For individuals and families in Manitoba, navigating the available financial supports and community services for persons with disabilities is a vital part of securing stability and opportunity. This guide provides a clear, organized overview of key provincial income assistance programs, federal benefits accessible to Manitobans, and specialized navigation services designed to help you through the process.
Quick Jump Navigation
Manitoba Disability Support Programs | Financial Supports for Persons with Disabilities in Manitoba | How to Apply and Get Help | Specialized Support Organizations | Federal Disability Benefits | Free Navigation Services | Project-Based Grants | Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities | National Charitable Organizations
Manitoba Disability Support Programs
Supports for Manitobans with Disabilities
The primary provincial income support program for Manitobans with severe and prolonged disabilities who are in financial need. It provides enhanced financial benefits, employment supports, and access to extended health benefits. Eligible single individuals without dependents can receive up to approximately $1,205 per month.
Website: Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities
Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) – Medical Barriers to Full Employment
A category within the general Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) program that provides financial help to Manitobans who have no other way to support themselves or their families due to a disability that creates a medical barrier to full employment.
Website: Employment and Income Assistance (EIA)
Services for Persons with Disabilities (General Resource Hub)
A comprehensive Manitoba government portal listing a wide range of services for both adults and children with disabilities, including Community Living disABILITY Services, Children’s disABILITY Services, and links to rights, appeals, and compliance information.
Website: Services for Persons with Disabilities (General Resource Hub)
Abilities Manitoba
A provincial federation of community organizations dedicated to supporting Manitobans with intellectual disabilities. They provide sector-specific training, resources on accessibility compliance, and act as a collective voice for their member agencies.
Website: Abilities Manitoba
Financial Supports for Persons with Disabilities in Manitoba
Income Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Benefit
A $105.00 monthly incidental allowance automatically provided to clients enrolled in the Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) – Persons with Disabilities category to help with community living costs.
Website: Income Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Benefit
Incidental Expenses Allowance (under EAPD)
An allowance of up to $25.00 per month for participants in approved vocational or educational training programs through the Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) program, intended to offset minor expenses like supplies.
Website: Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD)
Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD)
Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) offers a wide range of employment focused services to assist adults with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining and maintaining employment.
Website: Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD)
How to Apply and Get Help
For the Manitoba Supports for Persons with Disabilities or Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) programs:
- In Winnipeg: Call 204-948-4000
- Elsewhere in Manitoba: Call toll-free 1-855-944-8111
- Manitoba Relay Service (for deaf or hard of hearing): 1-800-855-0511
- For questions about the specific financial supports like the Income Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Benefit or the EAPD Incidental Expenses Allowance, you can also use the contact numbers above.
Specialized Support Organizations
Spinal Cord Injury Manitoba Inc. (SCI Manitoba)
Individuals with a spinal cord injury may contact SCI Manitoba for specialized support and services.
Address: 211-825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5
Phone: 204-786-4753
Fax: 204-786-1140
Website: Spinal Cord Injury Manitoba Inc. (SCI Manitoba)
Manitoba Possible
Individuals with other physical disabilities, including the Deaf or hard of hearing, may contact Manitoba Possible.
Address: 825 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5
Phone: 204-975-3010
Toll-free: 1-866-282-8041
TTY Deaf Access: 204-975-3012
TTY Toll-free: 1-800-225-9108
TTY Deaf Services: 204-975-3083
Fax: 204-975-3073
Website: Manitoba Possible
Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) – Accessibility Financial Assistance
Additional funding for deaf individuals or living with a disability and applying for a MAC grant, you can apply for additional funding of up to $2,000 to cover project-related accessibility costs.
Coverage Includes: Sign language interpretation, support workers, or specialized equipment.
Website: Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) – Accessibility Financial Assistance
Federal Disability Benefits for Manitoba Residents
Federal programs administered by the Government of Canada, available to all Canadians including Manitobans.
Visit Our Guide: National Disability Funding & Supports in Canada
Free Disability Benefits Navigation Services
The Government of Canada funds organizations to provide free, one-on-one help to understand or apply for federal and provincial disability benefits and tax credits. These navigators can help with forms, eligibility, and accessing the full range of supports.
Find a Navigator Serving Manitoba:
Abilities Manitoba
A provincial federation of community organizations dedicated to supporting Manitobans with intellectual disabilities. They provide sector-specific training, resources on accessibility compliance, and act as a collective voice for their member agencies.
Website: Abilities Manitoba
National Services
These are national organizations that provide services across Canada.
National Directory of Navigation Services
Official Government of Canada updated directory of all funded navigation services across Canada.
Website: National Directory of Navigation Services
Plan Institute
Indigenous Disability Canada (IDC) / BCANDS
Indigenous Disability Canada (BCANDS) gives culturally focused navigation, support, and advocacy for Indigenous peoples with disabilities and their families.
Website: Indigenous Disability Canada
Project-Based Grants
Key grant programs and benefits administered by the Government of Manitoba to support accessibility and inclusion
Manitoba Accessibility Fund (MAF)
This fund provides one-time, project-based grants of up to $50,000 to help Manitoba-based organizations, businesses, and municipalities remove barriers and support compliance with The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. Eligibility Focus: Eligible projects must focus on improving accessibility in customer service, employment, or information and communication.
Official Information & Application: Manitoba Accessibility Fund
Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities
Manitoba Student Aid offers grants to support post-secondary students with documented permanent or persistent/prolonged disabilities. This includes the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities ($2,800 per loan year) and the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment (up to $20,000 per loan year) for education-related costs.
Manitoba Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Read Our Complete Guide: Financial Aid for Canadian Students with Disabilities
Provincial Financial Aid: Financial Aid for Canadian Students with Disabilities in Manitoba
National Charitable & Condition-Specific Organizations
Organizations offering supplemental support including funding, equipment, advocacy, and community resources
General Support Organizations:
- Rick Hansen Foundation: Focuses on removing physical and attitudinal barriers.
- March of Dimes Canada: Runs programs like the Home and Vehicle Modification Program.
- Easter Seals Canada: Provides mobility equipment funding and accessible camps.
- Neil Squire Society: Empowers people with disabilities through assistive technology and employment programs.
Condition-Specific Support:
- Muscular Dystrophy Canada: Supports those with neuromuscular disorders through equipment funding and clinic access.
- Cerebral Palsy Canada Network: Provides research and resource information for the cerebral palsy community.
- Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Canada: Offers national programs and advocacy.
- Brain Injury Canada: A national source for education, awareness, and support.
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB): Offers programs and advocacy for people with sight loss.
