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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 Québec

Social Assistance Program and Social Solidarity Program

In Québec, there are two main last-resort financial assistance programs to help you pay for things like food, rent, clothing and medicine if you are not able to afford these basic necessities.  If you can work, you may apply to get assistance from the Social Assistance Program.  If you cannot work because of your health, a disability or an emergency situation, you can apply to the Social Solidarity Program. There are other financial assistance programs for older workers, people who have lost their jobs or are pregnant and underage. 

The amount of money you can get every month depends on things like how much money you make, the size of your family and your medical needs.  If your application for financial assistance is approved, you will get a cheque at the start of every month to help pay for these basic costs. You will also receive health benefits that will cover the cost of your prescription drugs, dental and eye care, medical transportation and accommodation and other special health needs.  

If you are sick with Hep C and cannot work for at least one month, you may be able to apply for the Temporary Limited Capacity Allowance.  This allowance provides you with extra money on top of the basic monthly cheque to help cover living and medical costs.  You can speak with your case officer to see if you can apply for the Temporary Limited Capacity Allowance or for these other special benefits that are provided by the two financial assistance programs.

Emploi Québec

If you need assistance with education, training and finding a job, you can get help through Emploi Québec.  You can ask your case officer at your Local Employment Centre (CLE) about what programs may be able to help you find work.

To apply for last-resort financial assistance in Québec, you can either print and fill out the online application forms and mail them to your CLE or you can visit your CLE to get more information.  

If your application for financial assistance is turned down or you think that the amount of your monthly cheque is wrong, you have the right to challenge the decision by asking for a review. You can fill out the online application for review or speak with a supervisor at your local CLE to begin the review process.  You can also submit general complaints to the Bureau des renseignements et plaintes.

 
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.