Moving from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland & Labrador
Here’s what changes for disability benefits and support programs.
What you keep
These federal benefits follow you anywhere in Canada. No need to reapply when you move:
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC)— your CRA certification carries over.
- Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)— tied to DTC eligibility, paid by Canada Revenue Agency.
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) — account stays with your bank, government grants and bonds continue.
- CPP Disability (CPP-D)— federal pension, not affected by province.
- Child Disability Benefit— tax-free monthly supplement to Canada Child Benefit.
Update your address with CRA and Service Canada within 30 days of your move.
What changes: NS vs NL
Leaving behind
Nova Scotia
Adult income support
Up to $1,022/mo
Income Assistance
Asset limit
Extended benefits eligibility
Earnings exemption
Standard assistance exemptions
Autism (under 6)
EIBI (15 hrs/wk, 6 months)
Autism (6-18)
DFSC (up to $2,200/mo)
Health benefits
Pharmacare; supplementary through assistance
Home care
DSP community supported living; day programs
Respite
DFSC ($2,200/mo); Enhanced ($1,600/mo)
Assistive devices
Department of Health programs
Waitlist severity
Moderate
Apply for
Newfoundland & Labrador
Adult income support
$561/mo + $400/mo NL Disability Benefit
Income Support + NLDB
Asset limit
Income Support eligibility
Earnings exemption
Standard exemptions
Autism (under 6)
Provincial services
Autism (6-18)
Provincial services
Health benefits
NLPDP drug coverage; supplementary health
Home care
Provincial home support services
Respite
Through disability services
Assistive devices
Provincial medical equipment programs
Waitlist severity
Moderate
What to do
Before you move
- Notify Income Assistance that you're leaving the province (avoids overpayment recovery later).
- Request copies of your medical records, diagnostic reports, and any assessment documents.
- Print or save any approval letters from provincial programs — you may need them for the new province.
- Research waitlists in your destination so you can apply early.
Week 1 in your new province
- Update your address with CRA and Service Canada (DTC, CDB, RDSP, CPP-D, Child Disability Benefit).
- Register for the new province's health card (most have a 90-day waiting period — keep your old card valid until then).
- Apply for Income Support + NLDB — bring proof of disability, identification, and income documents.
First month
- Apply for autism, developmental, or disability-specific funding programs in the new province.
- Get on waitlists for assistive devices, respite, and home care programs (these can be long).
- Find a new family doctor or pediatrician — many provinces have shortages.
First three months
- Connect with local disability organizations for community support and advocacy help.
- Review your RDSP — your account stays the same but you may want to update your beneficiary address.
- If you receive CPP-D, your monthly payment is unchanged but your provincial top-ups may differ.
Find help in Newfoundland & Labrador
Browse local disability services and support organizations in your new province: