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Manitoba Employment and Income Assistance (EIA)
ManitobaLiving costsChecked November 1, 2026
EIA is Manitoba's monthly help for people who have no other way to pay for basic needs and housing. There are categories for single adults and couples (General Assistance), persons with disabilities, and single parents. Rent Assist is included in the payment.
How muchManitoba's rate tables (as of July 2026) give these monthly totals, including $37 per adult from federal benefits: single adult $983 (General Assistance) or $1,314 (Persons with Disabilities, living in the community); couple with no children $1,451 (General Assistance) or $1,690 (one partner with a disability). Families with children get more; the tables on the official pages list each family size. You keep the first $200 of net monthly earnings plus 30% of what you earn above $200. Full-time workers in General Assistance also get a $100 Rewarding Work Allowance a month ($50 part-time).
When it's paidMonthly, a few days before the month it covers. The December 2026 payment is deposited November 26, 2026 (cheques mailed November 27). Benefits are not due until the 1st of each month and can be delayed if documents you were asked for are missing.
Who qualifies
- You live in Manitoba and are in financial need: the cost of your basic needs and shelter is more than your money coming in
- General Assistance: you are 18 to 65 with no disability and no dependants, or you are part of a two-parent family
- Persons with Disabilities: you are 18 or older and have a mental or physical disability likely to last more than one year that keeps you from earning enough for basic needs
- You can keep up to $4,000 in cash or savings per person (up to $16,000 per family), plus your home, vehicles, an RESP and, in the disability category, an RDSP
- Married or common-law partners must apply together
How to apply
- In Winnipeg: call 204-948-4000 or go to 111 Rorie Street (families and people with accessibility needs go to 128 Market Avenue); you may not be seen the same day if you arrive after 3 p.m.
- Outside Winnipeg: call 1-855-944-8111 to book an appointment, or visit your Regional Social Services office
- Deaf or hard of hearing: Manitoba Relay Service 1-800-855-0511
- Use the EIA Intake Information Checklist to gather your papers before the appointment
- Questions about a payment: 204-948-2888 in Winnipeg, 1-855-944-8111 elsewhere
What to have ready
- Identification and Social Insurance Number for everyone in the household
- Bank statements and details of savings and other assets
- Proof of income, including pay stubs and other benefits
- Your lease or rent receipts
- For the disability category: medical information about your disability
Add to a printable checklist with other benefits
Common mistakes to avoid
- Only one partner applying; couples must apply together
- Arriving at the Winnipeg office late in the day and not being seen
- Not sending documents EIA asks for, which can delay your payment
- Expecting EIA to pay regular dental care; since September 1, 2026 EIA pays only emergency dental work, so apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Still being confirmed: Manitoba's tables show combined totals as of July 2026 and do not reflect changes after July 1, 2026. The documents list is a general guide; the official EIA Intake Information Checklist (PDF) was not checked. Your worker confirms your exact amount. Check the official page for the latest details.
Official sources
Last checked against these pages on November 1, 2026.
Related
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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.