DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Website: www.gnb.ca/socialdevelopment

Sartain MacDonald Building
551 King Street
PO Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
Find this location on Google Maps
Telephone: (506) 453-2001
Fax: (506) 453-2164
After Hours Emergency: (800) 442-9799

Numbers to be used for clients wishing to obtain other information on any of the programs offered by the Department of Social Development:

1-833-SDDStel (733-7835)

Health Services

There is no cost to eligible clients for entitled services.

These programs are available to:

  • Clients of this department and their dependents
  • Individuals who have special health needs and who qualify for assisted health care under Section 4.4 of the Family Income Security Act and Regulations

Additional benefit-specific eligibility criteria may apply.

Convalescent/Rehabilitation Program
This program assists clients of this department with the provision and maintenance of specific convalescent and rehabilitation items and services which are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans.

Hearing Aid Program
This program assists clients of this department with coverage for the purchase and maintenance of hearing aids services which are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans.

Hearing Aids are payable once every 5 years. Repairs are eligible as required once the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Ear molds are paid once a year for adults and twice a year for children

Orthopedic Program
This program assists clients of this department with the coverage of orthopedic items which are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans. Most items are eligible once every 2 years for adults and once a year for children. Modifications and repairs are paid as required but quantities and frequencies are monitored.

Prosthetic Program
This program assists clients of this department with coverage for specific prosthetic services that are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans. Prosthetic limbs are payable once every 5 years. Artificial larynxes and artificial eyes are eligible every 3 years. Breast prostheses and bras are eligible once every 2 years. Modifications and repairs are considered as required

Wheelchair/Seating Program
This program assists clients of this department with coverage for specific wheelchair and seating related benefits which are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans.
Equipment may be provided from the Recycling Program, or provided new, when recycled equipment is not available.

Wheelchairs are considered once every 5 years. Seating and accessories are eligible every 2 years. Repairs and modifications can be considered as required.

Vision Program
This program assists clients of this department who are over the age of 19 with coverage for specific vision benefits which are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans. Vision services are negotiated with the New Brunswick Association of Optometrists and the New Brunswick Guild of Dispensing Opticians.

Adults (19 and Over) are eligible once every 2 years.

There is a 30 percent participation fee on dispensing services, frames and some diagnostic services. Once a treatment plan has been determined, the optical professional will advise of the amount payable. The participation fee is paid directly to the optical professional and may be required before services are provided.

The department cannot reimburse a client for any vision services paid for by the client.

Dental Program
This program assists clients of this department who are over the age of 19 with coverage for specific dental benefits that are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans. Benefits are negotiated with the New Brunswick Dental Society and the New Brunswick Denturists Society.

This program is only available to clients who have no other dental coverage.

Note: Coverage for children 18 years of age and under now falls under the Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision Program administered by Medavie Blue Cross effective September 1, 2012.

Clients are eligible for a maximum of $1000 per year, excluding emergency and prosthetic services.

Clients will be charged a 30 per cent participation fee for dentures and denture repairs. Once a treatment plan has been determined the dental professional will advise of the amount payable. The participation fee is paid directly to the dental professional and may be required before dental services are provided.

With the exception of certain types of fillings, there is no cost to eligible clients for (all) other dental services.

This program cannot reimburse you for any dental services you pay for yourself.

Enhanced Dental Program
Assists eligible clients of this department with additional coverage for specific dental services which are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans. These services are negotiated with the New Brunswick Dental Society.

To be eligible, clients of this department must be:

  • Between the ages of 20 and 63,
  • Participating in Career Development Options programming,
  • In need of additional treatment to support employment or educational goals

Clients are eligible for a maximum of $1000 per year, excluding emergency treatment and prosthetic services.

Clients are eligible for this program for one year with the option to renew annually for a maximum of three years. Time restrictions for services covered under the regular Dental Program would also apply.

