Skip to content
Menu

Income assistance rising in 2025, indexed to cost of living

If you are one of the tens of thousands of Nova Scotians on income assistance, you will receive a little more in your pocket this year.

The province says, payments will now increase based on an annual cost of living index

It means, the money you get will increase as the cost of things like rent and groceries rise- things that many are struggling to pay for.

Scott Armstrong, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development says, “Indexing income assistance to the cost of living means more stability and peace of mind for individuals and families who rely on this support. This adjustment provides people with reliable support, helping them afford necessities and plan for the future.”

Payments will jump by 3.1 per cent in 2025, affecting more than 37,000 people.

This builds on a 2.5 per cent one-time retroactive increase in July.

The province says these changes reflect the government’s commitment to support those who are having challenges with inflation.


  • Caitlin Snow is an award-winning news anchor who started in the radio business nearly 20 years ago. She is based in Halifax, reporting on and broadcasting stories across Nova Scotia. Contact Caitlin at snowc@radioabl.ca.

    View all posts

Do you have a news tip?

Submit to NSNews@radioabl.ca.

loader-image
Port Hawkesbury
11:49 am, Apr 12, 2026
weather icon 1°C | °F
L: 1° H: 1°
overcast clouds

What’s Trending