Essential 2026 Benefit Updates for Nova Scotia

Social workers in Nova Scotia play a vital role in navigating evolving government benefits and pressing social challenges. Recent changes to income assistance, federal programs, and tax relief offer new tools to support clients facing poverty, disability, and housing insecurity. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments as of early 2026.

Nova Scotia Income Assistance Boost

Nova Scotia's Employment Support and Income Assistance (ESIA) program saw a 1.6% payment increase starting in 2026, building on a 3.1% rise the previous year. This inflation-indexed adjustment, tied to a 2.4% provincial CPI, impacts about 38,558 recipients—including 14,039 on the disability supplement and 3,600 in the Disability Support Program.
For social workers, this means clients may have slightly more for essentials like rent and groceries, but ongoing advocacy is needed to address gaps in coverage.

Federal Benefits on the Rise

Federally, the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) increased by 2% for 2026, with maximums now at $1,633 for singles, $2,813 for families, and $843 for the disability supplement—paid via quarterly advances and tax filings. Old Age Security (OAS) also rose 0.3% in Q1 (totaling 2% yearly), providing around $742 monthly for those 65-74 and $817 for 75+.
These enhancements target low-income families and disabled individuals, helping social workers connect clients to timely supports amid inflation.

Persistent Social Challenges

Child poverty rates in Nova Scotia continue to climb, with coalitions like the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers pushing for minimum wage hikes, basic income pilots, and expanded housing aid. Housing crises, homelessness, unemployment, and food insecurity exacerbate vulnerabilities, as highlighted in recent reports.
A February 2026 incident involving racist comments during an RCMP raid on a Mi'kmaq cannabis operation underscores tensions in Indigenous communities, relevant for culturally sensitive practice.​

Tax Relief and Pension Adjustments

The Nova Scotia 2025-2026 Budget delivers relief: a 1% HST cut from April 2025, basic personal amount raised to $11,744, and indexed tax brackets—saving average families over $1,000 annually. Pension changes effective April 2025 lower the small LIF withdrawal age to 55 and permit 50% unlocking at that age.
Social workers can leverage these for clients relying on fixed incomes, emphasizing eligibility checks during sessions.

Staying informed empowers social workers to advocate effectively—monitor official sites like novascotia.ca for client-specific applications. These updates reflect a step forward, but systemic issues demand continued vigilance.