How to Apply for Employment and Income Assistance

How do I apply?

If you live in the City of Winnipeg:

  1. Call 204-948-4000. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, call 1-800-855-0511 (Manitoba Relay Service);

    Or
  2. Go to the 111 Rorie Street office. If you have children or need accessibility services, we will be pleased to help you at 128 Market Avenue. You will be seen on a first come, first served basis. We may not be able to start your application if you arrive after 3:00 p.m.

If you live outside Winnipeg:

  1. Call toll free 1-855-944-8111 to connect with your local Regional Social Services office. You will book an appointment with your local office. See a list of offices in Rural and Northern Manitoba. If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, call 1-800-855-0511 (Manitoba Relay Service);

    Or

  2. Got to your local Regional Social Services office (outside of Winnipeg). See a list of offices in Rural and Northern Manitoba.


Who Can Apply for EIA?

All Manitobans can apply for Employment and Income Assistance (EIA).

If you need help with supporting yourself or your family, you may be able to get money from EIA to help with basic needs such as food, clothing and personal items, as well as coverage for essential health needs not provided through another program.

If you pay rent or own a home, your application with EIA will also be used to see if you are able to get help for housing costs from Rent Assist.

If you are eligible for EIA and Rent Assist, you will get one monthly payment for both benefits.

If you can work, EIA will help you go back to work by offering supports to find and keep your job.

For more information on the EIA program and help you can get, please look at the EIA Brochures that best fits your needs.

What Will I Need to do to Apply for EIA?

To see what you need to bring to your intake appointment, please see the EIA Intake Information Checklist (PDF)

If you recently quit a job, were fired, or refused a job without a good reason (also called just cause), your application for EIA may be affected. Please see the webpage, Reasons for Leaving or Refusing a Job, for more information on what you need to do if this situation applies to you.  

If you have an outstanding warrant for certain serious offences (see Schedule C of The Assistance Regulation for a list), your application for EIA may be affected. For more information, see the EIA Outstanding Warrants policy.

What Will Happen at my EIA Intake Appointment?

In order to see if you are eligible for EIA, there are some basic questions EIA staff will ask you about

    • you and your family’s situation
    • your housing
    • your income (money you earn or get from another source)
    • your assets (savings, investments, items of value)
    • your education, work status and history and your plans to find work
    • any medical conditions and health needs that may keep you from working  
    • any legal problems you have

The EIA Intake Information Checklist (PDF) will help make sure that you bring the right documents to your intake appointment to answer these questions.

People who are married or live as common-law couples must apply for EIA together.

You can see more information about EIA at EIA Publications and Policies.