Social Development

Government of New Brunswick

Income Type

A Wage (Income Type)

Earned income from full or part-time employment. Usually reported monthly, except in unusual circumstances. Applicant's wages are deducted from the Basic Household Rate (BHR) with no wage exemption applied. Client's wages are deducted from the BHR with the standard wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is used in determining eligibility.

NOTE: Shelter income, babysitting and self-employed income are considered wages.

Required Documents for Regular Wages:

Cheque stubs stating date paid, period covered, gross amount, hours worked, itemized deductions, net pay, and name of the employer. or
Written confirmation from the employer of the amount of the weekly pay.

Adult Child Contribution (Income Type)

Money earned/received by a child dependent under 21 years of age. This is only considered income when determining eligibility in Section 4(4) cases

Required Documents:

Proof of child's income.

Assistance From Band Council (Income Type)

Any assistance received directly from the applicant's/client's band. This income is used in the eligibility calculation, with no wage exemption applied.

This would include income from revenue generating activities such as gaming (video lottery and bingo) or tax agreements. Payments are made to the band council who determines how the monies will be distributed. No agreement exists requiring the funds be passed on to members of the First Nation. Funds could be used for infrastructure or other purposes. If the payments are passed on to members, verified by the band council or by other clients reporting their income, the funds would be disbursed to all band members whether on or off reserve. All members would be entitled to payment and must take advantage of such payments. If a client refuses or waives their right to payment, the amount the client would have received (if this can be verified) will be considered as income and deducted from their assistance benefits. Where an amount cannot be obtained or provided assistance may be terminated due to non-compliance in failing to take advantage of an available resource.

Required Documents:

Verbal confirmation by contacting the band, with follow up written documentation.

Assistance From Other Province (Income Type)

Any assistance received from a social assistance office in another province. This income is used in the eligibility calculation, with no wage exemption applied.

Required Documents:

Verbal confirmation by contacting the office, with follow up written documentation.

Band Council - Third Party (Income Type)

Money paid on behalf of status Indians (Natives) living off reserve to a third party by the Band Council. When you select this income type, you must select the appropriate percent deduction from the Pay Type field. The system multiplies the percentage by the Basic Household Rate (BHR), and the lower of the calculated amount and the actual amount received is deducted each month.

Percentages are: Clothing 10%, Food 30%, Household & Personal 7.5%, Shelter 25%, Transportation 7.5%, Utilities & Heat 20%.

(E.g., BHR = $700 and the individual receives $100 per month for clothing (deducted at 10%). The calculation is as follows: $700 x 10% = $70. This is lower than $100, so $70 is deducted from the BHR each month.).

Reported monthly, these funds are used in determining eligibility, with no wage exemption applied.

Required Documents:

Written verification from Band Council of type, amount, frequency and duration of payment.

Child Support / Family Support Order Services (Income Type)

Money received for child support from a non-custodial parent. This is only considered income when determining eligibility in Section 4(4) cases.

Required Documents:

Copy of Court Order, separation papers or divorce decree.

Canada Child Benefit (Income Type)

Money received from the Federal Government for Canada Child Benefit. This is only considered income when determining eligibility in Section 4(4) cases.

Required Documents:

Copy of child tax benefit cheque stub.

Canada Housing Benefit (Income Type)

The Canada Housing Benefit is a short-term benefit available for up to 3 years. It helps New Brunswick families with children who work part-time or at lower-paying jobs who are struggling to afford rent. This benefit, administered by the Housing Division, provides short-term rental assistance so participants can re-direct more of their income to these additional costs and increase their earned income. This is only considered income when determining eligibility in Section 4(4) cases.

Child Care Allowance (Income Type)

Portion of money received for child care from an agency other than Social Development and Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour that exceeds that maximum Social Development child care rates. Reported monthly, it is deducted from the Basic Household Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is considered income and is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Cheque stub from training program, or written documentation from agency issuing the funds.

CPP-Child Disability (Income Type)

Canada Pension payment for a child of a disabled contributor. The child must be under 18, or between 18-25 and a full time student. This is only considered income when determining eligibility in Section 4(4) cases..

