Department of Community Services
Also called DCS
The Department of Community Services offers financial assistance to Nova Scotians and their families in need of temporary support.
Though some people need income support on a long term basis, the system is designed to be a short-term help. Clients are provided with options and opportunities that are meant to reduce your reliance on income assistance. This is why your case will be reviewed frequently. You must participate in an Employment Support Services assessment to help you either find work, take job training, or go to school. Income Assistance can help with costs of training, school and employability.
Programs offered:
Job skills training
Income Assistance
Also called IA or ESIA
Who is it for?
Income Assistance (IA) offers temporary financial support for Nova Scotians over 19 who cannot find work, or who cannot work.
If you are Indigenous, you can only access Income assistance if you live off reserve.
If you are between 16 and 18 years old, you must prove that your family home is unsafe and that you have no other guardian. You must stay in school and live in a supervised home until you turn 19.
If you have a disability, you may qualify for additional assistance. You must have a doctor confirm your needs. Disabilities that are invisible can be hard to prove. If you do not have a family doctor you may have trouble finding a doctor that is willing to confirm your needs.
What does “basic need” mean?
Basic need allowance is called “Standard Household Rate”. It is meant to help you with food, clothing, shelter, fuel, utilities and personal expenses. It is based on your living situation, how many people depend on your income for their basic needs (children or other people in your care) and any special needs that might qualify you for additional support (ex. foot care expenses, or hearing aids).
The rate can be as low as $380 per month if you are unhoused and up to a base of $1049 if you are a couple who rent with 1 or more dependants.
What does Income Assistance help with?
The Nova Scotia Income Assistance Program helps Nova Scotians pay for their basic and special needs. You can find information about the most common programs below.
For specific information about a program, or for detailed information on eligibility, payments, and more see:
📖 The Employment Support and Income Assistance Manual:
https://novascotia.ca/coms/employment/documents/ESIA_Program_Policy_Manual.pdf
How to Apply for Income Assistance
Do you qualify for Income Assistance?
How do you apply?
📞 1-877-424-1177
📞 902-863-3213 (Antigonish office)
It can take up to seven business days (over a week) to hear back from your caseworker. You can call for an update on the status of your application if you haven’t heard back after a week.
What happens if I am eligible?
If you are eligible, you will be told how much Assistance you will be allowed.
The caseworker will ask you where you are looking for work, and if you are receiving support from Canada Pension Disability Plan Benefits, Worker’s Compensation or other government programs.
You will be given the option to direct deposit (which means the money goes straight to your bank account on the same date every month) or be mailed a monthly cheque (which can be delayed in the mail, especially around holidays).
What happens if I am not eligible?
If you are not eligible, you will get a letter in the mail explaining why. You are allowed to talk to your caseworker about this if you have new information to support your application.
👉 If you are still not eligible and want to appeal, there is a two-step Decisions Review process to follow with strict deadlines.
📃 https://novascotia.ca/coms/employment/forms-and-brochures/When-you-Disagree-A-Guide-to-Addressing-Decisions-under-ESIA-DSP.pdf
📞 1-833-424-5124 (Decision Review Services for questions)
You must submit your appeal to your caseworker’s office, or by email to DecisionReview@novascotia.ca within 30 days of the date on the letter you received itself, not from the date that you received it.
You will hear back from the Decision Review Services worker in about two weeks.
What happens if I still think that the decision was wrong?
If you are unhappy with their decision you can request an Appeal Hearing. You have only ten days to check the box “Yes, I want an Appeal Hearing” and return the Decision Review to your caseworker.
You will hear back within 45 days and will be given a time, date, and location for your hearing. You don’t have to attend, but your chances of winning the appeal are much better if you do. You can bring a lawyer with you if you give advance notice. You can also bring family members. Your caseworker or their supervisor will be present.
At the hearing you will be given an opportunity to tell an Assistance Appeal Board member your reasons for disagreeing with the Decision Review. You will be mailed their response within seven days.