Adults will be charged a 30% participation fee for services covered under this program. Once a treatment plan has been determined, the dental professional can advise of the amount payable. The participation fee will be paid directly to the dental professional and may be required before any denture related services are provided.

Therapeutic Nutrients Program
This program assists clients of this department with coverage for feeding supplies and formulas which are not covered by NB Medicare or private health insurance plans.

Eligible services are paid monthly but quantities and frequencies are monitored. There is no cost to eligible clients for entitled hyperalimentation supplies. However, if you obtain services that you are not eligible for, you may be required to reimburse the department for the amount paid on your behalf.

Out of Province Medical Program
This program assists clients with coverage for the balance of the cost of eligible medical or hospital services that were received outside of New Brunswick that were not completely covered by Medicare or a private health insurance plan.

Requests will be assessed on an individual basis when they occur.

There is no cost to eligible clients for approved out of province services.

Oxygen & Breathing Aids Program
This program assists clients of this department with coverage of respiratory equipment and supplies which are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance.

The period of eligibility for purchased equipment varies.

Eligible supplies and rentals may be (services are) paid monthly but quantities and frequencies are monitored. There is no cost to eligible clients for entitled oxygen and breathing aid services and equipment.

Ostomy / Incontinence Program
This program assists clients of this department with coverage for ostomy, catheterization and incontinence supplies which are not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans.

Eligible services are paid monthly but quantities and frequencies are monitored. There is no cost to eligible clients for entitled ostomy, catheterization or incontinence supplies

Family Supports for Children with Disabilities
Website: www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.10195.html

Family Supports for Children with Disabilities is a voluntary program that provides social work support and financial resources to families to assist with the care and support required to meet the special developmental needs of their child with disability. Services are intended to strengthen families and support parents in caring for their children.

Eligibility for the program looks beyond the child’s disability to examine all relevant factors that affect the child’s ability to participate in society.

In order to be eligible for the program, a family must have identified unmet needs as a result of raising a child with a disability. The child with a disability must:

  • have a severe disability that is life long and significantly limits a child’s ability to function in normal daily living. This includes children with medically complex conditions, physical disabilities, and/or intellectual impairment who may or may not have behavioral and/or emotional difficulties.
  • have a letter of support from a professional that is a member of a licensing body that speaks to the child’s limited ability to function in normal daily living. (For the purpose of this program, examples of professional who may verify a child’s limited ability to function in normal daily living include: physician/surgeon/nurse practitioner, optometrist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, school psychologist, and/or speech language pathologist and social worker.)
  • be a resident of New Brunswick for the past three months.
  • have a valid New Brunswick Medicare card
  • be under 19 years of age.

A parent/guardian must:

  • be a resident of New Brunswick for the past three months with valid Medicare cards.
  • participate in an assessment of strengths and unmet needs to determine case plan including providing the documentation and additional family information and sign all related forms required.
  • financially participate in the case plan based on the Family Financial Contribution toward Services Scale, when applicable.

To apply for the program, a parent or guardian contacts the local office of the Department of Social Development.

A family who meets the pre-assessment qualifications will be contacted by a social worker to make arrangements to complete the application process. The application process includes providing information about the child and family’s strengths and unmet needs and the names of professionals or organizations providing services to the child and family. Information about family income will also be gathered to determine the amount of family financial contribution towards services, if any.

A case plan is developed based on an assessment of the child’s developmental needs, the child and family’s strengths and unmet needs. Service options provided to eligible families depend on the assessed unmet needs of the child and family and the resources available. Examples of service options include relief care reimbursement, supplementary child care for children over the age of 12, assistance with medical transportation, medical and rehabilitation equipment. Enhanced service options will be available for families raising children with disabilities with a high level of assessed unmet needs. These families may receive support to participate in specialized or intensive interventions, parent training or other applicable education programs for families raising children with disabilities.

