Manitoba’s Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) program provides crucial financial support to residents who need help meeting their basic needs. Designed to support individuals and families with no other means of income, the EIA program also includes additional benefits aimed at helping recipients achieve self-sufficiency. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore eligibility requirements, payment dates, benefit amounts, and how to apply.
Table of Contents
Eligibility for Manitoba Employment and Income Assistance (EIA)
To qualify for EIA, applicants must demonstrate that their total financial resources, including income and assets, are insufficient to meet their basic needs and shelter costs. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria:
General Assistance
- Must live in Manitoba.
- Be aged 18 to 65.
- Be in financial need.
- Not have a disability.
- Be a single person, a couple without dependents, or a two-parent family without dependents.
Single Parents
Eligibility criteria for single parents include:
- Residing in Manitoba.
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Being 7 to 9 months pregnant or having custody of one or more dependent children.
- Meeting financial and income requirements.
- Being unmarried, divorced, widowed, separated, or having a partner in prison.
Persons With Disabilities
For individuals with disabilities, partial coverage for medical expenses is available. To qualify:
- You must be a Manitoba resident aged 18 or older.
- Have financial needs.
- Possess a medical or physical impairment lasting at least 90 days that impacts your ability to earn an income.
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Excluded Income and Assets
Certain forms of income and assets are not included when assessing eligibility:
- Tax credit refunds.
- Canada Child Benefit payments.
- Manitoba Prenatal Benefit Program benefits.
- Foster home maintenance payments.
- Occasional gifts (up to $100 per person).
- Part of rent paid to you.
- Part of money earned from work.
- Children’s earnings if they are in school.
- Children’s trust funds (up to $40,000).
- Your primary residence, vehicle, or essential property.
- Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs).
- Cash up to $4,000 per person or $16,000 per family.
- Approved Individual Development Accounts.
Included Income and Assets
Income sources that count include:
- Child or spousal support payments.
- Allowances, pensions, and insurance payments.
- Employment income and inheritances.
- Sponsorship payments, interest, dividends, or windfalls.
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EIA Payment Frequency and 2025 Dates
EIA payments are made monthly. The amount you receive depends on your income and family size. Below are the payment dates for 2025:
- January 27
- February 27
- March 27
- April 24
- May 29
- June 26
- July 24
- August 28
- September 25
- October 29
- November 27
- December 19
How to Apply for EIA in Manitoba
Applying for EIA is straightforward:
- Contact EIA:
- Call the toll-free number to book an appointment.
- Visit an EIA office. Winnipeg residents can go to 111 Rorie Street, while those outside Winnipeg can visit their local Regional Social Services office.
- Prepare for Your Appointment:
- At your EIA intake appointment, you’ll be asked about your family situation, housing, income, assets, education, medical issues, and any legal matters.
- Use the EIA Intake Checklist to ensure you have all necessary documents.
- Wait for a Decision:
- Decisions are made quickly. If denied, you can appeal to the Social Services Appeal Board within 30 days.
EIA Payment Amounts
The amount you receive depends on your circumstances and the type of EIA benefits approved. Below are examples of monthly amounts for different family situations:
| Number of Children | Non-Disabled Single Parent | Disabled Adult (1) | Disabled Adult (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $923 | $1,068 | $1,369 |
| 1 (12-17 years) | $1,363 | $1,517 | $1,737 |
| 1 (7-11 years) | $1,325 | $1,477 | $1,698 |
| 1 (0-6 years) | $1,312 | $1,445 | $1,665 |
| 2 (12-17 years) | $1,536 | $1,699 | $1,909 |
| 2 (7-11 years) | $1,461 | $1,620 | $1,829 |
| 2 (0-6 years) | $1,423 | $1,555 | $1,765 |
55 Plus Benefit for Seniors
For Manitoba residents aged 55 and older, the 55 Plus Benefit provides quarterly payments to low-income seniors:
- $161.80 quarterly for single individuals.
- $173.90 quarterly for married or common-law couples.
Final Thoughts
The Manitoba EIA program is a lifeline for residents in financial need. Whether you require help covering rent, basic needs, or medical costs, EIA offers support tailored to your situation. By understanding the eligibility criteria, payment schedules, and application process, you can access the assistance you need to improve your financial stability.