The NWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit (SCSB) is a monthly payment from the Government of the Northwest Territories for low-income seniors. It pays $196.00 a month and is added to your federal Old Age Security (OAS) payment. If you get the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Spouse’s Allowance, you are considered for it automatically.
How much you’ll get
The SCSB is a flat amount. The NWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) lists it as $196.00 a month.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Each month | $196.00 |
| Over 12 months | $2,352.00 |
| Tax | Not taxable, but you must report it on your tax return |
If you get more than $500 of SCSB in a calendar year, you will get a T5007 slip. Use it when you file your taxes.
Example. A single senior aged 65 to 74 in Yellowknife with no other income could get, for July to September 2026, $751.97 a month from OAS and up to $1,123.17 from the GIS. Add the $196.00 SCSB and that is up to $2,071.14 a month.
Who qualifies
- You live in the Northwest Territories.
- You get OAS and the GIS, or you get the Spouse’s Allowance from the federal government.
The Spouse’s Allowance, now called the Allowance, is a federal payment for low-income people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or partner gets OAS and the GIS.
How to get it
- Apply once to Service Canada for the GIS (or the Allowance). This is the only application you need.
- Each year after that, the income on your tax return decides whether you still qualify. File your taxes by April 30 every year so your GIS isn’t disrupted.
- Sign up for direct deposit. The SCSB comes with your OAS and GIS payment, so your OAS banking details are used. Service Canada can help at 1-800-277-9914.
There is no deadline to apply.
When it’s paid
ECE says direct deposit payments arrive on the third-from-last banking day of each month. If you get a cheque, it is usually mailed during the last three banking days of the month. Because the SCSB is part of your OAS payment, it follows the federal OAS calendar. For example, OAS is paid early in December, on December 22, 2026. The calendar at the top of this page has every date.
What changed in 2026
- The SCSB amount on the ECE page is $196.00 a month. ECE hasn’t announced a change to it.
- ECE lists higher Senior Home Heating Subsidy amounts for the 2026 to 2027 heating season (see below).
Payment late, missing or different?
Payments can take a few days to arrive, and cheques take longer than direct deposit. The federal government asks you to wait 5 to 10 business days before contacting it about an OAS payment. Check with your bank first.
For questions about the SCSB, call ECE Income Security Programs at 867-767-9355 or toll-free 1-866-973-7252, or visit your regional ECE Service Centre. For OAS, GIS or direct deposit problems, call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.
Common reasons a payment stops or changes:
- A missed tax return. Your GIS, and so the SCSB, depends on filing every year.
- A change in income. If your income is too high for the GIS, the SCSB stops too.
- A move, a new bank account or a change in marital status. Tell Service Canada so payments aren’t delayed.
- Time outside Canada. OAS and the GIS may stop if you are away for more than 6 months.
Watch for scams. The government never charges a fee for this benefit, and never asks for gift cards, passwords or banking details by text or email. If you get a message like that, don’t reply. Call the numbers above instead.
Other help you might be missing
- Senior Home Heating Subsidy (NWT): a monthly amount from September to April for residents aged 60 or older who own their home, or rent a self-contained unit where heat isn’t included in the rent. You must apply each year, by March 15 for the 2026 to 2027 season. Details are in the table below.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement: you need it to get the SCSB, so apply if you haven’t yet.
- The Allowance: for a spouse or partner aged 60 to 64.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: the new name for the GST/HST credit since July 2026. You get it by filing your taxes.
| Senior Home Heating Subsidy, 2026 to 2027 | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household income up to | $66,000 | $75,000 | $87,000 |
| Each month (September to April) | $460 | $560 | $750 |
| Total for the season | $3,680 | $4,480 | $6,000 |
Zone 1 includes Yellowknife, Hay River and Fort Smith, Zone 2 includes Inuvik, and Zone 3 includes Norman Wells and Tuktoyaktuk. The ECE page lists every community. You can’t get the heating subsidy while on Income Assistance.
Common questions
Do I need to apply for the NWT Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit?
No separate application is needed. Once you apply for the GIS or the Allowance, you are considered automatically.
Is the NWT seniors supplement taxable?
No, but you must report it on your tax return. You get a T5007 slip if you receive more than $500 in a year.
Can I get the SCSB and the Senior Home Heating Subsidy?
The ECE pages don’t say you must choose one. The heating subsidy has its own application and rules, so apply for it separately each year.