The Family Supports for Children with Disabilities program has a two-pronged service delivery model which allows families to self-manage their case plan or request the support of a social worker. Families who opt for the self-managed model will initially meet with Social Development to determine their strengths and unmet needs to develop a case plan. The family would manage the services to address their needs themselves thereafter. Families who request the ongoing support of a social worker will meet with the social worker to determine their strengths and needs to develop a case plan and in addition receive regular contact, advocacy and support from the social worker.

Family-centered meetings are available to families involved in the program to provide the opportunity for family members and professionals to come together to identify key case plan objectives and priorities. Supports and services provided in both service delivery models are reviewed on an annual basis.

Disability Support Program

Disability Support Program Website

Provides personalized, flexible disability supports for persons with disabilities in the development of their personal disability support plans. It allows for the provision of independent facilitation and the use of person centered approaches to planning and designing disability supports.

You may qualify for this program if:

  • You are a resident of New Brunswick
  • You are 19 to 64 years of age
  • You have a long term disability (this does not include a medical condition that does not result in long term disability or services required to address drug, alcohol, nicotine or gambling addictions).
  • You require disability related supports in order to address unmet needs and to establish or maintain your living arrangement in the community, to assist or enhance the capacity of your natural support networks to provide supportin the community, or to help you participate in the community, thereby helping to avoid long-term inactivity and stress on yourself or your caregivers.
  • You require disability related supports in order to address unmet needs and to assist or enhance the capacity of your natural support networks to help you personally or to help you participate in the community.

Disability supports that might be provided under this program include:

  • Home Support Worker
  • Respite
  • Personal supports and assistance within and outside the home
  • Supports for community involvement and participation
  • Personal living skills training
  • Transportation supports that are disability specific
  • Technical supports and assistive devices not covered under other programs
  • Residential facility services

Some supports and services are currently provided under other government programs and will not be provided or funded under this program such as:

  • Addiction services
  • Vehicle retrofitting
  • Major home adaptations or subsidized housing
  • Mental health services
  • Employment services (except if provided through ADAPT agencies)
  • Child care services
  • Income support
  • Medical services or prescription drugs
  • Residential facility services

There are 3 main ways the application and information gathering process can be completed

  • by yourself or with help from your family or friends,
  • with help from staff of this department, Mental Health
  • with help from an independent facilitator

A financial assessment to determine your contribution towards the cost of approved disability supports will be completed. Your income will be considered in determining your financial contribution. There is no cost for the general facilitation services. If you do not agree with the decisions made by the department staff concerning your eligibility, financial contribution or your support plan, you may request an Administrative Review.

Housing, Disability Supports and Residential Services

Website: Housing – Social Development (gnb.ca)

Housing Assistance for Persons with Disabilities

Programs are offered by this department and provide financial assistance for:

  • Homeowners with total household income at or below the applicable Housing Income Limit undertaking accessibility work to modify a dwelling occupied or intended to be occupied by persons with disabilities.
  • Homeowners modifying their property to create a secondary/garden suite for adult persons with disabilities.
  • Landlords undertaking accessibility work to modify rental properties with self-contained units having rents that are acceptable to this department and occupied or intended to be occupied by tenants with disabilities with income at or below the applicable Housing Income Limits.
  • Landlords undertaking accessibility work to modify rooming houses with bed unit rents acceptable to this department and occupied or intended to be occupied by tenants with disabilities.

Any individual who is restricted or lacks the ability (resulting from an impairment) to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal may be eligible.
Other Conditions:

  • Modifications to existing dwellings must be housing related and/or provide access to permanently install, basic facilities within the dwelling.
  • All work shall conform to the requirements of the most current National Building Code.

Eligible Properties:

  • Any residential property where: work will be undertaken to improve accessibility for a disabled occupant/tenant.
  • Secondary/garden suites can only be created on existing family housing residential properties. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that the property can feasibly be converted to include a secondary or garden suite which will meet this department’s requirements. Units created shall be modest in size and amenities.
  • Additions to existing dwellings may also be eligible as long as they meet this department’s requirements.
  • Only properties that meet acceptable standards of health and safety are
    eligible.

