Nova Scotians receiving income assistance will see their payments increase this year. It’s the second year in a row, that rates have been indexed to inflation. In 2026, payments will increase by 1.6 per cent.
Disability Support Program participants that receive the standard household rate will also see a 1.6 per cent increase. A release from the province states these changes reflect the government’s commitment to supporting Nova Scotian’s facing financial challenges and addressing the added costs associated with inflation.
As of December first, there were 38,558 people in the Employment Support and Income Assistance Program, including 14,039 who receive the disability supplement. There are about 3,600 Nova Scotians in the Disability Support Program receive the standard household rate. Income Assistance payments increased 3.1 per cent in 2025.
