Northwest Territories

Extended health benefits – The Government of the Northwest Territories provides assistance to eligible persons in the Northwest Territories with the cost of non-insured medical needs not covered by the Northwest Territories Health Care Plan.

Métis health benefits – The Government of the Northwest Territories sponsors the Métis Health Benefits program to provide eligible Indigenous Métis residents of the Northwest Territories access to a range of benefits not covered by hospital and medical care insurance. For more information, click here.

Medical Travel: Medical Travel services help eligible NWT residents access medical travel through different benefit programs. To be eligible, medical travel must start in the NWT, and the service must not be available in your home community. Also, the medical referral must be to the nearest centre offering the required treatment. For more information, click here.

Income assistance program: This program provides financial support to Northwest Territories residents to help meet basic and enhanced needs. The program encourages and supports greater self-reliance to improve the quality of lives.

Income Assistance for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities : This program provides financial assistance to Northwest Territories (NWT) seniors and persons with disabilities to help meet their basic needs. The program also helps to ensure clients have the opportunity to develop greater financial security so they are able to participate in community activities.

• This is an annual program. Applicants must apply and provide all required documents to be assessed and applications are accepted July 1 of each year, or any time afterwards.
• This program is meant for:
  • NWT residents who are between 19 and 59 with a permanent or long-term disability, or 
  • NWT residents who are seniors (60+); and 
  • Have a need greater than their income

For more information, including on how to apply, click here.

The following are a list of food banks in the NWT, using information on Food Banks Canada. 

• Yellowknife Society of Saint Vincent: 5202 50th Street 
• Salvation Army Yellowknife: 4925 45th street
• Yk Food Bank: 4909 50 St
• Yellowknife Education District #1: 5402 – 50th avenue
• Salvation Army Yellowknife: 2585 Stn Main

Kids with Cancer Society: The Kids with Cancer Society provides unique, vital programs and services free of charge to children and families residing in Northern Alberta and the NWT. They offer programs and activities, including financial and education support. For more information, call 780.496.2459 or email info@kidswithcancer.ca.

Seniors Home heating Subsidy: The senior home heating subsidy assists low-to-modest income seniors in the NWT with their heating costs. Seniors are responsible for heating costs above the subsidy level. This program is for Northerners who: 

• are residents of the NWT 
• are 60 years of age or older
• Own and occupy the home as their primary residence or, if renting, be the lessee of a self-contained unit where heating costs are not included in the rent
• Meet the household income threshold 
• Are not receiving Income Assistance
• Apply each year

For more information, including on how to apply, click here.