For homeowners in need of disabled accessible modifications assistance is in the form of a forgivable loan up to a maximum of $10,000. Additional assistance may be available in the form of a repayable loan based on a household’s ability to repay.

Landlords are eligible for a forgivable loan for disabled modifications to a maximum of $10,000.

The maximum forgivable loan for the creation of a secondary/garden suite or an extension to an existing dwelling is $24,000. The applicant is required to produce equity or provide proof of other sources of financing to cover the cost of creating a secondary/garden suite or an extension which exceed the maximum forgivable loan available.

The housing response to an applicant’s particular situation is based on the needs of the applicant(s) and the most cost effective solution to address his/her current housing situation.

Rental Assistance Programs

Public Housing
This program provides subsidized rental accommodation for families and senior citizens who, because of low income experience difficulty in obtaining adequate and affordable housing in the private sector.

Accommodations are provided to low income households whose income is below the established income ceilings which are based on both the household size and whether the units are located in rural or urban areas.

Tenants qualifying for assistance through this program will have their rents reduced to 30% of the adjusted household income.

Rent Supplement Assistance Program
Provides assistance to households in need so that they may obtain affordable, adequate and suitable rental accommodation by subsidizing rents in eligible rental dwellings.

To be eligible for assistance a household must first be in at least one of the following situations:

  • They occupy a crowded or inadequate dwelling and they currently pay less than 30% of their income for shelter, but basic shelter costs for an adequate and suitable dwelling available in their market would consume 30% or more of their income.
  • They pay 30% or more of their income for shelter and an adequate and suitable dwelling available in their market area would consume 30% or more of their income.
  • They have a need for special purpose accommodation.

In addition, where the household does not have a special purpose housing need, the total household income must be at or below the Housing Income Limit which vary by household size and area of the province.

Tenants qualifying for assistance through this program will have their rents reduced to 30% of the adjusted household income (for rent, heat, hot water, fridge & stove). Landlords will receive the difference between the rent paid by the tenant and the agreed upon market rent. To make this assistance available, this department and the owner sign an agreement, designating a number of housing units to be subsidized (agreements can be renewed). All units selected will comply with property standards acceptable to this department. Annually, during the tenure of the agreement market rents may be adjusted upward to reflect any increase in market rents for similar accommodations in the area. The department selects households in need to be occupants of the units. Other than for the payment of the supplement by this department the full normal relationship between landlord and tenant will exist between the owner and the eligible tenant(s).

Non-Profit Housing Program

This program provides assistance to private non-profit organizations, including cooperative groups, to assist households who are in need to obtain affordable, adequate and suitable rental accommodations.

Eligibility is determined by the criteria established by the individual non- profit/cooperative agreements.

Not all units are subsidized; however, subsidized rental accommodations are available in some locations to low income rental household tenants qualify for assistance through the individual Non-Profit group or cooperative.

Rural and Native/Basic Shelter Rental Program

Assists households in need obtain affordable, adequate and suitable rental housing in rural communities.

Assists eligible off-reserve native and non-native households to obtain affordable, adequate and suitable housing in rural communities with a population of less than 2,500 residents.

Subsidized rental accommodations are provided to low income rental households whose income is below the established “income ceilings” which vary by household size and by areas within the province.

Tenants qualifying for assistance through the Rural and Native/Basic Shelter Rental Program will have their rents reduced to 30% of the adjusted household income.

Rental Construction, Acquisition and Repair Programs

Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program

Provides financial assistance to owners / landlords for mandatory repairs to self- contained units that are substandard and rented to low income households.

A property is eligible if it meets the following requirements:

  • It is owned by a private entrepreneur, or by a non-profit corporation or housing co-operative that is not receiving any government housing assistance.
  • It contains one or more self-contained units, rented or intended to be rented to occupants with incomes below the established “income ceilings” set by the Province (this Department) and Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC).
  • The post – RRAP rent charge will be at or below levels established by this Department and CMHC.

