Income Assistance Program

The Income Assistance program provides funding to assist eligible individuals and families who are ordinarily resident on-reserve, with basic and special needs services that are aligned with those provided to other residents of the reference province or territory. The program also funds the delivery of pre-employment measures designed to increase self-reliance, improve life skills and promote greater attachment to the work force. The Income Assistance program has four main components: basic needs, special needs, pre-employment supports, and service delivery. The expected outcome of the Income Assistance program is an improved quality of life through the reduction of poverty and hardship on-reserve, as well as improved participation in, and attachment to, the workforce.

Eligibility

The Income Assistance program provides funding to assist eligible individuals and families who are ordinarily resident on-reserve, with basic and special needs services that are aligned with those provided to other residents of the reference province or territory following the eligibility criteria of the reference province or territory.

In general, AANDC provides funding to First Nations who, in turn, deliver Income Assistance programs and services to community members. In 2010-2011, 508 First Nations administered their own program (this figure does not include First Nations functioning under self-government arrangements that administer Income Assistance).

Additional Information:

• Background
• Questions and Answers
• Success Stories
• Publications and Resources
• Forms:
  • Recipient Reporting Guide 2011-2012   - Section 8.4 Social Development - Income Assistance
  • Year-End Financial Reporting Handbook

More Information

For further information on the Income Assistance Program in your community, contact the AANDC regional office nearest you.