Required Documents:

Canada Pension cheque stub or proof of deposit at screening/needs assessment and as part of each case review.

CPP-Disability Benefit (Income Type)

Canada Pension Disability benefit for an adult who is unable to work because of a severe and prolonged disability. Reported annually, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate for applicants and with the CPP income exemption for clients. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Canada Pension cheque stub or proof of deposit at screening/needs assessment and as part of each case review.

CPP-Early Retirement Benefit (Income Type)

Canada Pension for a client who has taken early retirement between the ages of 60 and 64, or who are no longer working. Reported annually, it is deducted in full from the Basic Unit Rate from applicants and with the CPP income exemption for clients. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Canada Pension cheque stub or proof of deposit at screening/needs assessment and as part of each case review.

CPP-Orphans Benefit (Income Type)

Canada Pension benefit for a child, of a deceased contributor who is under 18, or between 18-25 and a full time student. This is only considered income when determining eligibility in Section 4(4) cases.

Required Documents:

Canada Pension cheque stub or proof of deposit at screening/needs assessment and as part of each case review.

CPP-Regular Retirement Benefit (Income Type)

The regular Canada Pension retirement benefit payable at age 65. Reported annually, it is deducted in full from the Basic Household Rate for applicants and with the CPP income exemption for clients.

Required Documents:

Canada Pension cheque stub or proof of deposit at screening/needs assessment and as part of each case review.

CPP-Surviving Spouse Benefit (Income Type)

Canada Pension benefit paid to a widow(er) or common-law partner of a contributor. Reported annually, it is deducted in full from the Basic Unit Rate for applicants and with the CPP Income exemption for clients. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility.

Required Documents:

Canada Pension cheque stub or proof of deposit at screening/needs assessment and as part of each case review.

Dividend (Income Type)

Money received from an investment that pays a dividend. The reporting period depends on how often the dividend is paid. It is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Written verification of the source, type, and amount of income and how often it is payable.

Employment Insurance Benefit-Regular (Income Type)

Money received from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) while unemployed. This includes maternity and sick benefits as well as the regular benefits. It was previously known as UIB. Reported monthly, it is deducted from the Basic Household Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

EI recipients may choose to have their EI benefits paid by direct bank deposit. EI claimants who choose direct deposit still need a statement of benefits and may do so by requesting the statement from HRSDC.

Required Documents:

Initially, cheque stub or written documentation from HRSDC stating amount of weekly benefit.
On a monthly basis, cheque stubs are required.

Employment Insurance-Compassionate Care Benefit (Income Type)

Money received from Human Resources and Slills Development Canada (HRSDC) while unemployed. These benefits are paid to persons who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death. Reported monthly, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Initially, cheque stub or written documentation from HRSDC stating amount of weekly benefit.
On a monthly basis, the cheque stub is required.

Employment Insurance-Training (Income Type)

Money received from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) while enrolled in a training program. Reported monthly, it is deducted from the Basic Household Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Initially, cheque stub or written documentation from HRSDC stating amount of weekly benefit.
On a monthly basis, the cheque stub is required.

Employment Insurance-Fishing Benefit (Income Type)

Money received from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) while unemployed. These benefits are payable to self employed person engaged in fishing. Reported monthly, it is deducted fromt he Basic Household Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money from this source is used in determining eligibility for applicants and clients.

EI recipients may choose to h ave their EI benefits paid by direct bank deposit. EI claimants who choose direct deposit still need a statement of benefits and may do so by requesting the statement from HRSDC.

Required Documents:

Initially, cheque stub or written documentation from HRSDC stating amount of weekly benefit.
On a monthly basis, cheque stubs are required.

Employment Insurance-Maternity Benefit (Income Type)

Money received from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) while unemployed. These benefits are payable to the birth mother (or surrogate mother). Reported monthly, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

EI recipients may choose to have their EI benefits paid by direct bank deposit. EI claimants who choose direct deposit may still need a statement of benefits and may do so by requesting the statement from HRSDC.

Required Documents:

Initially, cheque stub or written documentation from HRSDC stating amount of weekly benefit.
On a monthly basis, cheque stubs are required.

