Income Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

• Am I Eligible?
• Where Do I Apply?
• How Do I Apply?
• What to Bring to My Appointment?
• When Will I Get My Cheque?
• What if I Don't like a Decision about my Income Assistance?

Am I Eligible?

You may qualify for income assistance if:

• You are 19 years of age or older
• You are a registered status First Nations
• You have exhausted all other resources
• You are unable to meet your basic needs (food, shelter, clothing)

Eligible expenses include:

• Rent or Room and Board
• Food
• Clothing
• Utility Payments
• Fuel
• Bus Passes
• Personal needs (toiletries, laundry)

Where Do I Apply?

• If you live in Whitehorse and are a member of the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council or Kwanlin Dϋn First Nation, please apply at your First Nation office
• If you live in Whitehorse and belong to another First Nation you can apply at our Client Services office
• If you live in another community you can apply at the local First Nation office

How Do I Apply?

Please call or visit our Client Services Office to book an appointment. You will need to provide your Status number.

Room 122, Elijah Smith Building (300 Main Street), Whitehorse
Phone: 867-667-3399
Toll free: 1-800-661-0451 (For Yukon Resident Clients Only. If you live in another province or territory, please call the Public Enquiries Contact Centre toll-free at 1-800-567-9604)

Note: this program is provided to status First Nation individuals living in the Whitehorse area. Non-Status individuals residing in the Whitehorse area may contact the Government of Yukon's Health and Social Services Department to apply for Yukon Social Assistance.

What to Bring to My Appointment?

Please bring the following information to your appointment:

• If you are married or have a common law partner, she/he must attend the appointment with you
• Health Care Insurance number for you and your family members
• Social Insurance Number
• Certificate of Indian status ("Status Card") for you and your family members
• Proof of family income, such as pay stubs, child benefit payments, and your last income tax return
• Proof of your monthly expenses, such as receipts or invoices for rent, fuel, and power

During our first meeting with you, the Social Assistance Worker will ask about your current financial situation, family situation, health, education, work history and other relevant information. Appointments usually last about 45 minutes.

If you're not eligible for regular assistance, you may be able to receive emergency assistance if your health or safety is at risk.

• What should I bring to my first income assistance meeting?

When Will I Get My Cheque?

Once your application is complete, you can expect assistance in about 10 to 12 business days.

What if I Don't like a Decision about my Income Assistance?

If you dispute a decision about your income assistance amounts you can ask for a review hearing. Tell your Social Assistance Worker or the receptionist that you want a review hearing and they will give you a form to fill out. The Manager of Client Services will review your case.