Emergency budgeting while receiving social assistance

If your income comes from social assistance, NovaCash's published criteria exclude you from its loan offer. An urgent expense does not change that rule. The useful next step is to look for help with the expense, payment arrangements and any support available through your benefits program.

When money is short, it can be difficult to decide which call to make first. A short list of essential needs and deadlines can make the situation easier to explain and help a service provider direct you to the right resource.

Start with essentials and deadlines

List the food, housing, medication, utilities and necessary transport you need to cover before your next expected deposit. For each unpaid bill, note the amount, due date and any notice you have received. Distinguish an approaching deadline from an expense that can safely wait.

Use confirmed deposit information. If a benefit is missing or different from what you expected, check your government account or contact the program. Avoid committing money based on a payment you have not confirmed.

Ask about arrangements for urgent bills

Contact the provider using the details on your bill. Explain what you can pay now and when you expect your next deposit. Ask whether extra time or a payment arrangement is available, what it would cost and what happens to the service while the request is considered.

• Have the account number and latest bill ready.
• State the amount you can manage after essential living costs.
• Ask for the proposed dates and conditions in writing.
• Keep a record of the conversation and any follow-up required.

Do not assume a request has been accepted until the provider confirms it. If the proposed arrangement would leave you unable to buy food or medication, explain that before agreeing.

Check the help available through your program

Quebec's Social Assistance and Social Solidarity information is the primary source for program conditions and how to contact the government. Describe the particular expense and ask whether any assistance applies to your circumstances.

Prepare the bill, estimate or notice if you have one, and ask what information is needed. Do not assume every emergency is covered. Confirm any conditions, decision steps and payment timing directly with the program before relying on support.

Find community help without taking on debt

211 connects people with community and social services, including resources related to food and housing. Give your municipality and explain the immediate need so you can look for services in the right area. Ask the organization about its eligibility conditions, appointments, service area and what to bring.

For several overdue debts, the FCAC guide to choosing a credit counsellor explains what to ask about services and costs. You can seek help understanding the budget before deciding whether any debt arrangement is suitable.

Understand the income exclusion

NovaCash also excludes self-employment and income from child tax credits, student loans and retirement savings plans. A pension is not automatically the same as retirement savings. Income labels in an application form do not establish eligibility or create an exception for a household receiving several types of income.

If you need clarification of NovaCash's policy, call (877) 431-4134. This is not a suggestion to apply using a different income label. For the immediate emergency, concentrate on the provider, government program or community organization that can address the expense directly.