Employment Insurance-Parental Benefit (Income Type)

Money received from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) while unemployed. These benefits are payable to either the biological or adoptive parents while they are caring for a newborn or an adopted child. Reported monthly, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Initially, cheque stub or written documentation from HRSDC stating amount of weekly benefit.
On a monthly basis, cheque stubs are required.

Employment Insurance-Sickness (Income Type)

Money received from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) while unemployed. These benefits may be paid to a person who is unable to work because of sickness, injury or quarantine. Reported monthly, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

EI recipients may choose to have their EI benefits paid by direct bank deposit. EI claimants who choose direct deposit still need a statement of benefits and my do so by requesting the statement from HRSDC.

Required Documents:

Initially, cheque stub or written documentation from HRSDC stating amount of weekly benefit.
On a monthly basis, cheque stubs are required.

Foster Home / Kinship Services Payments (Income Type)

Payments from Social Development to Foster Homes or Kinship Services are not considered income for individuals applying for basic assistance or Health Cards under Section 4(4)

Required Documents:

Written confirmation from SD.

Gifts (Income Type)

Money given to a client on a regular basis. It is deducted from the Basic Rate, no wage exemption applies. It is reported annually, but should be more frequent if the amount is irregular. .

Required Documents:

Written verification from the source of the gift or gratuity, or client makes a self declaration.

GIS-Married (Income Type)

Guaranteed Income Supplement for a married person over 65. Reported annually, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Written documentation from HRSDC.

GIS-Single (Income Type)

GIS-Single (Income Type)

Guaranteed Income Supplement for a single person over 65. Reported annually, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Written documentation from HRSDC.

GST Credit (Income Type)

Credit received from the federal government on either a quarterly or on an annual basis.

This is only considered income when determining eligibility in Section 4(4) cases.

Required Documents:

Copy of GST credit cheque stub.

Insurance Income - Direct (Income Type)

Money from an insurance agency paid directly to the client. It is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. It is reported annually unless the payments are irregular, in which case it should be confirmed as often as the income is received. Money from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Written documentation from insurance agency or last statement with cheque.

Insurance Income-Third Party (Income Type)

Money from an insurance agency paid to a third party on behalf of a client (e.g., mortgage payment, car payment, loans, etc.). These funds are used in determining eligibility, with no wage exemption applied. It is reported annually unless the payments are irregular, in which case it should be confirmed as often as the income is received. When you select this income type, you must select the appropriate percent deduction from the Pay Type field. The system multiplies the percentage by the Basic Unit Rate (BUR), and the lower of the calculated amount and the actual amount received is deducted each month.

Percentages are: Clothing 10%, Food 30%, Household & Personal 7.5%, Shelter 25%, Transportation 7.5%, Utilities & Heat 20%.

(E.g., BUR = $700 and the individual receives $100 per month for clothing (deducted at 10%). The calculation is as follows: $700 x 10% = $70. This is lower than $100, so $70 is deducted from the BUR each month.).

Required Documents:

Written documentation from the insurance agency giving type of payment and amount.

Interest (Income Type)

Money received from any interest from investments, insurance, etc. Reported annually, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Written documentation from the issuer of such income or copy of last statement.

OAS (Income Type)

Old Age Security. Reported annually, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Copy of previous month's cheque or documentation from Social Development Canada.

Other (Income Type)

Other income not covered in the list. It is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. The frequency of reporting should be based on how regular the payments are. Money received from this source is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients. You must remember to select a value in the Review Period field. The system will then create an awaiting document for the income source at the appropriate time.

Required Documents:

Written documentation supporting the type of income and the amount.

Other Income - Third Party (Income Type)

Payments are sometimes made directly to a third party (ex: mortgage or loan payments etc.) on behalf of clients in the following types of circumstances:

Insurance Income - Third party
Band Council - Third Party (payments on behalf of Natives living off reserve)
Other Income - Third Party

Other income – Third Party is used when a Third Party payment does not fall in the other 2 categories (Insurance Income – Third Party or Band Council – Third Party). This does not refer to any payments made directly to the client as such payments must be considered income, regardless of what the intention of such payment is. "Payments to a third party" refers only to payments made to someone other than the client.

