Income Assistance & Employment Services

Income Assistance

Income Assistance (IA) provides financial support to eligible individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship or are unable to meet their basic living needs.

IA is intended to help eligible individuals and families meet essential day-to-day needs while working toward greater financial stability and independence.

Who is Eligible for Income Assistance?

Income Assistance is an Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) program delivered by T’Sou-ke Nation.

IA is available to eligible Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals and families living on T’Sou-ke reserve lands. Eligibility, benefits, rates, and program requirements are established by ISC policies and guidelines.

Appointments

Appointments are required and are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding the lunch period.

To schedule an appointment, please call 250-642-3957 ext. 249 or email using the button below.

How to Apply for Income Assistance

  1. Complete the forms provided in the Income Assistance application package. This package can also be picked up at the front desk upon request.
     
  2. Gather your supporting documents, including identification, income and asset information, and shelter documentation, as applicable.
     
  3. Submit your completed application and documents by contacting the Income Assistance Department to arrange an appointment.


Additional documentation may be required depending on your individual circumstances.

Monthly Declarations & Cheque Schedule

MONTH
DECLARATIONS DUE
CHEQUE ISSUE DATE
December 2026
November 13
November 18
January 2027
December 11
December 16
February 2027
TBD
TBD
March 2027
TBD
TBD
April 2027
TBD
TBD
May 2027
TBD
TBD
June 2027
TBD
TBD
July 2027
TBD
TBD
August 2027
TBD
TBD
September 2027
TBD
TBD
October 2027
TBD
TBD
November 2027
TBD
TBD
December 2027
TBD
TBD

Employability Activities

Employable IA clients are required to participate in employability activities to support their efforts toward employment, education, training, and increased self-sufficiency.

Activities may include:

  • Attending scheduled WorkLink sessions
  • Searching and applying for suitable employment opportunities
  • Preparing or updating resumes and cover letters
  • Participating in employment readiness workshops, career planning, and skills development
  • Exploring education, training, and certification opportunities
  • Attending job fairs, employment events, and job interviews


ISC expects employable clients to actively seek, accept, and maintain employment. Clients who meet specific criteria may be exempt or temporarily exempt from these employment-related requirements.

Notice for all IA Clients

All current Income Assistance (IA) clients are required to submit all necessary documents by the due date to avoid delays in payment.

Please refer to the schedule for monthly document submission deadlines and Income Assistance payment dates.

Monthly Requirements

Your Declaration and Work Search Activities Record (if applicable) are due by Friday before each cheque issue date.

To keep your file up to date and meet Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) requirements:

  • Pick up your Declaration and Work Search Activities Record directly from Yvonne.
  • Print your name clearly and sign your Declaration.
  • If you are working, submit income verification, such as paystubs or bank statements, with your monthly Declaration.
  • Submit current shelter cost documents, including utility bills such as BC Hydro and phone bills, to verify your ongoing shelter costs.
Important

Missing or incomplete documentation may result in a delay to your Income Assistance payment.

Please ensure all required documents are complete and submitted by the deadline.

Employment Services

Looking for work, considering further education or training, or unsure where to start? Employment support is available for T’Sou-ke Band members living on or off reserve, as well as anyone living on reserve.

Yvonne can assist with resumes and cover letters, job search strategies, interview preparation, job readiness skills, and exploring education and training opportunities. She is also available for one-to-one support, help with identifying employment goals and working through barriers, and referrals to other programs and services, such as the Victoria Native Friendship Centre’s (VNFC) Career, Employment and Education Resources (CEER).


Keep your eyes peeled!

Job opportunities are regularly shared on the T’Sou-ke Jobs Board on Facebook, along with information about upcoming job fairs, employment events, and other opportunities.

Interested in attending a job fair or employment event but need transportation?

Please reach out, as transportation may be arranged.

If you need assistance with employment, education, training, or exploring your options, please get in touch. We’re here to help!