The property is at least five years old and lacks basic facilities or requires major repair in one of the following areas:

  • structural
  • fire safety
  • heating
  • plumbing
  • electrical

The amount you may receive is based on the cost of mandatory repairs and the number of eligible self-contained units in the project. The assistance is in the form of a forgivable loan. The maximum amount you may receive for each self-contained unit is $24,000. With the exception of non-profit organizations owners must contribute 25% of the total cost of mandatory repairs. All approved applicants must enter into a rental agreement to ensure that rents remain affordable to low-income occupants during the earning period of the loan.

If mandatory repairs cost more than the maximum amount available, you must provide the difference. All mandatory health and safety repairs must be completed.

Rooming House Rehabilitation Assistance Program

Provides financial assistance to owners/landlords for mandatory repairs to rooming houses with bed units that are affordable to low income occupants.

A property is eligible if it meets the following requirements:

  • it is owned by a private entrepreneur or a non-profit corporation or a housing co-operative that is not receiving any government assistance;
  • it is a rooming house or hostel containing more than three bed units which are rented to people not related to the owner;
  • it is intended to serve as permanent accommodation;
  • rents charged will be at or below levels established by the Province (this Departments) and Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC);
  • the property is at least five years old and lacks basic facilities or requires major repair in one of the following areas:
    • structural
    • fire safety
    • heating
    • plumbing
    • electrical

Properties which do not operate as a bonafied rental property are not eligible for rooming house RRAP funding (i.e. nursing homes, care facilities, special purpose housing).

The amount you may receive is based on the cost of the mandatory repairs and the number of eligible beds in your rooming house or hostel. The assistance is in the form of a forgivable loan. The maximum amount you may receive for each bed unit is $16,000. With the exception of non-profit organizations owners must contribute 25% of the total cost of mandatory repairs. All approved applicants must enter into a rental agreement to ensure that rents remain affordable to low-income occupants during the earning period of the loan.

If mandatory repairs cost more than the maximum amount available, you must provide the difference. All mandatory health and safety repairs must be completed.

Rental Conversion Program

Provides financial assistance to owners/landlords to convert non-residential properties into affordable self-contained rental housing units and/or bed-units to be occupied by low income households.

A property is eligible if it meets the following requirements:

  • Properties owned by private entrepreneurs, non-profit corporations, co- operatives or Municipalities who wish to convert non-residential properties into bona fide affordable permanent rental accommodations are eligible. A legitimate landlord tenant relationship must exist.
  • The newly converted property will have to contain more than 3 bed units or one or more self-contained units to be rented to occupants with incomes at or below the applicable income threshold.
  • The post-RRAP rent charge will be at or below levels established by this Department. The project must be financially viable based upon the agreed upon post-RRAP rents.

Properties which do not operate as bona fide rental enterprises are not eligible for RRAP conversion assistance (i.e. nursing homes, care facilities, special purpose housing).

The amount you may receive is based on the cost of eligible work and the number of eligible units within the project. The assistance is in the form of a forgivable loan. The maximum amount you may receive for each self-contained unit is $24,000. The maximum forgivable loan per bed unit is $16,000. With the exception of non-profit organizations, owners must contribute 25% of the total mandatory repairs. All approved applicants must enter into a rental agreement to ensure that rents remain affordable to low-income occupants during the earning period of the loan.

If mandatory repairs cost more than the maximum amount available, you must provide the difference. All mandatory health and safety repairs must be completed.

Shelter Enhancement Program

Provides financial assistance:

  • To repair/rehabilitate emergency shelters and second stage housing for victims of family violence to an acceptable standard of health, safety and security for occupants and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
  • To increase the number of emergency shelters and second stage housing units available to women and children or youth who are victims of family violence.

Non-profit corporations or charities which have the operation of housing for abused women and their children as a principal objective.

