The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) committed to providing better supports to help residents develop greater financial security so that they can participate in community life and share in the opportunities available throughout the Northwest Territories (NWT). To support this commitment, the GNWT has made significant improvements to the Income Assistance program and has created a new Income Assistance (IA) Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities.

These improvements and the creation of the IA for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities program were guided by engagement with Indigenous Governments, current and former clients, Non-Government Organizations, and various GNWT departments, as well as landlord and utility providers. Stakeholders had the opportunity to provide their feedback on proposed options through virtual focus groups, telephone interviews, and written feedback.  The public was also offered the opportunity to provide feedback through an online survey.  The feedback received through these methods were gathered in a What We Heard Report and guided the development of the program changes.

Changes to the IA program include:

• Aligning benefit levels with the Northern Market Basket Measure, which considers the cost differences that range throughout the different regions of the NWT;
• Increasing income exemptions;
• Removing the productive choice requirement. Previously, each adult in the household needed to take part in a productive choice such as wage employment, career planning, volunteer community work or caring for an adult family member within two months of receiving income assistance;
• Removing the attachment to the labour market, such as the requirement to seek and maintain employment; and
• Reducing refusal periods.

Highlights of the new Income Assistance for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities program include:

• Intended for seniors (60+) or individuals with a permanent or long-term disability who are in financial need;
• An annual application;
• Annual income is based on the Canada Revenue Agency’s Notice of Assessment; and
• Benefit levels are aligned with the Northern Market Basket Measure.

Once changes are finalized, information will be available on the ECE website under Income Assistance Program.

The GNWT is confident that the enhancements made to IA and the creation of the new IA for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities program will improve the supports to our vulnerable residents, reduce barriers and improve accessibility to the programs.

Quote(s)

“The GNWT recognizes the importance of listening to our residents and responding to their needs.  Guided by engagement with residents, Indigenous governments and key stakeholders, this government is introducing significant changes to the Income Assistance program and launching the new Income Assistance Program for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities.  These changes are focused on increasing benefit levels and income exemptions and reducing barriers for those seeking assistance. This government anticipates that the changes we are making will allow our residents in financial need to have greater financial security.”

- R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick facts

• The program changes are based on feedback received through engagement with Indigenous governments, key stakeholders and the public and an internal review that focused on aligning the IA programs with the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report and Calls for Justice, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• The purpose of both IA programs is to assist those who are in financial need.  Eligibility and the amount of assistance available is dependent on the circumstances of each individual such as their needs, income, community and family size.
• The IA programs assist with basic needs, such as shelter, utilities, food and clothing.  Other needs are also available when needed, such as assisting with the cost of childcare, security deposits, emergencies (such as flood and fire), and education and training.

Related links

• Income Assistance Program

For media requests, please contact:

Public Affairs and Communications

Department of Education, Culture and Employment

Government of the Northwest Territories

ecepublicaffairs@gov.nt.ca