Social Assistance Program and Social Solidarity Program

These government programs provide financial assistance to help cover your basic needs (food, housing, clothing, etc.).

The Social Assistance Program is for individuals and families who do not have severe health-related limitations. However, you may have health-related limitations that prevent you from working for a limited period of time.

The Social Solidarity Program is for single individuals or low-income families if the individual or at least one adult in the family has severe health-related limitations.

The Social Assistance Program and the Social Solidarity Program encourage participation in activities that promote employment integration and social participation.

To be eligible, you must meet the following basic criteria.

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

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

The amount of financial assistance granted varies depending on your situation. Check your eligibility using the SimulAide simulator.

You will need to meet with a financial assistance officer, who will determine your eligibility based on your situation and needs. 

Health-related limitations and severe health-related limitations   

Under the Social Assistance Program, health-related limitations are conditions that prevent you from working for a limited period of time. If you have health-related limitations, your benefit amount may increase.

Here are some examples of health-related limitations:

• a broken foot
• depression or anxiety
• pregnancy (20 weeks or more)

If you have severe health-related limitations, you may be eligible for the Social Solidarity Program. These limitations are serious health issues that limit your ability to work. These health issues can affect your physical or mental condition and must be documented by a doctor in a medical report. 

Here are some examples of severe health-related limitations:

• mental health disorders
• intellectual disability
• chronic illnesses
• hearing impairments
• after-effects of an accident
• physical disabilities limiting mobility

The amount you may receive depends on certain factors, such as

• your family situation
• your type of housing
• your income
• any health-related limitations

You can view the Social Assistance Program and  Social Solidarity Program benefit amounts for the current year.

How your family situation affects your benefit amount

The amount you receive depends on whether you are single or in a couple and whether you have children.

A spouse is a person who lives as a couple with another person. A spouse may be one of the following people:

• The person who lives with you and with whom you are married, in a civil union or in a de facto union (for at least 12 months.)
• The person who lives with you and is the parent of at least one of your children.
• An adult with whom you have formed a couple and who has lived with you for at least 12 months.

Find out how to apply for the Social Assistance Program or the Social Solidarity Program.