Open ProvincesNWT Income Assistance: how much you can get by community
How the Northwest Territories builds an Income Assistance payment: basic benefit by zone, accommodation, fuel and utilities, and working while on assistance.
Figures as of April 2026
What Income Assistance is
The Northwest Territories Income Assistance program pays a monthly amount to people who cannot cover their basic needs — shelter, utilities, food and clothing. It is a month-to-month program for adults aged 19 to 59. People who are seniors or who have a disability have a separate annual program that runs from July to June (Income Assistance for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities).
Because living costs vary so much across the territory, the amount depends on where you live and the size of your household.
How the amount is built
The benefit is made of several parts, added together according to your needs:
- Basic benefit (food, clothing and other basics): a fixed maximum set by your community zone and the number of adults.
- Accommodation: rent or mortgage (with taxes and insurance), up to the actual cost, for housing that suits your household size.
- Fuel and utilities (wood, oil, gas, propane, power, water, sewer) and, in some cases, security deposits.
Maximum monthly basic benefit, by zone (April 2026 policy manual)
| Zone | Communities (examples) | 1 adult | 2 adults |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norman Wells, Tulita, Colville Lake, Fort Good Hope, Délı̨̀ne | $946 | $1,337 |
| 2 | Inuvik, Tuktoyaktuk, Aklavik, Paulatuk, Fort McPherson | $885 | $1,251 |
| 3 | Fort Simpson, Fort Providence, Fort Liard, Wrigley | $764 | $1,081 |
| 4 | Behchokǫ̀, Gamètì, Whatì, Łutselk'e | $721 | $1,020 |
| 5 | Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Enterprise | $706 | $998 |
| 6 | Yellowknife, Dettah, Ndilǫ | $573 | $810 |
Example in the official manual: a single applicant in Yellowknife is eligible for $573 of the basic benefit. People in room-and-board situations receive a much smaller basic benefit, from $122 (Yellowknife) to $151 (zone 2) for one adult.
Who qualifies and what counts
- You must be in need: your income and assets are not enough to cover your basic needs.
- If you rent, you must show that your name is on the waiting list for public or low-cost housing to receive an accommodation allowance.
- If the accommodation allowance is not paid directly to the landlord, you must give proof of payment before the next one can be issued.
- The number of bedrooms covered depends on your household (a single applicant qualifies for a room rental or a one-bedroom unit).
Working while on Income Assistance
Each person who earns can keep up to $500 a month plus 25% of anything above $500. Example: if you earn $1,000 net in a month, $625 is exempt and $375 is counted against your benefit.
How to apply
Contact the Income Security Programs office, toll-free 1-866-973-7252, or your local Service Centre. Bring identification, proof of income and of your housing costs.
The policy manual says amounts are assessed every month, so report changes in your household, income or housing right away.
Always confirm your own amount with the program: this guide explains the rules, it does not replace an official decision.