Provincial release:
Nova Scotians receiving income assistance will see their payments increase this year, marking the second year rates have been indexed to inflation.
Payments will increase by 1.6 per cent in 2026.
“Rising costs for essentials like rent, groceries and utilities put real pressure on household budgets,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “By continuing to tie rates to the cost of living, we’re providing more stability for individuals and families and reinforcing our commitment to supporting those who need it most.”
Disability Support Program participants receiving the standard household rate will also see an increase of 1.6 per cent.
This year’s increase builds on other enhancements to the income assistance and disability support programs, including an increase in the standard household rates in July 2024. Connecting rates to the cost of living for clients ensures support keeps up with rising prices and provides greater peace of mind for individuals and families who rely on this support.
These changes reflect the government’s commitment to supporting Nova Scotians facing financial challenges and addressing the added costs associated with inflation.
Quick Facts:
- as of December 1, there were 38,558 people in the Employment Support and Income Assistance Program, including 14,039 people who receive the disability supplement
- about 3,600 people in the Disability Support Program receive the standard household rate
- income assistance payments increased by 3.1 per cent in 2025
Additional Resources:
Information on who can receive income assistance: https://novascotia.ca/coms/employment/income_assistance/Eligibility.html
News release – Income Assistance Increases, Indexed to Inflation: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/01/02/income-assistance-increases-indexed-inflation
News release – Increase to Income Assistance Effective July 1: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/06/26/increase-income-assistance-effective-july-1
News release – Province Indexing Income Assistance Rates: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/03/27/province-indexing-income-assistance-rates