Assistance is in the form of a forgivable loan and is based on the cost of the Eligible Work. The maximum forgivable loan per unit is $24,000.

Assistance for a new project is in the form of a fully forgivable loan. Eligible sponsor groups may receive funding for up to 100% of the project capital costs.

Emergency Shelters or Second Stage housing projects in need of renovations must be substandard or deficient and require major repair or be lacking in basic facilities in at least one of the following categories:

  • Structural
  • Plumbing
  • Heating
  • Building security
  • Electrical
  • Accessibility
  • Fire safety
  • Children’s area

All mandatory repairs necessary to bring the property up to minimum levels of health and safety must be completed.

Eligible new project costs may include: Land acquisition; Municipal servicing; Landscaping; Construction, Acquisition and rehabilitation, or conversion; Hard furnishing; Soft costs; and Appropriate building security provisions.

Affordable Housing Program

Provides assistance to private entrepreneurs, private non-profit corporations (includes off-reserve native population), and co-operatives for the construction, acquisition & rehabilitation, conversion and operation of rental housing projects.

A development proposal is eligible if it meets the following requirements:

  • Eligible projects must create basic affordable rental units that would rent at or below the average market housing rents or prices for comparable housing in a community or area.
  • Projects may be developed through new construction, the purchase of existing housing with or without subsequent rehabilitation and the conversion of existing buildings.
  • Eligible tenants include families, seniors, non-elderly singles, disabled households, persons with special needs. Supportive housing programs may also be used to assist vulnerable seniors and adults to help them maintain or resume independent living it their own home.
  • All new construction projects must conform to current design & building standards. Existing buildings must conform to acceptable standards, as determined by this department.
  • Private non-profit organizations must incorporate under provincial or federal legislation.

A proposal is to contain the following specific information:

  • information on sponsoring group
  • development plans
  • target group
  • site selection consideration
  • concept proposal
  • additional cost effectiveness considerations
  • development schedule

Assistance is in the form of a forgivable loan and is based on the cost of eligible work and the number of eligible self-contained units or bed units within a project. The maximum forgivable contribution for projects sponsored by non-profit groups is $40,000 per unit and may include 100% of the units within a project. Private entrepreneurs are eligible for a maximum forgivable contribution of $40,000 per unit, limited to no more than 50% of the total units within a project. Borrowers will enter into a Mortgage Agreement with this department to ensure that units remain affordable to low and moderate income households.

Interest free personal development funding loans are provided to assist eligible non-profit & co-operative sponsors of projects to carry out the activities required to develop a project proposal to the point where a commitment of assistance can be made.

Where situations warrant rental subsidies (Rent Supplements) may be provided to ensure units are affordable to low-income households. Tenants qualifying for assistance through the Rent Supplement Program will have their rents reduced to 30% of the adjusted household income. Landlords will receive the difference between the rent paid by the tenant and the market rent agreed to under a rental agreement.

Home Repair, Completion and Purchase Programs

Home Ownership Program

Provides financial assistance to low and modest income families to help them buy or build a modest first home.

Families or individuals with total household incomes below $40,000, and who can obtain private financing such that when combined with our funding would result in the total acquisition/construction of the unit.

You must also:

  • Be a first-time home owner or be living in a substandard housing unit.
  • Be a resident of New Brunswick and have been living here for at least one year.
  • Have a good credit rating and meet all financial institution lending requirements for obtaining a first mortgage. Applicants are not required to have a down-payment.
  • Any type of modest housing which qualifies for a 25-year conventional mortgage, or a 20-year mortgage in the case of a manufactured home, may be eligible.

If purchasing an existing unit:

  • The department will provide assistance in the form of a repayable loan for 40% of the purchase price of the unit.
  • Eligible applicants must meet all lending requirements of their financial institution (bank, credit union, caisse populaire, trust company).

