Winnipeg

1. Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) Program

The Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) program is Manitoba’s primary social assistance program, designed to help individuals and families who are unable to meet their basic needs due to unemployment, disability, or other challenges.

Key Features:

• Provides financial support for basic needs such as food, shelter, and utilities.
• Offers additional benefits for health-related expenses, such as prescription drugs, dental care, and vision care.
• Includes job search and training support to help recipients find employment.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a resident of Manitoba.
• Must demonstrate financial need (income and assets are assessed).
• Must be actively seeking employment (unless exempt due to disability or other reasons).
• Newcomers may qualify if they meet residency and financial need criteria.

How to Apply:

1. Contact EIA Intake Office: Call the Winnipeg EIA office at 204-948-4000 or toll-free at 1-877-812-0014.
2. Complete an Application: You will need to provide proof of identity, income, assets, and expenses.
3. Attend an Interview: An EIA worker will assess your situation and determine eligibility.

Local Considerations:

• EIA offices are located throughout Winnipeg. The main office is at 100-114 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB.
• Processing times can vary, so apply as soon as possible if you need assistance.

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2. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a federal program that provides monthly tax-free payments to families with children under 18 to help with the cost of raising them.

Key Features:

• Payments are based on family income and the number of children.
• Additional benefits are available for children with disabilities through the Child Disability Benefit (CDB).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a resident of Canada.
• Must live with and be the primary caregiver of the child.
• Must file an annual income tax return.

How to Apply:

1. Online: Apply through your CRA My Account.
2. By Mail: Complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and send it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
3. At Birth: If your child is born in Manitoba, you can apply for the CCB when registering the birth.

Local Considerations:

• Ensure your tax returns are up to date to avoid delays in receiving payments.
• For assistance, visit the Winnipeg CRA Tax Services Office at 325 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB.

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3. Rent Assist

Rent Assist is a Manitoba program that helps low-income individuals and families with housing costs. It is available to both EIA recipients and non-EIA recipients.

Key Features:

• Provides monthly financial support to help cover rent.
• The amount is based on household income and the cost of rent.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a resident of Manitoba.
• Must have a low income and pay rent in the private market.
• Non-EIA recipients must meet specific income thresholds.

How to Apply:

1. For EIA Recipients: Rent Assist is automatically included in your EIA benefits.
2. For Non-EIA Recipients: Complete the Rent Assist application form available on the Manitoba government website and submit it to the Manitoba Housing Office.

Local Considerations:

• The program is designed to ensure that no more than 30% of your income is spent on rent.
• For assistance, visit the Manitoba Housing Office at 352 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB.

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4. Manitoba Child Benefit (MCB)

The Manitoba Child Benefit (MCB) provides additional financial support to low-income families with children.

Key Features:

• Helps cover the cost of raising children.
• Provides up to $420 per year per child.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a resident of Manitoba.
• Must have children under 18.
• Must meet income eligibility criteria.

How to Apply:

1. Download the application form from the Manitoba government website.
2. Submit the completed form to the Manitoba Child Benefit Program Office.

Local Considerations:

• This benefit is separate from the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and can be received in addition to it.

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5. Manitoba Pharmacare

Pharmacare is a provincial program that helps residents cover the cost of prescription medications.

Key Features:

• Deductibles are based on family income.
• Covers most prescription drugs listed in the Manitoba Drug Benefits Formulary.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a resident of Manitoba.
• Must have a valid Manitoba Health card.
• Must not have private insurance that fully covers prescription costs.

How to Apply:

1. Complete the Pharmacare Application Form available on the Manitoba government website.
2. Submit the form to the Manitoba Pharmacare Program Office.

Local Considerations:

• Ensure you have a valid Manitoba Health card before applying.
• For assistance, visit the Manitoba Health Office at 300 Carlton Street, Winnipeg, MB.

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6. Federal Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits

If you are unemployed or unable to work due to illness, caregiving responsibilities, or parental leave, you may qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

Key Features:

• Provides temporary financial support.
• Includes regular benefits, sickness benefits, maternity/parental benefits, and caregiver benefits.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have worked the required number of insurable hours in the past 52 weeks.
• Must have lost your job through no fault of your own (for regular benefits).
• Must meet specific criteria for sickness, maternity, or caregiving benefits.

How to Apply:

1. Apply online through the Service Canada website.
2. Provide your Record of Employment (ROE) and other required documents.

Local Considerations:

• Visit the Service Canada Centre at 333 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB for in-person assistance.

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7. Winnipeg Harvest and Community Food Banks

While not a direct financial benefit, Winnipeg Harvest and other food banks provide essential support to low-income individuals and families by offering free food hampers.

Key Features:

• Helps reduce grocery expenses.
• Available to anyone in need, regardless of income.

How to Access:

1. Contact Winnipeg Harvest at 204-982-3660 to register.
2. Pick up food hampers at designated locations.

Local Considerations:

• Food banks are widely used in Winnipeg, and no one is turned away.

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Additional Tips and Resources:

• 211 Manitoba: Call 211 or visit mb.211.ca for a comprehensive directory of financial assistance programs and community resources.
• Newcomer Support: If you are a newcomer, organizations like Immigrant Centre Manitoba and Manitoba Start can help you navigate financial assistance programs.
• Tax Clinics: Free tax clinics are available in Winnipeg to help low-income individuals file their taxes, which is essential for accessing many benefits.

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By leveraging these programs and resources, you can access the financial assistance you need while living in Winnipeg. Let me know if you need further clarification or assistance!