Manitoba disability benefits: programs, amounts and how to apply

You are not behind. These programs exist because costs are real. Here is what is available, in plain words.

Manitoba has two programs for people with disabilities: Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) and a newer program called Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities.

Money for people who live in Manitoba, are 18 or older, have a mental or physical disability likely to last more than a year that stops them earning enough for basic needs, and are in financial need.

• How to apply: Contact your local EIA office.
• Phone: Winnipeg 204-948-4000. Toll-free 1-855-944-8111. Manitoba Relay Service 1-800-855-0511.
• Not counted as income, per the page: up to $500 a month in ongoing cash gifts from family or friends, the Canada Child Benefit, and RDSP withdrawals.
• Liquid assets up to $4,000 per person ($16,000 per family) are not counted. Your home, vehicles and other essential property are not counted.
• You keep the first $200 of net monthly earnings and 30% of earnings above that.
• Rent Assist can help with shelter and utility costs. The Rewarding Work Health Plan gives drug, dental and optical benefits for up to two years to eligible people who move from EIA to work or funded training.
• Rates in the July 2026 table: one adult gets $1,277 from the province (this includes EIA and Rent Assist) plus $37 federal, so $1,314 a month. Two adults get $1,616 plus $74 federal, so $1,690. The table is for EIA, not for Manitoba Supports.
• Official page: Manitoba: EIA for Persons with Disabilities

A separate income support program for people with severe and prolonged disabilities, created under the Disability Support Act. People are not required to look for work, and are offered help to connect with community supports.

• How to apply: Use the How to apply page on the program site.
• The page says eligibility is based on total household income, including a spouse or common-law partner, and is confirmed through a disability impact assessment (some people do not need to take part).
• The page lists exempt liquid assets of $4,000 per person, up to $16,000 per household.
• The page was written when the program began, in 2023. Check the official page for current rules and rates.
• Official page: Manitoba: Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities

Coverage that comes with the program, or that you can ask about.

• Manitoba Pharmacare: Pharmacare sets a yearly deductible from your adjusted family income, which includes a spouse and dependents. You qualify if you have Manitoba Health coverage and your prescriptions are not covered by another provincial or federal program. The page gives no dollar amounts, so use the deductible estimator. It does not say how EIA recipients are treated, so ask. Phone: 204-786-7141 or toll-free 1-800-297-8099. Official page: Manitoba: About the Pharmacare program (enhanced program started April 15, 2025).

Help with rent and housing costs. Ask whether it can be paid at the same time as your income program.

• Rent Assist: Helps with shelter and utility costs, for people on EIA and for people who are not. For people not on EIA, the income limit for a single person is $29,120, or $33,920 if the person is 55 or older or gets the Disability Tax Credit or CPP disability. Check the fact sheet for your household. Phone: 204-948-7368 or toll-free 1-877-587-6224. Official page: Manitoba: Rent Assist for people not on EIA.

Door-to-door rides for people who cannot use regular buses. You usually apply once and the service confirms who qualifies.

• Winnipeg Transit Plus: Door-to-door service for people whose disability stops them from using regular transit. You apply online. The page says a letter comes within 30 business days and a functional assessment is likely. Other Manitoba towns have their own handi-transit, so ask your town or city. Official page: Winnipeg Transit: Transit Plus application process.

Permits are issued by the province or by a named organization.

• Parking permit from the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities: The society issues the permit. It lasts 36 months. Its website now redirects to Manitoba Possible. We did not find a fee on the page we could read, so ask the society. Phone: 204-975-3257 or toll-free 1-800-836-5551. Official page: SMD: Parking Permit Program.

Legal aid can help if a benefit is refused or cut off. Ask about an appeal.

• Legal Aid Manitoba: You can apply online, by phone or in person. Ask about help with a benefits appeal. Phone: 1-800-261-2960 or 204-985-8500. Official page: Immigration and Refugee Board: List of legal aid offices (modified July 10, 2025).

These come through your tax return. File every year, even with no income, so the CRA can work them out.

• Manitoba credits on your return (2025 tax year): Disability amount for yourself: $6,180 (form MB428, line 58440). Primary caregiver tax credit: up to $1,400. The CRA page also lists the Manitoba Family Tax Benefit and the seniors school tax rebate. Official page: CRA: Manitoba tax information for 2025 (modified Apr. 16, 2026).

We link to the official page for each program. These are the things the pages do not settle, so it helps to ask:

• Which program fits you, EIA or Manitoba Supports, and what you would receive.
• Current monthly rates and the exact date they took effect.
• Dental and drug coverage rules for your situation.

Federal programs are paid by the federal government and are the same in every province and territory. Your provincial office may count some of them as income, so ask how they fit together.

• Federal disability programs and amounts
• Disability Tax Credit
• RDSP
• Tax help hub

• Say who you are and your province: "I am calling to ask about disability support."
• Ask: "What programs could I apply for, and what do I need to bring?"
• Ask: "How does working or saving a little affect my payment?"
• Ask: "What happens to my health and drug coverage?"
• Write down the date, the name of the person and what they said. Ask for it in writing if you can.