Payments made on behalf of clients for social assistance items are treated as income up to the percentage allotted for that basic item. Percentages are:

Clothing: 10%
Food: 30%
Household & Personal: 7.5%
Shelter: 25%
Transportation: 7.5%
Utilities & Heat: 20%

Payments made for non-social assistance items will be considered as income except court ordered payments made for non-social assistance items, which will not be considered as discretionary funds available to the client.

Parental Income (Income Type)

Parental income when an applicant/client 21 years of age or older is living in the parental home and is seeking an exemption to the Household Income Policy because their parents annual income is less than $30,427.00 a year.

Once entered, this amount is to be maintained until such time as there is a change in the client’s situation.

A change in situation would include:

Case Termination
Change in Unit composition (not including addition/removal of dependents)
Change in address

Pension (Income Type)

Money received from a pension source, such as ex-employer, insurance company, armed forces, public service, etc. It is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients. If the income is regular, it should be reported annually. If irregular, it should be reported as often as required. You must enter Annually in the Review Period field. The system will then create an awaiting document for the income source once a year.

Required Documents:

Cheque stub or written verification of source, type, and amount of income.

Quebec Pension Plan (Income Type)

This is similar to the Canada Pension Plan, but is administered by the Province of Quebec. This is similar to the Canada Pension Plan, but is administered by the Province of Quebec. Effective May 1, 2023, it is deducted in full from the Basic Unit Rate for applicants and with the CPP/QPP income exemption for clients. Money received from this source is reported annually and used in determining eligibility.

Required Documents:

Written verification from QPP of type and amount of income, or
Cheque stub showing Social Insurance Number, type, and amount of income.

Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) - Child Pension (Income Type)

This is similar to the Canada Pension Plan Child and Orphan benefits but is administered by the Province of Quebec. Payment for a child of a disabled or deceased contributor who is under 18, or between 18-25 and a full-time student. Effective August 1, 2023, this is only considered income when determining eligibility in Section 4(4) cases. You must enter Annually in the Review Period field.

Required Documents:

Written verification from QPP of type and amount of income,

Cheque stub showing Social Insurance Number, type, and amount of income

Shelter Income (Income Type)

For those applicants or clients who are receiving money for the use or occupancy of a room or unit within a residence they own or are responsible for (rents, etc.). The 25% business deduction will be applied; after which the Wage Exemption can be applied for clients only.

When the applicant or client resides in the same dwelling as the other individuals paying them to stay there, a Shelter Income Calculation is used to determine the amount and income type to be recorded.

Required Documents:

When the Shelter Income Income Type is used, the client will need to submit monthly stubs

Self Employed (Income Type)

Self-employed income is considered a wage. For applicants and clients who are self-employed, there must be the potential for self sufficiency. Self-employed applicants are only entitled to 6 months assistance, whereas self-employed clients are only entitled to assistance for 12 months. No self-employed person with an employee is eligible for assistance. Income for self-employed applicants and clients is calculated based on gross revenue less expenses, to a maximum of 50% of gross revenue, that are supported by documentation.

The wage exemption is applied to self-employed income for clients, but not for applicants.

Additional Required Documents:

Documentation of any business loans
Receipts for business expenses
Documentation for revenue generated by the business

Social Security (Income Type)

Money received from United States Social Security. This income is to be converted to Canadian funds prior to determination of eligibility, and the exchange rate must be verified every three (3) months, with adjustments made to reflect the correct amount in Canadian funds. Canadian residents who receive U.S. Social Security benefits and have income tax deducted must request that this tax no longer be deducted by contacting the nearest U.S. Social Security office. The wage exemption does not apply. Money received from this source is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Cheque Stub or written documentation from US Social Security office.

Spousal Support (Income Type)

A source of income received from an ex-partner for support. Reported annually, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is used in the determination of eligibility for applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Copy of separation agreement or final divorce decree or documentation from the ex-partner.

Spouse's Allowance (Income Type)

Federal pension paid to a person at age 60 whose partner is in receipt of the Old Age Pension. Reported annually, it is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Written documentation from Income Security Programs, Social Development Canada stating type of pension and amount received monthly.

