The new Manitoba Disability Income Support Program, or Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities, offers financial help to residents with “severe and prolonged liabilities.”
It is one of a few other social assistance programs in the province. Read on for eligibility requirements, benefit types and amounts, and EIA disability payment dates.
Key Takeaways
- The Manitoba Disability Income Support was rolled out in two phases.
- In the first phase, starting January 2023, recipients of the Manitoba EIA disability were automatically enrolled for the program if they live in a personal care home, receive the Canada Pension Plan disability benefit, or received Community Living DisABILITY Services.
- The second phase began in April 2023, where other Manitobans who may or may not be recipients of EIA disability could apply.
What is the Manitoba Disability Income Support Program?
The Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities program will offer income assistance to residents living with significant disabilities who need help paying for basic living expenses.
Previously, you could qualify for income assistance through the Employment and Income Assistance Program (EIA) if you had an eligible mental or physical disability.
This new program creates a new support framework separate from the EIA and is expected to offer increased benefits and health support.
The disability income support program was launched in two phases on January 1, 2023, and April 1, 2023.
Learn more about the program.
Who is Eligible for the Disability Income Support Program?
Generally, you must have a “severe and prolonged disability” and need help to pay for “basic living costs.”
For the first phase of the program launched in January 2023, you are automatically enrolled in the program if you are a recipient of Manitoba EIA Disability and you qualify for one of these prescribed classes (i.e. qualifying disability supports):
- Receive Community Living DisABILITY Services
- Live in a personal care home
- Received the Canada Pension Plan disability benefit
You won’t need to provide new financial or medical information to qualify.
For the second phase of the program, launched in April 2023, other Manitobans can apply.
Applicants who are recipients of EIA disability but have no qualifying disability supports will require a disability impact assessment (no financial assessment is required).
Applicants with one or more qualifying disability support but no EIA disability will be required to undergo a financial assessment (no disability impact assessment is required).
Lastly, applicants who do not receive EIA disability and with no qualifying disability support must undergo financial and disability impact assessments.
Manitoba Disability Income Support Benefits: How Much Will You Get?
Based on available information, recipients will receive income and health benefits similar to what is provided to EIA recipients.
In addition, they will see a monthly benefits increase of approximately $100.
Here’s the current monthly income support paid to EIA Disability recipients in Manitoba:
Disability income support clients can earn up to $12,000 annually or $18,000 for a family and still qualify for full benefits.
After exiting the program, health benefits are maintained for two years.
How to Apply for Disability Income Support in Manitoba
If you qualify for phase 1, you will be contacted directly.
For phase 2, you can apply by completing the appropriate forms starting in April 2023. Visit the program page for more details.
If your application is denied, you can submit an appeal to the Social Services Appeal Board.
Manitoba Disability Income Support Payment Dates
Specific payment dates have not been announced for Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities
It is likely they will coincide with EIA payment dates in 2023, which are estimated as follows:
- January 27, 2023
- February 24, 2023
- March 29, 2023
- April 26, 2023
Related: Alberta Affordability Payments in 2023.
