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Source verified July 23, 2026
Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations
Income and employment support for eligible Nova Scotians
Latest source updateLast Update: October 11, 2026Latest change: The disability supplement accommodation requirement now says a person must live in a home or board, replacing the previous boarding, renting, or owning standard.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 11, 2026
Latest change: The disability supplement accommodation requirement now says a person must live in a home or board, replacing the previous boarding, renting, or owning standard.
Eligibility wording updated
The disability supplement eligibility rule changed in the regulations: the accommodation requirement now says a person must live in a home or board, instead of boarding, renting, or owning their accommodation. The amendment shown on the regulations page is effective September 3, 2026, and replaces the earlier amendment reference to August 25, 2026.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
This program provides income assistance and related supports for eligible individuals in Nova Scotia. It covers basic needs, special needs, employment-related support, and assistance for approved education and health-related costs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop team skills
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Income Support and Maintenance
Target groups
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Documents Needed
- Application for assistance in the form and manner prescribed by the Minister
- All required forms signed by the applicant
- Consent to disclose and verify information signed by the applicant
- Proof of applicable facts required under Section 5, if applicable
- Income tax assessment form of the applicant or recipient
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- People who are 19 years old or older
- People aged at least 16 and younger than 19 if a caseworker permits them to apply in their own name in specified circumstances
Who is not eligible
- An applicant who is under 19 years old and living with a parent
- An applicant or recipient confined for more than 30 consecutive days in a prison, penitentiary, correctional facility, or the East Coast Forensic Hospital
- An applicant or recipient who separates from their spouse for the purpose of enabling them to qualify for assistance
- An applicant or recipient who is engaged in a strike or locked out by their employer
- An applicant or recipient with another feasible source of income or applicable assets sufficient to cover basic needs, special needs or applied-for employment services
Eligible expenses
- Special needs items and services set out in Section 57 and Table 2 of Schedule A, including dental care, optical care and pharmacare coverage
- Special diet
- Transportation costs required for employment, implementing an employment plan, or preserving health or safety
- Child care costs required for employment, implementing an employment plan, or preserving health or safety
- Funeral arrangement costs, maternal nutritional supplement and school supplies supplement
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Items or services already covered by provincial insured health services or other government funding
- Prescription drugs not covered under the Nova Scotia Formulary
- Medical treatments and related equipment not covered under MSI
- Medical marijuana and related production or administration costs
- Tuition, books, and student fees for some post-secondary recipients
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
How to apply
- Submit an application for assistance in the form and manner prescribed by the Minister.
- Include all applicable information and documentation required by Section 5.
- Sign the application and all required forms.
- Ensure all required forms, agreements and consents are completed, signed and provided to a caseworker.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a Department caseworker.
- Eligibility is assessed based on the information and documentation provided.
- Assistance may be refused, reduced, discontinued, or suspended if information is incomplete or circumstances change.
- Some recipients may be required to participate in employability assessments, employment plans, or medical examinations.
Additional information
- Applicants may need to sign consent forms authorizing verification of information.
- Applicants and recipients must report changes in their circumstances to a caseworker.
- Some assistance rates are subject to retroactive payment and annual adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations Program
What is the Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations?
This program provides income assistance and related supports for eligible individuals in Nova Scotia. It covers basic needs, special needs, employment-related support, and assistance for approved education and health-related costs.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations program?
To be eligible for the Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations program, you must:
Nova Scotia residents
19+ applicants, with exceptions
Must complete required forms
Who can I contact for more information about the Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia.
Where is the Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations available?
The Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations?
Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations is funded by Government of Nova Scotia