N.S. income assistance payments to increase in 2026

CITYnews halifax / ByRachel Morgan

Nova Scotians who receive income assistance will see their payments increase in 2026.

The provincial government says payments will increase by 1.6 per cent this year.

The province says this is the second year in a row that rates have been indexed to inflation. In 2025, income assistance payments increased by 3.1 per cent.

According to Statistics Canada and the Finance and Treasury Board of Nova Scotia, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the main marker of the cost of living, increased 2.4 per cent from Nov. 2024 to Nov. 2025. This was just slightly higher than the national average of 2.2 per cent.

“Rising costs for essentials like rent, groceries and utilities put real pressure on household budgets,” Barbara Adams, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, said in a press release. “By continuing to tie rates to the cost of living, we’re providing more stability for individuals and families and reinforcing our commitment to supporting those who need it most.”

As of Dec. 1, 2025, the province said there were 38,558 people in the Employment Support and Income Assistance Program, including 14,039 people who receive the disability supplement. Approximately 3,600 people in the Disability Support Program receive the standard household rate.

The standard household rate was increased by 2.5 per cent in July 2024.

For eligibility, visit the Government of Nova Scotia website.