The Nova Scotia Poverty Reduction Credit (PRC) is a tax-free payment of $125, four times a year, for Nova Scotians without children who have lived on Income Assistance for a full year. It adds up to $500 a year. You don’t apply. The province checks who qualifies every June and pays it by direct deposit.
How much you’ll get
| Payment month | Amount |
|---|---|
| July | $125.00 |
| October | $125.00 |
| January | $125.00 |
| April | $125.00 |
| Total for the year | $500.00 |
The amount is the same for everyone who qualifies. It doesn’t go up or down with your income, as long as you’re under the income limit.
Example: A single adult who got Income Assistance every month of 2025, filed a 2025 tax return and had adjusted income of $11,000 would get $125 in July 2026, October 2026, January 2027 and April 2027.
Who qualifies
You must meet all of these for the previous year:
- You’re a single person or a couple who got Nova Scotia Income Assistance from January to December.
- You filed an income tax return.
- Your annual adjusted income was below $16,000.
- You had no children.
How to get it
There’s no application form. The Department of Opportunities and Social Development reviews who qualifies each June. If you qualify, your first payment comes in July.
The credit is paid by direct deposit. If you already get Income Assistance by direct deposit, it’s already set up. If not, call the PRC line at 1-866-424-1269 to arrange it.
The key step is filing your tax return every spring, even if your only income is Income Assistance. Without a return, the province can’t confirm your income, and you won’t be paid.
What changed in 2026
The credit is still $125 a quarter, with the same rules. Nova Scotia hasn’t announced any change to the amount or to who qualifies. If that changes, the amounts at the top of this page will be updated.
Also in July 2026, the federal GST/HST credit became the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). That’s a separate payment from the CRA, so don’t confuse the two deposits.
Payment late, missing or different?
Nova Scotia gives the payment months but doesn’t publish the exact day.
- If nothing has arrived by the end of the payment month, check with your bank first.
- Then call the Poverty Reduction Credit Line at 1-866-424-1269.
Common reasons for not getting the PRC:
- You weren’t on Income Assistance for all 12 months of the previous year. A month or two off assistance can make you ineligible.
- You didn’t file last year’s tax return.
- You had a child in your care during the year.
- Your adjusted income was $16,000 or more.
- Your bank account changed.
Watch for scams. The PRC is automatic. The province never asks for a fee, gift cards, cryptocurrency or passwords by text or email to pay it.
Other help you might be missing
- Nova Scotia Income Assistance: check your monthly delivery dates.
- Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit: up to $255 a year from the CRA, paid with the CGEB. People on Income Assistance usually qualify if they file taxes.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: the federal quarterly payment for low-income people.
- Canada Disability Benefit: a monthly federal payment if you have the Disability Tax Credit and are 18 to 64.
- Nova Scotia Seniors Care Grant: $750 if you’re 65 or older. You have to apply.
- Benefits checkup: a quick way to find other help.
Common questions
When is the Nova Scotia Poverty Reduction Credit paid?
In July, October, January and April, $125 each time. Nova Scotia doesn’t publish the exact day.
Do I need to apply for the Poverty Reduction Credit?
No. The province checks every June. You just need to have filed your tax return and been on Income Assistance all of the previous year.
Can families with children get the PRC?
No. It’s only for single people and couples who had no children in the previous year. Families usually get the Canada Child Benefit and the Nova Scotia Child Benefit instead.
Is the Poverty Reduction Credit ending?
Nova Scotia hasn’t announced that it’s ending. The official program page still lists $125 a quarter. If you’re unsure, call the PRC line.
Who do I call about the PRC?
The Poverty Reduction Credit Line at 1-866-424-1269.