Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA)

The Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) program helps you when you are not able to support yourself or your family. Depending on your situation, you may get money for your basic needs, help with other special needs or support with employment.

Programs

Income Assistance (IA)
Income Assistance can help you with basic needs such as food, rent and utilities, and special needs like pharmacare, emergency dental care, and other needs.
Employment Support Services (ESS)
If you are on Income Assistance, Employment Support Services can help you with information, opportunities and services to build the skills and experience you need for work.

Law and Policy

Employment Support and Income Assistance Act
Employment Support and Income Assistance Regulations
Employment Support and Income Assistance Policy Manual (PDF)
Appeals

More information

Employment Support and Income Assistance Forms and Brochures
Other benefits
Helpful websites and phone numbers
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)
Help with preparing income tax and benefit returns

Income Assistance Payment Dates
Find out when you will get your cheque or direct deposit.

If you work while receiving Income Assistance, you’ll take home more money in total.

Use the Employment Income Estimator to get an estimate of how much you’ll take home.

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