If building a house:

  • The department will provide basic assistance in the form of a repayable loan to a maximum of $75,000. The Department’s financial contribution is not to exceed 50% of the total house costs. The applicant would have to provide proof of private financing of a sufficient amount that when combined with our assistance would ensure completion of the house.
  • The Total Debt Service Ratio for new construction loans should not exceed 42%.
  • Whether you are purchasing or building a house, the loan will be repaid at 0% interest for those households with incomes less than $30,000. For each $1,000 of adjusted income above $30,000, the interest rate will increase by 0.5% until it equals the provincial borrowing rate.
  • Loans will be amortized over a period not to exceed 25 years, and will be subject to terms of one year.

Federal/Provincial Repair Program

Provides financial assistance for:

  • Low income homeowners occupying existing substandard housing to repair, rehabilitate or improve their dwellings to a minimum level of health and safety.
  • Modifications to low income homeowner and rental units to improve the accessibility of the dwelling for disabled occupants.
  • Adaptations for low income seniors who have difficulty with daily living activities in the home.
  • Provides assistance for limited modifications to eligible households to accommodate an aging parent.

To qualify:

  • the household income must be below the established “housing income limits” which vary by household size and by geographical areas within the province.
  • you must own the home and live in it
  • your home must require major repairs or lack basic facilities.
  • modifications are required for people with disabilities must be housing related and/or provide access to permanently installed, basic facilities within the dwelling.
  • adaptations required for seniors must facilitate and prolong independent living (i.e. using the kitchen & getting around hallways)

For homeowners in need of major repairs and or disabled accessible modifications assistance is in the form of a loan a portion of which may not have to be repaid. The maximum forgivable loan per housing unit is $10,000 for regular repairs and $10,000 for disabled accessible items. The amount of forgivable loan is based upon a sliding income scale and the amount of required repairs. The loan amount is at the provincial borrowing interest rate and can be repaid over a period of up to 15 years.

Homeowner households may be eligible for a forgivable loan for both disabled accessible modifications and other major repair items (i.e. structural, electrical) to a maximum of $20,000.

Seniors are eligible for a forgivable loan for minor adaptations to facilitate independent living to a maximum of $3,500.

Landlords are eligible for a forgivable loan for disabled modifications to a maximum of $10,000.

Home Completion Loan Program

Provides financial assistance to low and modest income families to help them complete their partially constructed homes.

Families or individuals with total household incomes below $40,000, and who are occupying or will be occupying a partially finished home requiring at least one major repair item.

You must also be a resident of New Brunswick, and have been living there for at least one year.

The department will provide financial assistance in the form of a repayable loan, sufficient to complete the home, to a maximum allowable amount of $40,000. The loan will be repaid at an interest rate of 0% for those households with an adjusted income less than $30,000. For each $1,000 of adjusted income above $30,000, the interest rate will increase by one half of 1% until it reaches the provincial borrowing rate.

Loans will be amortized over a period not to exceed 25 years and will be subject to terms of one year.

The Total Debt Service Ratio of the household including the Home Completion Loan must not exceed 42%.

Nursing Home Services

Nursing home services are intended for individuals who are medically stable and who need nursing care. Services in nursing homes emphasize the resident’s physical, social and psychological independence. These services include resident care, resident support, plant and maintenance and general administration. Nursing homes are staff with registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, resident attendants, and dieticians, personnel in laundry, kitchen, activation, maintenance and administration.

This department must approve all admissions to nursing homes. Staff from the department will determine a person’s eligibility by looking at their long term health care and social needs. Going into a nursing home is voluntary. If a person can afford to pay their nursing home costs, they must do so. If a person feels they cannot afford the costs, they can apply to this department for a subsidy.

There are 64 licensed nursing homes in the province’s eight regions with 4427 beds. Most nursing homes are independently owned by a board of directors and are formed under the provinces Companies Act, as non-profit organizations.

The Nursing Home Services Branch of this department is responsible for the Nursing Home Program, with actual nursing home services being provided through licensed nursing homes.

Nursing homes are inspected on a regular basis.

