Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is a Canadian province. Capital: Charlottetown. Find key facts below and follow the link to the official government site for current services, taxes and programs.

Key figures

Population
182,989
2026-07 · 0.8% / 12 m
Unemployment rate
7.4%
2026-10
Inflation (12 months)
5.7%
2026-09
Average weekly earnings
$1,179
2026-08

Source: Statistics Canada. Updated automatically. Compare all provinces →

Guides for this province

TypeProvince
CapitalCharlottetown
Joined Canada (or created)1873
LanguagesEnglish (de facto)
Sales tax systemHST (harmonized sales tax, GST + provincial part)
Sales tax ratesHST 15% (Source: Canada Revenue Agency)
Public health planPEI Health Card
Driver's licensing bodyPEI Highway Safety
Official government sitehttps://www.princeedwardisland.ca/

Rates and amounts change. Each figure on this site shows its official source and the date it was read; confirm on the official page before making a decision.

Programs in this province or territory

Families and children

  • Prince Edward Island Child BenefitMonthly amount per child for lower- and middle-income families, paid with the CCB.
    Amounts — July 2026 to June 2027
    Per child under 18, family income under $45,000$34.16 / month
    Per child under 18, family income between $45,000 and $80,000$24.16 / month
    Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13
  • Child Care Subsidy ProgramLowers childcare costs for eligible families.
    Amounts — Policy 1.2 (revised June 15, 2021)
    Parent fee at Early Years Centres and licensed family homes$10 / day
    Income exempted each month$400 plus 30% of the rest ($500 with AccessAbility Supports)
    Full subsidy if net income is at or below the MBM threshold, family of 2 / 3 / 4$27,871 / $34,134 / $39,415
    Conditions and rules
    • Above the threshold, the parent share is (net income − income adjustment) ÷ 2. Income adjustments: $17,440.08 (family of 2), $20,560.08 (3), $23,200.08 (4), $25,120.08 (5), $27,280.08 (6).
    • People on Social Assistance or Assured Income pay no parent share.

    How to get it : Apply through the Child Care Subsidy Program.

    Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13

Work and income

  • Prince Edward Island Essentials BenefitPayment to help with the cost of essentials, with a minimum amount for every eligible resident.
    Amounts — July 2026 to June 2027
    Single individual, income up to $95,000$310 / year
    Couple or single parent, income up to $95,000$365 / year
    Minimum for every eligible resident$175 / year
    Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13
  • Social AssistanceHelp with food, shelter and other basic needs.
    Amounts — Order EC2024-174, in force March 1, 2024 (still current)
    Basic unit rate: adult / child 12 to 17 / child 0 to 11$537 / $407 / $308 per month
    Shelter ceiling: room rental$525 / month
    Shelter ceiling: 1 or 2 adults, 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4+ children$875 / $1,025 / $1,193 / $1,266 / $1,317 per month
    Communication allowance: without / with dependants$40 / $60 per month
    Earnings kept (recipients): single / with spouse or dependants$250 / $400 per month, plus 30% of the rest
    Read the full guide →
    Conditions and rules
    • The amount is reassessed every month according to income, living situation and family size. The earnings exemption does not apply to the initial eligibility decision.

    How to get it : Call the screening line 1-877-569-0546.

    Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13

Seniors and retirement

  • Seniors Independence InitiativeHelp paying for practical services that let seniors stay at home.
    Amounts — page of September 2024, thresholds unchanged in 2026
    Single: up to $22,253 / to $25,753 / to $29,253 / to $32,753$1,800 / $1,325 / $950 / $575 per year
    Couple: up to $31,470 / to $34,970 / to $38,470 / to $41,970$1,800 / $1,325 / $950 / $575 per year
    Conditions and rules
    • Net household income (line 23600) and assets of $100,000 or less, excluding your main residence, land and vehicles. Since April 2026 a declaration of assets replaces the three months of bank statements.

    How to get it : Apply through Access PEI or the online service.

    Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13

Disability

  • AccessAbility SupportsPersonal, housing and financial supports for Islanders with disabilities.
    Amounts — as published in November 2026
    Basic unit rate: adult / child 12 to 17 / child 0 to 11$537 / $407 / $308 per month
    Community living expense$165 / month
    Earnings kept on Assured Income$500 / month plus 30% of the rest
    Shelter when living with a parent or relative (maximum)$377 / month
    Conditions and rules
    • For PEI residents with a diagnosed disability causing significant impairment expected to last more than 12 months.
    • Assured Income is a monthly payment set from a budget of needs (essentials, food, shelter, communication, special needs) minus income; reviewed every year.

    How to get it : Contact an AccessAbility Supports coordinator.

    Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13

Students and training

  • Student Financial ServicesOne application for federal and PEI loans, grants and bursaries.
    Amounts — page of October 14, 2026
    George Coles Bursary, UPEIup to $3,500 / year
    George Coles Bursary, Holland College and Collège de l'Île: year 1 / year 2up to $4,500 / $3,500
    Lifetime maximum$14,000
    Conditions and rules
    • A non-repayable provincial bursary for eligible Island students; the Marion L. Reid Grant (health care programs) is also $3,500 a year.

    How to get it : Apply through Student Financial Services.

    Official source ↗ · read on 2026-11-13

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