YELLOWKNIFE (December 3, 2012) – A new exemption for Income Assistance clients came into effect December 1, 2012.  Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) introduced the change which allows individuals receiving payments under Impact Benefits Agreements (IBA), treaties or land claim settlements to claim an exemption of up to $500 per year for each household member when determining eligibility for Income Assistance (IA).

“In the past, IBA, treaty and land claim payments were treated as unearned income and considered when determining a person’s eligibility for Income Assistance,” said Minister Lafferty. “ECE will now exempt up to $500 of these payments in recognition of Aboriginal people’s rights and to ensure the needs of vulnerable Northerners are met in accordance with the Social Assistance Act.”

The new exemption is in addition to the $1,200 per household per year unearned income exemption IA clients have been receiving since September 2007.

IA clients should contact their regional ECE client services officers for more information about the new exemption.

For more information, contact:

Ashley Green
Public Affairs Officer
Education, Culture and Employment
Phone: (867) 920-3059
Email: ashley_green@gov.nt.ca