All nursing home residents are entitled to receive medications approved under the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program at no cost. Residents in receipt of provincial assistance from this department are entitled to retain a personal comfort and clothing allowance. The comfort and clothing allowance covers expenses associated with personal items, clothing, medication not covered by the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program and over the counter medications not routinely supplied by the nursing home. Residents who are subsidized are also entitled to a health card providing such benefits as eye glasses, hearing aid and other specific health supplies and are eligible to access the HST rebate.

For a complete listing of Licensed Nursing Homes in New Brunswick, go to Licensed Nursing Homes in New Brunswick website.

For information on a Special Care Home in your region, visit the Special Care Home website or call your regional office of Social Development.

Special Care Homes and Community Residences Licenses

Community Placement Residential Facilities, including Special Care Homes and Community Residences, are approved under The Family Services Act to provide care and supervision to individuals in need of special assistance. The Minister shall approve residential facilities that meet the criteria and standards prescribed by the Minister or by regulations.

The Minister shall issue a certificate of approval to applicants who want to operate a residential facility where:

  • an application has been received;
  • a need for such a service exist;
  • the appropriate fees have been paid;
  • the district medical health officer has given a written statement of compliance with general health standards;
  • an officer appointed under the Fire Prevention Act has given a written statement indicating that the residential facility meets fire prevention standards and building standards;
  • a criminal record check and a check with this Department have been conducted on all staff; and
  • the Minister is satisfied that the residential facility complies with all other standards and criteria prescribed by the regulations and by the Minister.

Approvals are only granted for a period of up to a year therefore operators need to re-apply annually.

A person who wishes to operate a residential facility may apply for an approval by contacting this Department.

Career Development Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

Visit the website

Provides career development opportunities to support New Brunswickers with disabilities who are receiving social assistance, achieve their goals.

Career development services are offered to all clients with disabilities receiving social assistance that have potential for employment.

If you are not receiving help with employment or career planning, ask your case manager to refer you to a career development case manager.

A Career Development Opportunities case manager can help:

  • set possible goals
  • develop a personal plan
  • answer questions or concerns relating to training or employment
  • refer you to available services and programs

Family Income Security Appeal Board

Visit the website

PO Box 1795, Station Main
Moncton, NB E1C 9X6
Telephone: (506) 856-3478
Fax: (506) 856-2676
E-mail: shauna.leblanc@gnb.ca

This department makes hundreds of decisions every day. If you disagree with a decision made about your case, you can appeal.

You have the right to appeal if:

  • the department is taking too long to make a decision about your assistance,
  • your request for assistance was turned down,
  • some or all of your assistance was stopped, or
  • you have not been granted enough assistance for your needs.

The Appeal Board permits clients to seek an independent review of a departmental decision. It is a quasi-judicial, independent tribunal, based on Administrative Law of Natural Justice. The Appeal Board is established under the Family Income Security Act and Regulations.

There are two steps to follow if you wish to appeal:

1. Request for Review

Ask an employee of the department for a Request for Review form. You have 30 working days to fill out the form and send it to the local regional office of this department.

An area reviewer who is knowledgeable about the Family Income Security Act and Regulations will review your case.

Within 15 working days of receiving your request, the area reviewer will make a decision on your case and send you a letter letting you know the outcome.

The area reviewer may decide in your favour and overturn the department’s decision, or agree with the original decision and turn down your request. The area reviewer’s decision is based on the information you have provided and the Family Income Security Act and Regulations.

2. Request for Appeal

If you are unhappy with the area reviewer’s decision, you can have the Board hold a hearing to review your case.

The Appeal Board is separate from the department. Its members are people from your community who do not work for the department. Their job is to provide applicants and clients with an independent review of a departmental decision.

You will receive a Request for Appeal form if the area reviewer turns down your request. You have 20 working days to fill out this form and send it to the address on the form. The Board will send you a Notice of Hearing letter that will tell you the date, time and place of your appeal.

Back to top