Nova Scotia income assistance rates will now rise with the cost of living in the province.

Starting this year, the government will increase income assistance payments each year based on how much the cost of living goes up.

For 2025, payments will increase by 3.1 percent, helping over 37,000 people who rely on this support. This change is meant to address the rising costs of essentials like rent and groceries.

Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, said this adjustment will give people more financial stability. “Indexing income assistance to the cost of living means more stability and peace of mind for individuals and families who rely on this support,” Armstrong explained.

This follows a 2.5 percent boost to assistance rates in July 2024. At that time, payments went up for those in programs like Employment Support and Income Assistance and the Disability Support Program. The goal of linking payments to inflation is to make sure they keep up with rising prices.

Extra help for people with disabilities

People with disabilities are also getting additional support. Since April 2024, recipients with disabilities or serious medical conditions have received an extra $300 a month to help with the higher costs they face.

As of December 2024, more than 37,000 Nova Scotians were receiving income assistance, including over 14,000 people supported through the disability supplement.

Why this matters

The rising cost of living is putting more pressure on Nova Scotians, and this change is meant to help those most in need. By tying income assistance to inflation, the government is trying to ensure people can better afford basic necessities.

For more information on who qualifies for income assistance, visit Income Assistance Eligibility.