Living with a disability in Nunavut involves navigating a unique landscape of territorial and federal supports alongside culturally specific community resources. This guide outlines the core financial assistance available through the territory, highlights the vital role of local advocacy organizations, and connects you to national navigation services and charitable supports that can provide additional help for equipment, education, and inclusion.
Quick Jump Navigation
Territorial Financial Assistance | Other Territorial Supports | Free Navigation & Advocacy Services | Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities | National Charitable Organizations
Territorial Financial Assistance Programs in Nunavut
Programs administered by the Government of Nunavut for eligible residents with disabilities.
Income Assistance Program (IA)
The Government of Nunavut’s Income Assistance (IA) Program is there to help when people have nowhere else to turn. This program is financial help to make sure people can meet their essential needs. It supports individuals and families who cannot cover their basic needs because of:
- Disability or illness
- Very low income
- Times of no work
What Does It Help Pay For?
- Basic Needs: Food, rent, heat, power, and water.
- Other Help: In some cases, it can also help with clothing, furniture, a rental deposit, or emergency costs.
Website: Income Assistance (IA) Program
Eligibility & How to Apply:
Who Can Apply: Any person 18 years of age or older living in Nunavut who is in financial need.
Key Requirements: You must apply to all other programs you may be entitled to first (e.g., Employment Insurance, pensions) and access all other financial resources available to you. Annual filing of your income tax return is required.
Special Considerations for Persons with Disabilities
The program includes an Incidental Allowance for eligible persons with a disability. To qualify, a person must have a physical or mental impairment that significantly restricts daily living activities, is expected to last at least six months, and results in requiring assistance. Exemption: Individuals with a disability or who are over 60 are exempt from engaging in a productive choice activity.
Note: Specific disability-related supports may be provided through this program, often delivered alongside general income assistance.
Contact Information for Application
Applications are handled through regional offices. Contact the office for your region:
- Qikiqtani Region (Iqaluit): 867-473-2615 | Toll-free: 1-800-567-1514
- Kivalliq Region (Rankin Inlet): 867-645-5040 | Toll-free: 1-800-953-8516
- Kitikmeot Region (Cambridge Bay): 867-983-4032 | Toll-free: 1-800-661-0845
Other Territorial Supports
Additional programs and funding available to Nunavut residents with disabilities.
Adult Learning and Training Support (ALTS)
This program provides funding to help adults cover the costs of skills training and education, which can include tuition, required books, necessary special equipment, and disability-related supports.
Website: Adult Learning and Training Support (ALTS)
Extended Health Benefits for Chronic Health Conditions (EHB)
This plan offers supplementary health coverage for Nunavut residents living with specific chronic health conditions, helping to pay for services and items not fully covered by the regular Nunavut Health Care Plan.
Website: Extended Health Benefits for Chronic Health Conditions (EHB)
Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS)
This is the main grant program for post-secondary students from Nunavut. It provides financial assistance for educational costs, with additional support available for students with permanent disabilities through a separate grant.
Website: Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS)
Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit (SCSB)
This is a monthly payment from the Government of Nunavut designed to provide additional support to low-income seniors aged 60 and over who are already receiving the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Website: Senior Citizen Supplementary Benefit (SCSB)
Senior Fuel Subsidy
This program helps eligible seniors who own and live in their own homes by providing a subsidy to offset the high cost of heating fuel in the territory.
Website: Senior Fuel Subsidy
Nunavut Child Benefit (NUCB)
This is a monthly, non-taxable payment made to low-income families in Nunavut to help with the costs of raising children under the age of 18.
Website: Nunavut Child Benefit
Free Disability Navigation & Advocacy Services
Below are key organizations that offer free, one‑on‑one help to navigate disability benefits, tax credits, and other supports. They can assist with applications, eligibility, and connecting you to the full range of territorial and federal programs.
How to use these services: You can call, email, or visit the websites to request free, confidential help. Navigators can assist you over the phone, by email, or through video calls, and can often provide forms, explain eligibility rules, and help you complete applications.
Local Nunavut Service
Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society (NDMS / Nuability)
This organization provides culturally relevant support for Nunavummiut with disabilities. Advocacy, service navigation, employment supports, and accessible community activities such as on‑the‑land groups and accessible sports.
Phone: (867) 979‑2228
Toll‑free: (877) 354‑0916
Email: [email protected]
Website: Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society (NDMS / Nuability)
National Services
Plan Institute
This organization offers a free national benefits navigation helpline for all Canadians. One‑on‑one guidance on disability benefits, tax credits, estate planning, and other disability‑related planning.
Toll‑free helpline: 1‑844‑311‑7526
Email: [email protected]
Website: Plan Institute
Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC) / BCANDS
This organization provides culturally focused navigation, support, and advocacy for Indigenous peoples with disabilities and their families. Assistance with federal and territorial benefits, Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) navigation, case management, and advocacy.
Main Victoria Office Phone: (250) 381‑7303
Toll‑free: 1‑888‑815‑5511
Email: [email protected]
Website: Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC) / BCANDS
Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities
Nunavut Student Aid offers grants to support post-secondary students with documented permanent or persistent/prolonged disabilities. This includes the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities ($2,800 per loan year) and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment (up to $20,000 per loan year) for education-related costs.
Nunavut Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Read Our Complete Guide: Financial Aid for Canadian Students with Disabilities
Provincial Financial Aid: Financial Aid for Canadian Students with Disabilities in Nunavut
National Charitable & Condition-Specific Organizations
Organizations offering supplemental support including funding, equipment, advocacy, and community resources
General Support Organizations:
- Rick Hansen Foundation: Focuses on removing physical and attitudinal barriers.
- March of Dimes Canada: Runs programs like the Home and Vehicle Modification Program.
- Easter Seals Canada: Provides mobility equipment funding and accessible camps.
- Neil Squire Society: Empowers people with disabilities through assistive technology and employment programs.
Condition-Specific Support:
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada: Supports those with neuromuscular disorders through equipment funding and clinic access.
- Cerebral Palsy Canada Network: Provides research and resource information for the cerebral palsy community.
- Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Canada: Offers national programs and advocacy.
- Brain Injury Canada: A national source for education, awareness, and support.
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB): Offers programs and advocacy for people with sight loss.
