Home » Living With Hep C » Financial help in your region

Getting help with costs in your region

Print Page  |  Font Size + -

If you are sick or having trouble finding a job, you may need help paying for food, rent or medicine. There are different programs that can help you with some of these costs. Income assistance, also sometimes called financial assistance or social assistance, is for people who need help paying for these basic needs. If you apply for income assistance, you may want to talk to your case worker about your health and money concerns so they can get you the most help possible.

 
Programs in Newfoundland and Labrador

Income Support Benefits (ISB)

In Newfoundland and Labrador, you can apply for Income Support Benefits (ISB) if you don’t have enough money to pay for your basic needs such as food, rent, clothing and medicine. The amount of money you can get depends on things like how much money you make, the size of your family and where you live in the province.  When you receive ISB, you and your family will also be given a prescription drug card so you don't have to pay for your prescription drugs. To apply for ISB, you can call your regional Human Resources, Labour and Employment Office. If your application is approved, you should get your first payment within five to seven business days.

If you are getting ISB and you are able to work, there are services to help you find a job or to get training for a new job. You can ask your case worker about the NL Works program to see if you can apply.

If you're too sick to work for a long period of time or you have a disability, you may be able to apply for disability services, such as the Special Assistance Program (SAP). When you apply for ISB, you can talk to your case worker to see if you can get extra money or support. Depending on your symptoms, chronic hepatitis C may or may not be considered a disability. 

If your application for Income Support Benefits is turned down or you think that the amount of your monthly cheque is wrong, you have the right to challenge the decision by making an appeal. An appeal can be made by speaking with a manager at your regional Human Resources, Labour and Employment Office.

 
Programs in Canada

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

If you’ve worked before in Canada, your employer probably made deductions on your paycheque for Employment Insurance (EI) and CPP. When you retire (usually when you’re 65) you can collect CPP but CPP also has a disability program for people who can’t work because they’re sick.

Programs in Canada

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

If you've worked before in Canada, your employer probably made deductions on your paycheque for Employment Insurance (EI) and CPP. When you retire (usually when you're 65) you can collect CPP but CPP also has a disability program for people who can't work because they're sick. Click here for more information on how to apply for CPP Disability and remember you have the right to appeal if they say you don't qualify.

Employment Insurance (EI)

EI is a program for people who have stopped working because they were laid off (EI Regular Benefits), had a baby (EI Maternity and Parental Benefits) or are too sick to work (EI Sick Benefits). EI payments cover a shorter period of time and it's for people who have had a job in the last year or so.

Jobs with Benefits

Some jobs come with sick pay or disability benefits that can pay you if you have to stop working. You can ask your Human Resources (HR) department what coverage you have at work. You can also ask about Employment Assistance Programs (EAPs) which help people with short-term counselling or referrals.

Published 2010.