Applying for Income Support

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Telephone Applications

The Income Support Program provides financial benefits and other services to eligible low income people to assist in meeting daily living expenses.

Basic benefits are family/individual payments for items such as food, clothing and shelter; and, Non-Basic benefits are for other specific items such as vision care, municipal taxes and burials.

Application Process

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and live in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Income Support benefits are considered as the last possible option for income. If there is potential for income from another source (for example, Employment Insurance or Canada Pension Plan), individuals must first avail of that before applying for Income Support.
  • Income and liquid assets will be considered when determining eligibility.

How do I apply?

The quickest way to apply for Income Support is to complete a telephone application by contacting the toll free number 1-877-729-7888.

  • A Client Services Officer will gather the required information from the applicant, as defined by the Income and Employment Support Regulations (such as: date of birth, Social Insurance Number, family composition, living arrangements, income and financial assets) to complete the telephone application and a preliminary eligibility assessment.
  • If there appears to be eligibility, the telephone application, direct deposit form and the Rights, Responsibilities and Client Consent form will be sent to the applicant by mail, fax, or printed at a departmental office for pick-up. Applicants will also be given a checklist identifying what additional information is required, such as banking information, rental receipts and confirmation of income.
  • The completed and signed application form, along with all other required information must be returned to the department by either:
    • mailing to:
      Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development
      Document Processing Unit
      P.O. Box 8790, St. John’s, NL A1B 5E4
      or
    • faxing to 709-729-2641,
    • for general inquiries, please contact

Decision-Making Process

Applications
Days 1-11:
An application is completed by telephone and information is registered with the department. The telephone application and other required documentation are forwarded to the applicant to be completed, signed, and returned to the department with all requested information. Departmental staff review the application and documents. Contact may be made with the applicant to request additional or missing information, if required. When all required information is received, the application is assessed.

Assessment
Days 11-29
: The application is thoroughly reviewed internally and assessed for eligibility and appropriate benefits. The assessment may include: credit checks, contacting employers and landlords, and a telephone discussion with the applicant. Based on the outcome of the assessment, a decision is made on eligibility and benefit amounts.

Approval
Days 29-30
: When an application is approved, payment by direct deposit, cheque, or Service Authorization is sent to the applicant. When an application is not approved, a letter of notification is provided, including information on how to appeal the decision.

Click here for details on the service standard.

Paper Applications

You also have the option of applying by mail by completing the following forms: Income Support Application (342 KB) and Rights, Responsibilities and Client Consent Form (102 KB). You and your spouse (if applicable) must complete and sign these. It is important to read the Release Form carefully as your signature allows the Department to contact other agencies in order to verify information.

To ensure that your application is processed in a timely manner, please sign and return it along with any requested documents to the following address:

Document Processing Unit
Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development
P.O. Box 8790
St. John’s, NL A1B 5E4
Fax: 709-729-2641
Email: incomesupport@gov.nl.ca

Your application is valid for 30 days; if required documents are not provided within that time, you may have to complete a new application. You will be advised if further information is required.

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