If you have questions about social assistance phone a social assistance office.
A social worker will look at your food, shelter and utility needs, as well as any and all money you've received in the 31 days before you apply.
If all of the money you received in the last 31 days is less than your need, you're likely to be eligible for assistance.
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.
If you receive employment insurance or pensions
If you receive employment insurance or pensions and you are not able to afford food and rent, you may be eligible for some assistance.
If you're eligible for child support or maintenance
You must apply to the Maintenance Enforcement Program. This is considered a financial resource and you must report it as income on your application for social assistance.
What is not considered as income?
- Canada child benefit
- GST
- Disability tax credit
- Extended family care agreement
After your intake appointment and you're approved to receive for social assistance, your assistance is assessed each month. You apply for assistance by submitting your assistance application card (ARC) along with any required documentation. This may include:
- utility bills;
- job search documentation, if requested;
- rent receipts;
- pay stubs;
- bank statements; and
- proof of child support or maintenance.
When to submit your assistance application card (ARC)?
You can submit your ARC close to 1 month before your regular assistance cheque. If you submit your ARC after the 15th of the month you may receive your cheque late.
The month you want to have money |
When you have to apply |
Declare money received during this time |
January |
December 1 |
November 1 to 30 |
February |
January 1 |
December 1 to 31 |
March |
February 1 |
January 1 to 31 |
April |
March 1 |
February 1 to 28 |
May |
April 1 |
March 1 to 31 |
June |
May 1 |
April 1 to 30 |
July |
June 1 |
May 1 to 31 |
August |
July 1 |
June 1 to 30 |
September |
August 1 |
July 1 to 31 |
October |
September 1 |
August 1 to 30 |
November |
October 1 |
September 1 to 30 |
December |
November 1 |
October 1 to 31 |
You have to get approval before buying prescription drugs. If you buy a prescription without approval, you probably will not be reimbursed. Social assistance does not pay for over-the-counter medication.
Will social assistance pay for your medication?
If you are not eligible for funding through other programs, you may be eligible to receive assistance for prescriptions. Generally speaking, we'll approve low-cost, generic prescriptions.
Reasons why your prescription might not be paid for
- If your prescription is not approved on the Yukon Drug Formulary.
- There are less expensive medications that can be used to treat the same issue.
- You're eligible for funding from another program:
- chronic healthcare;
- Pharmacare;
- non-insured health benefits; or
- Children’s Drug and Optical Program, if you have a dependent aged 18 or under.