Stipend (Income Type)

An allowance received from a supported employment type of program through a work placement agency (for example, A.D.A.P.T. Adult Development Activities, Program & Training). To be considered a stipend,

The allowance must be received at regular intervals, and
The total monthly average income amount must be consistently less than the monthly fixed amount portion of wage exemption, and
The recipient must be Certified Blind, Deaf or Disabled or must have Long Term Needs or Special Designation.

See Wage Exemption Amounts and refer to the fixed amount portion in the table only.

Monthly income stubs are not required, average income is to be entered. Stipend income is only considered as income when determining eligibility in Section 4(4) cases.

Required Documents:

Written verification from the work placement agency detailing the amount and the frequency the allowance is received.

Student Aid Income (Income Type)

Money received from a Student Loan that is assessed to be over the maximum allowed for expenses such as tuition and books. Reported in September and January of each school year, it is deducted from the Basic Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients. You must remember to select a value in the Review Period field. The system will then create an awaiting document for the income source at the appropriate time.

Required Documents:

The pink copy of the Student Loan Assessment form from Student Aid.

Subsidized Adoption Payments (Income Type)

Payments made by the Department of Social Development, Adoption Services for subsidized adoptions. Payments are made until the child reaches age 21. The child for whom the payments are made, is considered a dependent in the household. This is not considered income when determining eligibility for basic assistance for the adoptive parents or in Section 4(4) cases.

Required Documents:

Written confirmation from SD.

Training Allowance (Income Type)

Reported monthly, it is deducted from the Basic Household Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients. This allowance may include funds for training, transportation, child care, etc. If for transportation or child care costs, consider only the portion of the allowance that exceeds the maximum SD rates for the same costs. If for training, the entire allowance is considered income, with no deduction allowed. This allowance could be provided by Social Development Canada, John Howard Society, etc.

NOTE: The Department of Training and Employment Development training allowance should not be recorded here as it is not included in the calculation of eligibility.

Required Documents:

Cheque stub or documentation from issuer of allowance.

Transportation Allowance (Income Type)

The portion of money received for transportation from an agency, other than SD and Department of Post Secondary Education, Training and Labour that exceeds the maximum for SD transportation rates. Reported monthly, it is deducted from the Basic Household Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Cheque stub or documentation from issuer of allowance.

Trust Fund Income (Income Type)

Money received as interest from a Trust Fund. The reporting period is determined by the frequency of payments. This income is used to determine the eligibility of applicants and clients. Blind, Deaf or Disabled clients may be eligible for exemption of part of this income.

Required Documents:

Written verification from financial institution holding the funds in trust, detailing the amount of interest received and how often it is paid to the client.

Veterans Allowance/Pension (Income Type)

Federal pension from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs for veterans of any war Canada was engaged in, and their dependents. This does not include a pension from the armed forces or Public Service Pension Commission (these should be recorded under pension). This pension is deducted from the Basic Unit Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is reported annually and used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Cheque Stub or written documentation from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs stating amount of the monthly benefit and date paid.

Allowance for the Survivor (Income Type)

A federal allowance paid to persons aged 60-64 who have a low income, and whose spouse or common-law partner has died. The eligibility criteria established by Service Canada is as follows:

you are aged 60 to 64 (includes the month of your 65th birthday);
you are a Canadian citizen or a legal resident;
you reside in Canada and have resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18;
your spouse or common-law partner has died and you have not remarried or entered into a common-law relationship; and
your annual income is less than the federal maximum annual threshold.

This amount should be reported annually and is not wage exempted. Money from this source is used in determining eligibility.

The Allowance for the Survivor Benefit (low income 60-64 year olds who’s spouse or common-law partner is deceased) is not to be confused with the CPP Survivor’s Pension (no age restriction and based on deceased partner’s contributions made into CPP).

Required Documents:

Last cheque stub or written verification from Social Development Canada.

Workers' Compensation (Income Type)

Allowance received from the WorksafeNB for an employee injured on the job. This pension is deducted from the Basic Household Rate with no wage exemption applied. Money received from this source is reported biweekly or monthly, depending on how often it is issued. It is used in determining the eligibility of applicants and clients.

Required Documents:

Cheque Stub or written confirmation of monthly amount paid from the WorksafeNB.