Yellowknife (September 7, 2023) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has adjusted the Evacuee Income Disruption Support (EIDS) program. Starting immediately, eligible residents will now receive the full $750 as a one-time payment, without any withholding tax.
Initial EIDS payments from the GNWT deducted a 10% withholding tax, meaning that residents received $675 instead of the full $750. Residents who previously received a payment of $675 will soon receive an additional payment of $75.
Since the EIDS replaces employment income it is taxable and under normal circumstances the withholding tax would be applied. However, in these extraordinary circumstances the withholding tax is not being applied, but EIDS payments will remain taxable. All residents who receive an EIDS payment will be issued a T4A slip and must declare the $750 on their 2023 tax returns.
More information about the Evacuee Income Disruption Program and the Evacuation Travel Support Program (ETSP), including how to apply, are available at:
- https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/services/evacuee-income-disruption-support-program
- https://www.fin.gov.nt.ca/en/services/evacuation-travel-support-program
Quick Facts:
As of September 5, 2023:
- 40 GNWT employees have been redeployed to process applications and payments.
- More than 8,300 applications have been received for both programs
- Approximately 6,000 applications have been processed for payment:
- Approximately 800 EIDS payments have been issued;
- Approximately 4,600 ETSP payments have been issued; and
- Approximately 600 applications require further verification before payment can be issued.
- In total, approximately $3.1 million has been issued to NWT residents through ETSP and EIDS
- Applications for both programs remain open.
For media requests, please contact:
Todd Sasaki
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories