Ways to reduce your expenses

Are you looking for ways to make daily costs more manageable? Do you want to learn about programs and services that can support you and your family?

Rising expenses can make covering everyday costs challenging. Programs and services are available to help with everyday essentials like childcare, housing, utilities, medical costs, and more.

If your household income is under $90,000, or if you are living with a disability, over the age of 65, or facing financial challenges, you may qualify for a variety of benefits.

Explore the sections below to find resources that fit your needs and click the links to learn more.

Help paying for medical needs

• Health Services and medical supplies: The Department of Social Development offers programs to help pay for medical equipment, supplies, and services not covered by Medicare or private insurance. This support is for people already receiving help from the department, such as for aging, disability, protection, or income. Visit the Health Services page to learn more.

• Prescription drug plans: The New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program and the New Brunswick Drug Plan help cover the cost of medications for people without private insurance. Learn more on the Prescription Drug Plans page.

• Canadian Dental Care Plan:  This new federal program covers a broad range of services and is designed to make dental care more affordable. People with dental coverage through Social Development are asked to apply he CDCP and will receive additional coverage. Visit the Help paying for dental care page.

Financial assistance

• Financial benefits for families with children: Provincial and federal benefits are available for pregnant women and families with children under the age of 18. Learn more about these benefits and how they can support you and your family on the Financial benefits for families with children page.

• Help paying for childcare and early learning: Families with low or middle incomes may qualify for help paying for early learning and childcare in New Brunswick. Learn more on the Help Paying for early learning and childcare page.

• Social assistance: The Department of Social Development’s offers help to individuals and families with a limited income pay for basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. Visit the Social Assistance page.

• Community transportation services: Affordable and accessible transportation is available for essential trips, such as medical appointments or grocery shopping. Learn more on the Community Transportation Services page.

• Community Food Programs: Find resources across New Brunswick to access healthy, affordable food. Visit the Community Food Programs page.

Reducing your utility costs

• FREE Home efficiency upgrades: Homeowners in New Brunswick may qualify for free improvements to reduce heating and electricity costs through NB Power’s Enhanced Energy Savings Program. These upgrades may include insulation, air ventilation, and energy-efficient heat pumps to lower heating and electricity costs. Visit NB Power’s Enhanced energy savings program page for more information.

• Reduced-cost internet and cell phones: Programs like Telus’ Mobility for Good® and Rogers’ Connected for Success offer free or discounted mobile devices, internet, and phone plans. Find out more on the Internet, mobile, and technology access page.

Support for renters and homeowners

• Supports for renters: Housing NB (HNB) offers programs to help individuals and families afford rent. Learn more by visiting the Government of New Brunswick’s renting programs page.

• Emergency heating support: The Emergency Fuel Benefit may provide up to $550 once per calendar year to eligible households who are unable to pay the costs of winter heating due to unexpected and unavoidable situations. This benefit is not guaranteed. You must show that you’ve exhausted other options first. Visit the Emergency fuel benefit page.

• Rent bank: If you’re a renter and are at risk of losing your home, the Rent Bank may be able to help. Grants are available for overdue rent, heat and power bills, or deposits for a new rental. The amount is determined on a case-by-case basis, with funds sent directly to landlords or utility providers. For more information, visit the Government of New Brunswick’s Rent bank page.

• Home repairs and accessibility: The Homeowner Repair Program helps families and landlords make homes safer and more accessible. For more information, visit the Government of New Brunswick’s Homeowner Repair Program page.

• Property tax relief: Seniors with a low income may qualify for programs to help with property taxes. Learn more on the Property tax relief programs page.

Supports for seniors

• Federal pension and benefits programs: The Government of Canada has a number of programs to provide payments and benefits to seniors and retirees. Visit the Federal Pension and benefits program for older Canadians page to learn more.

• Long Term Care Program: Whether you need help staying in your own home or are exploring other options like caregiver supports or housing services, the Long Term Care Program can help. Visit the Long Term Care Program page for more information and to apply. You can also try the financial help calculator to see if you, or a loved one might qualify for financial help towards the costs of services.

• Low-income seniors’ benefit: Seniors aged 60 and older can apply for this annual benefit that helps pay for household expenses or other basic needs. To learn more, visit the Government of New Brunswick's low-income seniors benefit page.

Supports for people living with a disability

• Federal benefits: The Government of Canada offers a range of financial supports for people living with disabilities, such as tax credits, grants for disability savings plans, and education funding. For more information, visit the Federal Benefits for People with a Disability page.

• Disability support program: This program offers personalized supports to help adults with disabilities live independently and stay connected in their community. Visit the Disability Support Program page for more information and to apply. You can also try the financial help calculator to see if you, or a loved one might qualify for financial help towards the costs of services.

• Family supports for children with disabilities: Families raising children with disabilities can access the care and supports they need to meet their child or youth’s needs. Visit the Family supports for children with disabilities program page for more information.

• Help applying for disability-related supports: Applying for benefits and understanding eligibility requirements can be overwhelming. The Barrier-Free Benefits Program can help. They offer free, one-on-one support to help you apply for disability related benefits and services. Visit Inclusion Canada’s Barrier-Free Benefits Program page, email navigator.atlantic@inclusioncanada.ca or call 1-855-661-9611 (ext.278) to learn more.

• Help with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC): Independent Living Nova Scotia (ILNS) offers free one-on-one support to help you apply for the Disability Tax Credit, including guidance, referrals, and follow-up support. Visit the ILNS website, email dtc@ilns.ca, or call 1-800-725-6585.

Employment, training, and education 

• WorkingNB: Career counselling and training can help you identify your skills and explore job opportunities. Learn more on the WorkingNB website.

• Post-secondary education and training: Resources like student financial assistance and adult learning opportunities are available to help you reach your education and career goals. Visit the Government of New Brunswick’s Education and Training page for more details.

• Employment Insurance: Federal programs offer income assistance if you’ve lost your job or need financial help. Visit the Employment Insurance & Federal Income Benefits page.