Stop Reducing Benefits for Unhoused People

Summary#

• This bill would change Nova Scotia’s income assistance rules so that people without housing do not get a lower payment just because they are not paying rent.

• It makes clear the government must follow this rule, and sets a start date of January 1, 2026.

• Key changes:

  • Income assistance cannot be reduced only because a person is living in a shelter, tent, car, with friends, or anywhere else without paying for lodging.
  • The rule applies to both people applying for help and people already on assistance.
  • The government must fund the change through the regular provincial budget.
  • Takes effect January 1, 2026.

What it means for you#

• Unhoused people (in shelters, outside, couch-surfing)

  • You would not lose part of your income assistance just because you are not paying rent.
  • You could receive the full rate you qualify for under the program’s rules.
  • You would not need a lease or rent receipt to avoid a cut for this reason.

• Current income assistance recipients

  • If your payment is now lower because you are not renting, that reduction should end starting January 1, 2026.
  • Other eligibility rules still apply (for example, income and assets rules under the program).

• People applying for income assistance

  • You could apply and receive the full amount you qualify for even if you do not have a fixed address or are not paying rent.

• Community shelters and service providers

  • Clients may have more personal funds for daily needs, which could ease some pressure on emergency services.
  • Staff may spend less time on paperwork tied to proving housing status.

• Taxpayers and residents

  • Provincial spending on income assistance could rise because more people would receive full payments even when not renting.
  • The change depends on the Legislature setting aside money for it in the provincial budget.

Expenses#

• No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• It treats people fairly by not cutting support just because they are unhoused.
• It helps people cover basics like food, transport, and phone service, which can be hard to manage without steady funds.
• It can make it easier to secure housing by allowing people to save for deposits or first month’s rent.
• It reduces red tape and stops payment swings when people move between shelters, friends’ places, or the street.
• It aligns government practice with the goal of reducing homelessness and supporting dignity.

Opponents' View#

• It could increase program costs and put pressure on the provincial budget.
• Paying the same amount when no rent is due may seem inefficient or open to misuse, since there is less direct link to housing costs.
• Some worry it could reduce the incentive to find permanent housing.
• It may feel unfair to low‑income renters who must pay high rents while others receive similar amounts without rent costs.