If you are still not eligible and disagree with the decision, you can go to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. This is a major action, so please be sure to get good legal advice. (Get free legal advice: at www.legalinfo.org or by calling 1-800-665-9779
What if I start working?
You must always report any income that you earn - through work or through any other source (ex. selling items online, mowing lawns). Making money while on Income Assistance does not automatically disqualify you. You are allowed to make up to $250 a month without deductions. If you make more than that, a percentage of your Income Assistance will be reduced depending on how much you earn.
Monthly earnings | Amount you can keep |
Up to $250 | 100% |
$250 - $500 | $250 plus 75% of anything above $250 |
$500 - $750 | $437.50 plus 50% of anything above $500 |
$750 and over | $562.50 plus 25% of anything above $750 |
👉 You can use this calculator to figure out how working will affect your Income Assistance: https://novascotia.ca/apps/dcs-estimator/
Emergency Assistance
Who is it for?
If you have no access to food, are facing homelessness or if you are in a situation that is dangerous to you or your dependants, Income Assistance can offer faster access to money and support.
Speak directly to a caseworker to discuss your needs.
📞 1-877-424-1177
📞 902-863-3213 (Antigonish office)
Special Needs Assistance
Income Assistance helps with your basic expenses and special needs. Special needs are things for your health and safety, and for work or training. The special needs assistance you may get is based on your personal situation.
In nearly all cases you must already be on Income Assistance to apply for Special Needs Assistance. In all cases proof of need is necessary. Written notes from a doctor or health care practitioner are best. In some cases you might need to get a second opinion from a recommended physician.
One-time Special Needs requests must go through the normal Income Assistance application process.
📞 1-877-424-1177
📞 902-863-3213 (Antigonish office)
Types of Special Need requests you can make are:
Emergency Support
Home
Health and Medical Needs
Family Costs
Accessibility Needs
Special Diet (with proof of need from a doctor)
Dietary Need | Additional per month |
| $51 from the time you notify your caseworker, until the baby’s first birthday. |
| $27 |
| $30 minimum |
| $66 |
| $133 minimum |
| $5 minimum. Amount depends on your calorie need as defined by your doctor. |
| $27 plus Nepro or Supplena (must be purchased at the hospital) |
| $30 minimum |
| -none- |
| Up to $150 |
| $27 |
| $66 |
| $66-$101 depending on calorie needs |
| $27 |
$81 | |
| $28-$121 depending on need (lactose free, hypoallergenic). This supplement is reduced as the child transitions to solid food |
| Up to $150. In case of tube feeding or inability to ingest some or all solid foods. This supplement is reduced as the condition improves. |
| $36.50 |
| -none- |
Emergency Dental Care,
you must: -
What you will have to pay depends on the procedure that you need. Income Assistance has standard rates that it pays for dental procedures. Make sure you talk to the dentist to understand what you will be required to pay before you agree to any procedure.
Pharmacare
Your prescription drug coverage depends on which drugs you are prescribed and for what. Talk to your caseworker to get more information about which drugs are covered and to what degree.
📞 1-877-424-1177
📞 902-863-3213 (Antigonish office)
Employment Support Services
Also called ESS
If you are on Income Assistance, you will be expected to look for work, another source of income, or volunteer and educational opportunities to build your skills.
Your caseworker will help you:
Make an appointment with a caseworker for more information
📞 1-877-424-1177
📞 902-863-3213 (Antigonish office)
Disability Support Program
The Disability Support Program (DSP) serves children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, long-term mental illness and physical disabilities in a range of community-based, residential and vocational/day programs.
These are voluntary programs designed to support people at various stages of their development and independence.
There are different programs for different needs. Contact Community Services for more information on eligibility and application information.
Make an appointment with a caseworker for more information
📞 1-877-424-1177
📞 902-863-3213 (Antigonish office)