Applying for Last-Resort Financial Assistance

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for last-resort financial assistance under the Social Assistance Program or the Social Solidarity Program.

Certain eligibility requirements must be met to receive financial assistance from the Social Assistance Program or the Social Solidarity Program.

The amount of financial assistance granted varies depending on your situation.

Basic eligibility criteria 

Requirements if you are 18 or older:

• show that your resources (money, assets, earnings, benefits and income) are equal to or less than the maximum amounts set by regulation
• reside in Québec

Requirements if you are under 18:

• show that your resources (money, assets, earnings, benefits and income) are equal to or less than the maximum amounts set by regulation
• reside in Québec
• be married, have been previously married or have a dependent child

You can use the SimulAide tool to check your eligibility for last-resort financial assistance. 

Information and documents required 

You must provide the necessary information and documents to allow us to

• determine your eligibility for a program
• determine the financial assistance to which you may be entitled
• verify whether the parental contribution applies in your situation

If you declare false information, the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale may deny your application. If your application is denied, you will be notified in writing.

Visit the Rights, Recourse and Obligations page to learn more. 

Change in your family or financial situation while your application is being processed

You must inform us of any changes in your personal situation (birth, separation, new job, etc.). Failure to do so may affect your eligibility and the amount of financial assistance you receive.

To apply for financial assistance, you must fill out the required forms.

Depending on your situation, additional forms or documents may be required.

Access the forms

You can apply in any of the following ways:

• In person
• Online (using a web form or My Account)
• By mail

Applying in person

To apply in person, visit a Services Québec office with the completed forms. You will need to present a government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence, health insurance card, passport, etc.).

Use the Locator — Services Québec office to find the one closest to you. Under “Select the service you are looking for,” select “Social assistance”.

Applying online or by mail

If you are submitting your forms online or by mail, you may need to visit a Services Québec office once they have been received. Your presence may be required to verify your identity. The Ministère will contact you if you need to come in person. 

While your application is being processed, a financial assistance officer may contact you to request additional documents or to clarify certain details.

Your application will be processed once all required documents have been received.

If you are eligible for benefits, they will be calculated starting from the day the appropriate office receives your forms.

You will receive a notice of decision by mail within five business days after we receive all the documents necessary to assess your application. You can also view the notice of decision in your online account.

If your application is approved, the notice will indicate the amount of the benefit granted. If your application is denied, the notice will explain the reasons why. 

If you disagree with a decision, you can submit an application for review.