1. How do I apply for Income Support (Social Assistance)
?
There are two options available to you:
The information provided will be used to determine eligibility for Income Support. You will be required to provide information such as income and asset verification, MCP numbers, Social Insurance Numbers, Birth/Baptism Certificates for all applicants, as well as mortgage/rental agreements. If other types of documentation are required, you will be advised during the intake process. However, all information has to be provided within a 30 day period, or a new application will be necessary.
If you require assistance in the completion of the application, please contact the
district office in your area.
2. How will my application be assessed?
An assessment of your application will be made by a Client Services Officer who will take into consideration all of your needs, as defined in policy, and comparing them with the amount of your resources. When determining your needs, the Client Services Officer considers the needs of the individual or family based on the number of adults in the family, the living accommodations and other special needs which may exist. These needs are then compared with all the resources of the applicant and the applicant’s family. In addition, the Client Services Officer will also consider any resources the individual or family may be entitled to at some time in the future. Individuals/families may be eligible for full Income Support benefits or partial benefits based on the income of the individual or family.
Once approved for benefits, you also have a responsibility to report any changes in family composition or size, living arrangements or income/assets as these may affect your eligibility for basic benefits or any additional benefits which you may be entitled to receive.
3. How do I apply for a drug card?
If you are eligible to receive Income Support benefits, you are automatically entitled to a drug card which covers prescription drugs and dispensing fees. If you have a private health insurance plan, this drug card will cover any eligible costs not covered under your own plan. Effective March 2007, drug cards will be issued by the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP) under the Department of Health and Community Services. The new drug cards are permanent and will replace the cards that were normally attached to Income Support cheques each month.
This card can be used as long as there is eligibility for prescription drug benefits under any program area covered by the NLPDP. Also, each family member will receive their own prescription drug card.
If you lose your card, or have any questions about your eligibility under the program you can call:
Department of Health and Community Services at 1-888-859-3535, or
E-mail: LIDPinfo@gov.nl.ca.
If you are not in receipt of Income Support benefits, but require assistance due to the high cost of prescription drugs, you can apply to HRLE for a ‘drug card only’ assessment. Eligibility will be determined by assessing your income, assets and your circumstances, which would include the cost of the drugs prescribed. The application for this service can be found on the following website, or you may apply by calling the toll free numbers of the local district offices. (http://www.hrle.gov.nl.ca/hrle/incsppt/ISApplication.pdf).
Also available through the Department of Health and Community Services is the Low Income Drug Program which is a program based on income thresholds. Information on this program can be accessed through calling 1-888-859-3535 or at the following website:
http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/nlpdp/lidp.htm.
4. What are the Income Support rates?
Rates vary depending on the number of adults in the family and your living arrangements. For an assessment of your circumstances and to find out the amount of financial assistance you may be eligible to receive, contact your District Office.
5. When and how are Income Support cheques issued?
Income Support cheques may be issued in two ways:
- Recurring Pay cheques are distributed by mail and are received on the banking day closest to the 1st and the 16th of each month. Direct deposit of income support benefits is also available as another option for payment
- Non Recurring Pay or one-time only cheques are issued after an application for income support has been approved. These are mailed directly to the client.
6. I am looking for the telephone number of an employee
of the department. How can I obtain this number?
Look under the Blue Pages of your local telephone directory for the listing of the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. A list of telephone numbers is also included for your reference on this site, (click here) or you may call general enquiries at the Department's Provincial Office in St. John's at (709) 729-2480.
7. How old must you be to qualify for benefits?
The Income Support program requires that applicants be at least 18 years old to be eligible to apply for benefits.
8. I am a single adult. What assistance will the income support program provide for my living accommodations?
Single individuals are provided with assistance to enable them to live in a board and lodging arrangement either with relatives or non relatives. In special circumstances, rental assistance may be considered after an assessment is completed. Single applicants between 18 and 21 years of age who are applying for Income Support because of unemployment must also provide information on the income and resources of their parents.
9. I am a single parent
with dependent child/children. Can I receive support?
An assessment of your case will be completed, taking into account your requirements and financial resources. As a single parent, you are required to seek child support from the child's other parent. Should you require assistance in this matter, you will be referred to a Support Application Social Worker from the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment who will assist you in securing child support.
10. I did not receive my cheque. Who can I call?
Contact your
District Office.
11. My cheque amount has changed. Why?
Cheque amounts can change because of adjustments to a client's requirements or income. If you would like an explanation of any change to your benefits, contact your local District Office. You can also review the printed cheque stub which is attached to your cheque. This may explain the change.
12. How may I appeal a decision from a District Office?
If you are not satisfied with a decision made by a Client Services Officer, you may contact the Program Supervisor or District Manager to review your case. If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, there are two formal levels of appeal. The first level is through a Internal Review Committee and the second level is with the Income and Employment Support Appeal Board. Further information about the appeal procedure may be obtained at your local District Office or here.
13. Does the Income Support Program pay tuition costs for post-secondary students?
The Income Support Program does not pay tuition costs for courses which can be funded through the Student Aid
Program. Contact the Student Aid Office at 1-888-657-0800 for information on assistance available through that program. The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment does provide employment/career counseling. Client Services Officers will be able to provide you with a referral to these counselors. Information on financial assistance for post secondary students is also available at
www.lmiworks.nl.ca.
14. Does the Income Support Program pay for child care
expenses?
If you are employed part-time or full-time and require child care, you may be eligible for a Day Care Subsidy. Day Care Subsidies are available to all low-income families and the amount you have to contribute depends on your income. In order to qualify for a Day Care Subsidy, your child(ren) must be enrolled in a licensed day care facility. In order to apply or for information relating to a Day Care Subsidy, you must contact your local Day Care Worker through the Department of Health and Community Services. This person will advise you on how to complete an application.
If you are in receipt of any amount of Income Support, and are employed full time, part time or are enrolled in a post secondary educational program, you may still be eligible for a Day Care Subsidy if your child is enrolled in a licensed day care facility. The amount of your contribution would be nil based on your eligibility for Income Support. If there is no licensed day care facility in your area, or no spaces available in a licensed facility, or you are unable to use a licensed day care facility for your child, you may be eligible for child care allowance which can be added to your Income Support benefits.
15. Does the Income Support Program pay for medical
transportation?
Some types of medical transportation may be provided by the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. Assistance towards the cost of transportation for medical reasons depending upon how often you have medical appointments and the distance from your home to a medical centre. You should contact your Client Services Officer for an assessment of this need.
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