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With Nova Scotia having one of the highest inflation rates in the country, the provincial government deems it fit to help poor Nova Scotians.

The Poverty Reduction Credit (PRC) was launched in 2010 alongside the Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit (ALTC) to help low-income Nova Scotians.

This income-tested credit is paid quarterly to the eligible recipients of the Nova Scotia Income Assistance program.

The credit is administered through cheque or direct deposit depending on the preference of the recipient. 

It’s worth noting PRC payments are released on the same date for cheque and direct deposit recipients. 

However, those that set up direct deposit usually receive the benefits faster than those that receive the payments through cheques.

Continue reading to learn about the Nova Scotia Poverty Cheque dates for 2024 credit amounts, eligibility and more.

Nova Scotia Poverty Cheque Dates 2024

Nova Scotia Poverty Credit is paid quarterly to eligible Nova Scotians. The current payment usually falls on the last three business days of the previous month. 

However, starting 2024, the payments will now be released within last-third business day of the month — not last three days. Although those that set up direct deposit will receive their payment on each payment date while Canada Posts will start releasing cheques on the payment dates to those that didn’t set up direct deposit.

If the last-third business day falls on a public holiday, the payment date will be adjusted accordingly.

As a supplementary benefit, the Nova Scotia Poverty Credit is combined with the Nova Scotia Income Assistance program.

But while the income assistance is paid monthly, the PRC is paid quarterly starting from July, October, January to April.

That being said, the following are the Nova Scotia Poverty Cheque dates for 2024.

Quarter	Payment Date
January 2024	December 27, 2023
April 2024	March 26, 2024
July 2024	June 26, 2024
October 2024	September 25, 2024

As a cheque deposit recipient, above are the dates that you will receive a cheque at your mail address. You will be the one to decide when to cash out the cheque by taking it to your bank.

However, your cheque delivery may be delayed depending on your area’s mail service. This is why it’s often recommended to set up a direct deposit to receive the payment faster. 

To set up a direct deposit, all you need to do is to visit this page or call the PRC team at 1-866-424-1269.

Since the PRC is combined with Nova Scotia Income Assistance payment, the method you choose to receive the credit depends on how you receive the Income Assistance payment.

If you receive the Income Assistance by direct deposit, the PRC will be sent to you by direct deposit as well. The same applies to cheque deposits. 

Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated about any changes on the PRC payment dates.

What is the Poverty Reduction Credit in Nova Scotia?

The Nova Scotia Poverty Reduction Credit is an income-tested payment to Nova Scotians who are living in poverty without children.

PRC targets poor Nova Scotians with no children because they have limited access to other government benefits compared to families with children. 

For instance, poor families with children can apply for the Canada Child Benefit and the Nova Scotia Child Benefit.

PRC is tax-free and it’s administered quarterly by the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. 

Moreso, PRC is paid jointly with the Nova Scotia Income Assistance payment. As such, you need to first be an Income Assistance recipient to qualify for PRC. 

Keep reading to learn more about the eligibility requirements for the Poverty Reduction Credit in Nova Scotia.

Who is Eligible for Nova Poverty Reduction Credit?

Every June, the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services determines who’s eligible for the Poverty Reduction Credit.

Once you meet the eligibility, you will be enrolled in the program automatically without your intervention. First-time recipients receive their initial payment in July of the current year.

To be considered eligible for PRC by the  Department of Community Services, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Be an existing recipient of Nova Scotia Income Assistance as an individual or couple* right from January to December of the previous year
• Filed your previous year’s income tax return 
• Had no children in the previous tax year
• Had less than $16,000 annual adjusted income in the previous tax year.

*Only a single person will be considered eligible for PRC in your household if you’re a married or common-law couple.

How Much Nova Scotia Poverty Reduction Credit Will You Get?

If you’re considered eligible and enrolled in the program, you will receive $125 every quarter as a Poverty Reduction Credit.

Since the PRC is paid quarterly, you can expect to receive the $125 in the following months:

• January
• April
• July
• October 

That’s to say, the maximum amount of Poverty Reduction Credit you will receive is $500 annually.

Remember, you will start receiving the PRC payment in July of the current year if you’re a first-timer.

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How to Apply for Poverty Reduction Credit?

As stated earlier, you don’t have to apply for the Poverty Reduction Credit.

The Nova Scotia Department of Community Services will automatically determine your eligibility and enroll you in the program.

However, if you meet the above PRC eligibility but were not enrolled in the program, you can call the PRC team at 1-866-424-1269.

Concluding Thoughts

That’s all you need to know about the Nova Scotia Poverty Cheque dates for 2024.

If you have any questions or need more clarification, contact the PRC team at 1-866-424-1269. 

Before leaving, you may want to check out the following related government benefits: 

• GST/HST Payment Dates
• Carbon Tax Rebate (CAIP) Payment Dates and Benefits
• Canada Fed Deposit: What it Means?
• Canada GSL Deposit: What it Means? 
• VAC Disability Benefit Payment Dates

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FAQs on Nova Scotia Poverty Cheque Payment Dates 2024

Is Nova Scotia Poverty Reduction Credit taxable?

No. The Poverty Reduction Credit is a tax-free payment that seeks to offset the cost of living of poor Nova Scotians with no children.

Since the credit is tax-free, you’re not expected to report it when filing your annual income tax.

Can I receive the PRC by direct deposit?

Sure! You can receive the PRC by direct deposit so long as you receive the Nova Scotia Income Assistance payment by direct deposit. The PRC payment method has to be the same as that of the Income Assistance since they are paid jointly.

Will the PRC affect other benefits I receive?

No. PRC is a supplementary benefit that will not affect your federal or provincial benefits.

Why can’t I receive the PRC as a parent? 

This is because you have access to other government benefits than married or common-law couples with no children. 

For instance, you can get financial assistance from Canada Child Benefit and Nova Scotia Child Benefit but married or common-law couples with no children can’t access these benefits.

Can I get the PRC if I’m not receiving Income Assistance?

You can’t. One of the PRC eligibility requirements is that you must be an existing recipient of Nova Scotia Income Assistance as an individual or couple* right from January to December of the previous year. 

Can I work while receiving PRC?

Yes, you can. However, working while receiving PRC may affect your payment because the credit is income-tested. 

One of the PRC eligibility requirements is that you must have less than $16,000 annual adjusted income in the previous tax year.