Nunavut Income Assistance is the territory’s program of last resort for people 18 and older who can’t meet their basic needs because of low income, unemployment, illness or disability. It is paid monthly after a financial assessment with your Income Assistance Worker. The main payment, the Basic Allowance, ranges from $914 to $1,048 a month for one person, depending on your community.
How much you can get
Your Basic Allowance depends on how many people are in your family and which zone your community is in. These rates are set in Schedule A of Nunavut’s Income Assistance Regulations and have been in force since April 1, 2023.
| Family members | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $914 | $974 | $992 | $1,048 |
| 2 | $1,024 | $1,087 | $1,104 | $1,160 |
| 3 | $1,446 | $1,533 | $1,558 | $1,637 |
| 4 | $1,840 | $1,950 | $1,981 | $2,081 |
| 5 | $2,203 | $2,334 | $2,372 | $2,491 |
| 6 | $2,538 | $2,688 | $2,731 | $2,868 |
All amounts are monthly. The table in the regulation goes up to 10 family members, then adds $218 to $243 for each extra person.
Which zone you’re in:
- Zone 1: Arviat, Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet
- Zone 2: Arctic Bay, Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay, Chesterfield Inlet, Gjoa Haven, Igloolik, Kugluktuk, Naujaat, Sanirajak, Whale Cove
- Zone 3: Kimmirut, Kinngait, Pangnirtung, Sanikiluaq, Taloyoak
- Zone 4: Clyde River, Coral Harbour, Grise Fiord, Kugaaruk, Pond Inlet, Qikiqtarjuaq, Resolute Bay
On top of the Basic Allowance, you may get help with sundries, room and board, accommodation (rent), fuel and utilities. Extended benefits can cover incidentals, education and training costs, household furnishings, damage deposits, emergencies and the daycare subsidy. Your worker works out what applies to you. The Government of Nunavut doesn’t publish the amounts for these extras online.
Who qualifies
Anyone 18 or older who lives in Nunavut and is in financial need can apply. Before you get Income Assistance, you are expected to:
- apply for other programs you may be entitled to, such as Employment Insurance, pensions, workers’ compensation and child maintenance;
- use your other financial resources first, such as money in the bank and RRSPs; and
- file your tax return every year.
You’ll also agree to a Productive Choice with your worker to become more self-sufficient. It can be schooling, training, parenting in some cases, work, community work, harvesting, or mental health or addictions counselling. People who have a disability or are 60 and older don’t have to take part.
How to apply
- Call your community Income Assistance Office to book an appointment. The worker will tell you which documents to bring.
- Bring the birth certificate, social insurance number and health care plan number for everyone in your family, plus any other documents the worker asks for. Missing documents delay your application.
- At the first appointment, the worker reviews the program and your resources. You may be referred to a Career Development Officer or an Inuit organization’s pre-employment office if you aren’t working.
- Your file is checked by a verification officer, which should take no more than 3 business days.
- If you’re eligible, you sign a Statement and Authorization form and make your Productive Choice Agreement.
Regional Family Services offices: South Qikiqtani 867-975-6580 or 1-855-975-6580, North Qikiqtani 867-473-2607 or 1-800-567-1514, Kivalliq 867-645-5040 or 1-800-953-8516, and Kitikmeot 867-983-4032 or 1-800-661-0845.
When it’s paid and how
Nunavut doesn’t publish payment dates, so none are shown at the top of this page. Here’s how the timing works:
- You have a financial assessment with your worker every month. Each month’s assessment is based on your income in the month before.
- The Income Assistance Regulations say assistance is paid in advance, either once a month or in instalments during the month, as your worker decides based on your situation.
- Your Basic Allowance is paid by cheque, either to you or to a store or other vendor.
- If you live in a Nunavut Housing Corporation unit, your rent goes straight to your Local Housing Authority. Electricity is paid straight to Qulliq Energy Corporation.
Payment late or missing?
Contact your Income Assistance Worker or your regional Family Services office at the numbers above. Nunavut doesn’t publish a set number of days to wait. Missing documents and changes you haven’t reported are common reasons for delays. If you disagree with a decision, you can request an appeal.
Watch for scams. The government never asks for fees, gift cards or passwords to release a payment. See common benefit scams.
Other help you might be missing
- Nunavut Child Benefit and the Canada Child Benefit for families with children.
- Nunavut Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors.
- The benefits checkup to see what else you may qualify for.
Common questions
When is Income Assistance paid in Nunavut?
There is no published payment day. It’s paid in advance after your monthly assessment, either once a month or in instalments, as your worker decides.
How much is Income Assistance in Iqaluit?
Iqaluit is in Zone 1. The Basic Allowance is $914 a month for one person, $1,024 for two and $1,840 for a family of four. Rent, fuel and utilities may be covered separately.
Do I have to see my worker every month?
Yes. You need a monthly financial assessment with your Income Assistance Worker, based on your income in the month before.
What is a Productive Choice?
It’s an agreement with your worker about an activity that helps you become more self-sufficient, such as training, work, harvesting or counselling. People with a disability or aged 60 and older are exempt.
When did Nunavut last raise Income Assistance rates?
The current Basic Allowance rates took effect April 1, 2023. Rates change only when the government amends the regulation.