary by community to reflect the higher cost of living in remote areas of Nunavut. Federal benefits you may qualify for — such as the Disability Tax Credit, the RDSP, and CPP-Disability — can supplement your territorial Income Assistance; apply for those separately. Report any income changes promptly to avoid overpayments.
Who May Qualify
You may qualify if you are a Nunavut resident 18 or older and your income cannot cover your basic needs. People 60 and older and people with disabilities receive enhanced support and are exempt from the work requirement.
Required Documents
Proof of Nunavut residency, government-issued ID, proof of income and assets, and information about your housing and family costs. If you have a disability, medical documentation may be needed.
How to Apply
Apply through a Nunavut Department of Family Services Income Assistance office. A caseworker assesses your income, assets, housing, and ability to work. People 60 and older and people with disabilities are exempt from the work requirement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is not reporting all income and assets, which can cause overpayments. Another is not asking about the enhanced support for people with disabilities and seniors, which offers more than the basic amount. People also miss that people 60 and older are exempt from the work requirement.
Preparing an application?
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
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.
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.
