Apply for social assistance

You may be eligible if:

• you live in the Yukon;
• you do not have enough money to meet your basic needs;
• your partner or spouse does not make enough money to meet your basic needs; and
• you do not have a First Nation Status Number, or the last working person in your relationship does not have a First Nation Status Number.

Who is not eligible

You may not be not eligible if:

• you have enough money to meet your basic needs:
• your partner or spouse has enough money to meet both of your basic needs;
• you're visiting the Yukon; or
• you're taking a post-secondary program.

If you’re eligible for a similar government support program you must use that first.

If you have a First Nation Status Number

If you or the last working person in your relationship has a First Nation Status Number you can ask for help from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) or your local First Nation's office.

Book your intake appointment

You must book an intake appointment with a social worker. This intake appointment will take between 1 to 1.5 hours and will determine your eligibility. You can bring a support person to this appointment if you want to.

Phone the social assistance office in your community to make an intake appointment. If you live in Whitehorse phone the office from 9 to 9:30 am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday.

At this appointment, you’ll:

• discuss your situation including your food, shelter, utility needs and any money you've received in the last 31 days;
• sign required forms; and
• review documents.

You need to bring:

• 2 pieces of personal identification (ID) for each family member;
• proof of housing costs. This can be a rental form, lease agreement, mortgage information or utility bill;
• proof of any income or assets. This can be a notice of assessment of your last tax return or recent pay stubs;
• the employment history form the social worker emailed to you; and
• bank statements from the past 90 days. Make sure these are printed on the date of your intake.

What is considered income

• Money from employment
• Employment insurance (EI)
• Pension money (CPP/OAS/GIS/CPPD)
• Child support or maintenance
• Financial assistance from other services
• Financial assistance from other locations
• e-transfers, money transfers, gifts or other deposits
• Loans (for example, personal, student or payday loans)
• Grants, bursaries, scholarships
• Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Distribution payment
• Dividends or entitlements from a First Nation
• Assets that can be quickly and easily exchanged for cash

There may be other money that has to be taken into account that's not on this list.

What is not considered income

• Canada child benefit
• GST
• Disability tax credit
• Extended family care agreement

Additional federal, territorial or First Nations government benefits and tax credits may not be considered income.

If approved:

• you’ll receive written notice of the decision;
• your benefit amount is based on your needs; and
• your payments will start once your eligibility is confirmed. 

You must apply every month to keep receiving assistance.

You can ask for a review if you disagree with a decision.

Monthly reporting

Your eligibility for ongoing assistance is assessed each month. You apply for assistance by submitting your monthly application form (MAF) along with any required documentation. This may include: 

• rent receipts;
• utility bills;
• pay stubs;
• bank statements;
• proof of job search, if required; and 
• proof of child support or maintenance if required. 

You can submit your monthly report 1 month before your regular assistance cheque. If you submit your monthly report after the 15th of the month you may receive your cheque late.

To receive and keep assistance, you must:

• submit your monthly application form;
• try to support yourself where possible;
• apply for other benefits you may qualify for;
• provide accurate information and documents;
• report changes right away;
• stay in the Yukon unless you have approved medical travel or treatment; and
• follow program rules.

If you’re able to work, you must look for paid work. You can still receive support for your basic needs while you work. Your social worker can help you find a job or access employment supports.

You can volunteer, but it does not replace looking for paid work.

You may still be able eligible for support while attending school. Talk to your social worker to learn what’s available.