Social Assistance helps Prince Edward Island residents pay for food, clothing, shelter and other basic needs when their own money isn’t enough. The Department of Social Development and Seniors runs it. Each payment is deposited on the last business day of the month and covers the month that follows.
How much you’ll get
There is no single rate. Your social supports coordinator works out your needs each month, then subtracts the income that counts. Your payment can go up or down with your income, your housing and the size of your family.
Your budget is built from:
- A basic unit rate for each adult and child, covering food, clothing, household supplies and personal items. Children’s rates depend on age (0 to 11, or 12 to 17).
- Shelter, meaning rent or mortgage, up to a maximum that depends on the type of housing and family size.
- Utilities such as power, heat, fuel and water, plus phone or internet costs.
- Other needs when they apply, such as child care, transportation, medications, hearing aids, eyeglasses, and a security deposit for rent or utilities.
Cable TV, car payments, car insurance and personal debts are not counted as needs.
When you’re on Social Assistance, you’re automatically enrolled in the Financial Assistance Drug Program and the Provincial Dental Care Program.
Income you can keep
Some money doesn’t reduce your assistance at all, including the Canada Child Benefit, child support, foster care payments, and HST and income tax refunds. If you work, part of your pay is also exempt each month:
| Your household | Earnings you keep each month |
|---|---|
| Single, no spouse or children | The first $250, plus 30% of anything over $250 |
| Single parent | The first $400, plus 30% of anything over $400 |
| Couple, with or without children | The first $400 of combined earnings, plus 30% of anything over $400 |
Example: A single person with no children earns $600 in a month. The first $250 is exempt, plus 30% of the other $350 ($105), so $355 is exempt. Only $245 is counted against their assistance.
Gifts, inheritances and other windfalls are also exempt up to $5,000 for a single person, with higher limits for families.
Who qualifies
- You live in PEI and are 18 or older.
- Your income can’t cover your basic costs of living.
- You’ve applied for other income you may be entitled to, such as Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security or the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
- Your assets are under the limit: $5,000 for a single person; $6,000 plus $500 per dependant (up to $8,500) for a single parent; or $10,000 plus $500 per dependant (up to $12,500) for a couple.
Your home, one vehicle, an RESP, an RDSP, a prepaid funeral up to $5,000, life insurance cash value up to $5,000 and reasonable personal belongings don’t count as assets.
If you have a disability, PEI’s AccessAbility Supports program, which includes Assured Income, may be a better fit. Ask about it when you call.
How to apply
- Call the Social Assistance screening line at 1-877-569-0546 (toll-free). You’ll be booked for an intake appointment.
- Gather your documents. Bring ID for each adult, citizenship papers for anyone born outside Canada, direct deposit information, bank statements, pay stubs for the last 31 days, a Record of Employment if you recently stopped working, proof of other income, proof you live in PEI, utility bills and proof of expenses.
- Go to your intake appointment. A social supports coordinator reviews your situation, explains the program and completes your application with you.
- Sign the Applicant Declaration. This agrees to the program rules and lets staff check your information. The coordinator will explain it before you sign.
Once you’re approved, report any change right away, such as a new job, a change in income, a partner moving in or out, or more or fewer children in your care.
What changed in 2026
- New name for a tax credit. From November 2026, the PEI Sales Tax Credit becomes the PEI Essentials Benefit, with a new minimum payment of $175. It’s paid with the federal Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which replaced the GST/HST credit in July 2026.
- Canada Disability Benefit. The maximum is $204.20 a month for July 2026 to June 2027.
- PEI Child Benefit. For July 2026 to June 2027, it pays $34.16 a month per child under 18 when family income is under $45,000, and $24.16 between $45,000 and $80,000.
Payment late, missing or different?
Payments go out on the last business day of each month. The province encourages everyone to sign up for direct deposit. If your deposit hasn’t arrived by the end of the payment day:
- Check with your bank.
- Call your social supports coordinator or your local Social Development and Seniors office. The department’s main line is 902-620-3777, or toll-free 1-866-594-3777.
A payment can be smaller than usual if you reported earnings, your household changed, or an overpayment is being recovered. If you disagree with a decision to deny, reduce, suspend or cancel your assistance, you can appeal in writing to the Social Programs Appeal Board, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8, within 30 days. If your assistance was reduced or cut off, you’ll get emergency assistance while you wait for the Board’s decision.
Watch for scams. The department never charges a fee and never asks for gift cards or your banking password by text or email. If a message says your assistance is on hold, call the department yourself.
Other help you might be missing
- Canada Child Benefit: doesn’t reduce your Social Assistance, and the PEI Child Benefit is added for lower-income families.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: paid every three months when you file your taxes, even with no income.
- Canada Disability Benefit: for adults 18 to 64 with the Disability Tax Credit.
- Guaranteed Income Supplement: if you’re 65 or older, you’ll be expected to apply for it and Old Age Security.
- Canada Workers Benefit: a refundable tax credit for people with low earnings from work.
Common questions
When does PEI social assistance come in?
On the last business day of each month, for the next month. For example, the deposit on September 30, 2026 is October’s assistance. The calendar at the top of this page lists every date.
What number do I call to apply for social assistance in PEI?
Call the toll-free screening line at 1-877-569-0546. They’ll book you an intake appointment and tell you what to bring.
How much can I earn on PEI social assistance?
A single person keeps the first $250 a month plus 30% of the rest. Single parents and couples keep the first $400 plus 30% of the rest.
Does the Canada Child Benefit reduce my assistance?
No. The Canada Child Benefit, child support, and HST and income tax refunds are not counted as income.
Can I own a car and a house and still qualify?
Yes. Your home and one vehicle that isn’t mainly for recreation don’t count toward the asset limit.