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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
Nunavut Home and Continuing Care
Nunavut's Home, Community, and Continuing Care program supports adults with disabilities and seniors who need care to continue living in their homes and communities. It provides home and community care services, continuing care, and support so Nunavummiut can care for themselves with help from family and community members.
View detailsCanada-Nunavut Housing Benefit
The Canada-Nunavut Housing Benefit helps low-income Nunavut residents afford rent by financing the difference between 24% of the recipient's household income and the market rent. The average monthly benefit is significant, given Nunavut's high housing costs, and supports households most in housing need.
View detailsNunavut Household Allowance
A housing allowance for eligible Government of Nunavut employees toward the cost of housing.
View detailsFree disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.
Iqaluit, NU
NDMS is the territorial organization that offers support, advocacy, education, and resources for Nunavummiut with disabilities. It is the main cross-disability organization supporting Nunavut 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.
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.
