Moving from Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia
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: PE vs NS
Leaving behind
Prince Edward Island
Adult income support
Up to $1,219/mo
Assured Income
Asset limit
Assured Income eligibility criteria
Earnings exemption
Standard exemptions
Autism (under 6)
Provincial autism funding
Autism (6-18)
AccessAbility Supports
Health benefits
Pharmacare; supplementary health
Home care
AccessAbility Supports
Respite
Through AccessAbility Supports
Assistive devices
AccessAbility Supports covers some devices
Waitlist severity
Moderate
Apply for
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
What to do
Before you move
- Notify Assured Income 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 Assistance — 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 Nova Scotia
Browse local disability services and support organizations in your new province: