Financial Assistance

Government benefits and low-income assistance

In Canada it is possible to get temporary financial help from the government if you have lost your job and are looking for work or if you need financial help for other reasons.

As well, the Manitoba and federal governments may, depending on your circumstances, provide assistance or benefits for people in various circumstances – with children, with a low income, seniors, etc.

Benefits Finder
Service Canada's Benefits Finder is an online tool that calculates what programs you may be eligible for in your personal situation.

The most common government assistance programs are explained below.

Employment Insurance (EI)
EI provides financial assistance for people who have lost their job. The money (about 55 per cent of your wage) pays for living costs while you are looking for work. You cannot get EI if you quit or are fired. You may receive EI benefits if you are on an approved training program, are away sick from your job, are pregnant or caring for a new child.

Community Unemployed Help Centre helps people with EI claims at no charge.

Manitoba Employment and Income Assistance Program (EIA)
EIA may provide temporary financial assistance for Manitoba residents who do not have enough money for basic living expenses. The program is not meant to have the government support someone for a long time. Rather, the goal is to help people support themselves.

More programs, benefits and tax credits

Click on a title for more information.

General

• Goods and Services Tax Credit
  
• Tax Credit for Public Transit Pass

Child benefits

• Child care subsidies
  
• Child-Related Income Support Program (CRISP)
  
• Healthy Baby Prenatal Benefits
  
• Canada Child Tax Benefit (plus possible supplement, disability credit)
  
• Universal Child Care Benefit

Housing

• Manitoba Shelter Benefit for Families

Seniors

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
  
• Old Age Security
• Guaranteed Income Supplement

Education

• Manitoba Student Aid

Charitable assistance

• Winnipeg Harvest
  Crisis Food Line: 982-3660
  This is Winnipeg's food bank for people who need emergency food services. Please call a day ahead of time in order for Winnipeg Harvest to collect the required food. You may also inquire about food banks in your area and make an appointment to attend. You may be requested to show a Manitoba Health card indicating the number of children in the family.
  
  
• Christmas Cheer Board
  Phone: 669-5369
  The Cheer Board provides food hampers to low-income families or single people, and gifts for children at Christmas. It usually starts taking names in early November.

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