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Getting help with costs in your region

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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 Prince Edward Island

 Social Assistance

In Prince Edward Island, you can apply for Social Assistance if you do not make enough money to pay for things like your food, rent, clothing and medicine. You may also be able to get money to pay for things like your prescription drugs, dental care and eye care. The amount of money you can get through Social Assistance depends on things like how much money you make, the size of your family and your health needs. You can call your local Social Assistance office to find out if you can get help. If your application is accepted, you will receive a cheque every month to help you pay for your basic needs. 

If you're having trouble finding a job, you can speak with your Social Assistance office or your case worker so they can help you find employment support services. 

There is also a Disability Support Program (DSP) for Islanders who have a disability that makes it hard for them to work. The DSP may or may not consider the symptoms of chronic hepatitis C a disability. This program does not give you extra money but it can help you pay for things like medical equipment and transportation. If you have a disability, you can contact your Regional Disability Office for more information. If you already get Social Assistance, you can talk to your case worker to see if you can apply for the DSP because of your health condition.

If your application for Social Assistance or the DSP 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 talking to a supervisor at your local Social Assistance 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.