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5 min read Benefits

PEI Social Assistance Dates 2026: Official Schedule & Emergency Support

Looking for the next PEI Social Assistance date? Get the official 2026 schedule, updated Basic Unit Rates, and learn how to claim emergency house repairs and seasonal school allowances.
A calendar for Prince Edward Island Social Assistance with payment dates highlighted, alongside an image of the Confederation Bridge representing Island-wide support.

In 2026, Prince Edward Island continues to lead the Atlantic provinces in providing high-value social assistance, with the Social Development and Seniors department implementing new 2026 tax bracket adjustments and minimum wage increases to $17/hour. These changes indirectly impact Social Assistance recipients by shifting the "Income Exemption" thresholds for those working part-time.

For Islanders in Charlottetown, Summerside, and rural communities, the monthly Basic Unit Rate (BUR) and Shelter Allowance are the difference between stability and crisis. Knowing exactly when your direct deposit lands—and which supplements you can claim—is essential for navigating the 2026 cost of living.

This guide provides the official 2026 PEI Social Assistance Payment Schedule, the updated rate tables, and strategies for claiming benefits like the School Age Allowance and Emergency Home Repairs.

Official PEI Social Assistance Payment Schedule 2026

Payments for Social Assistance on PEI are issued on the last business day of each month for the upcoming benefit month. If the last day of the month is a holiday or weekend, the deposit is moved to the business day prior.

Benefit MonthOfficial Payment DateDay of the Week
January 2026December 31, 2025Wednesday
February 2026January 30, 2026Friday
March 2026February 27, 2026Friday
April 2026March 31, 2026Tuesday
May 2026April 30, 2026Thursday
June 2026May 29, 2026Friday
July 2026June 30, 2026Tuesday
August 2026July 31, 2026Friday
September 2026August 31, 2026Monday
October 2026September 30, 2026Wednesday
November 2026October 30, 2026Friday
December 2026November 30, 2026Monday
January 2027December 31, 2026Thursday

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Accessing PEI School and Home Repair Supplements

Understanding the full scope of the PEI Social Development policy manual is the only way to ensure you are receiving your full entitlement. While the Basic Unit Rate covers your daily needs, the province offers several "Special Needs" grants that often go unclaimed.

The $450 School Age Allowance

In 2026, the School Age Allowance remains a critical support for parents. This is not a monthly payment; it is a seasonal boost issued twice a year.

  • The Schedule: The first installment is added to your August 2026 payment (issued in late July) to help with school supplies and clothes. The second is added to your December 2026 payment (issued in late November) for winter gear and the holiday season.
  • The Rates: For a family with two children, this can be **$450** ($200 for children aged 5–12 and $250 for youth aged 13–18).

Emergency Property Repairs and Maintenance

If you are a homeowner on Social Assistance, you may be eligible for the Emergency Property Repairs policy. Under Policy 6.11.1, the department can authorize payments for major repairs that are essential to keep your home habitable, such as a broken furnace, a leaking roof, or plumbing emergencies.

  • How to Claim: You must obtain a written quote from a professional contractor and have it approved by your Social Assistance worker before any work begins. These funds are paid directly to the contractor as a "Special Need" and do not affect your monthly bank balance.

Pregnancy and Newborn Support

Islanders who are pregnant are eligible for a $75/month Pregnancy Food Allowance. This requires a note from a doctor or nurse practitioner confirming the pregnancy. Once the child is born, you can transition to the Newborn Allowance, which in 2026 is a one-time grant of $750 to help with the initial cost of cribs, strollers, and clothing. If you need immediate essentials, refer to our guide on Free Baby Formula and Diapers.

Part 1: PEI Social Assistance Rates 2026 (Updated)

The Basic Unit Rate (BUR) covers food, clothing, and household items, while the Shelter Rate is dedicated to your housing costs.

Family CompositionBasic Unit Rate (BUR)Max Shelter RateTotal Monthly Max
Single (Employable)$537$875$1,412
Single (Disabled)$537$875 + $165 (CLE)**$1,577**
Single Parent (1 Child)$845$1,025$1,870 + CCB
Couple (2 Children)$1,789$1,193**$2,982 + CCB**

The Community Living Expense (CLE) of $165 is an additional allowance specifically for those on the Access Ability Supports stream or disabled recipients.

Part 2: Emergency Contact and Shelter Resources

If you are facing homelessness or an immediate housing crisis in 2026, do not wait for the business office to open.

  1. Emergency Shelter (Charlottetown): Call the Park Street Shelter line at 1-833-220-4722.
  2. The Outreach Centre: Located at 15 Park Street, this center provides a safe space and connects you to 24/7 support. Call 902-368-3884.
  3. Medical Transportation: If you need to travel out-of-province for life-sustaining care, the Medical Transportation Assistance program can cover travel and lodging. Call 902-368-5460.

PEI Social Assistance Dates

The official PEI Social Assistance payment dates for 2026 fall on the last business day of each month. For 2026, the next direct deposit will land on January 30, 2026. Recipients on PEI receive a Basic Unit Rate of $537 (singles) or $845 (single parents) plus a Shelter Allowance of up to $875+. Emergency help for shelter is available 24/7 by calling the PEI Shelter Line at 1-833-220-4722.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to apply separately for Dental?

A: Yes. Dental benefits are not automatically built into Social Assistance. You must apply for the Provincial Dental Care Program separately to receive your coverage card. Check our CDCP 2026 Coverage Update for more options.

Q: Can I work while on Social Assistance on PEI?

A: Yes. You can keep a portion of your earnings, but you must report them by the 5th of each month. Working part-time is a great way to prepare for a transition to BetterPayJobs.ca.

Q: Does PEI pay for phone or internet?

A: Yes. A Communication Rate of $40/month (singles) or $60/month (families) is included in your standard payment to ensure you can stay connected for job searches and medical appointments.

Q: What is the "Change in Season" Benefit?

A: For children in group homes or foster care, the province provides a $200 seasonal benefit to ensure they have appropriate clothing for PEI's climate. If you are struggling with clothing costs, see our list of Charities for Free Winter Coats.

About the Author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian labour market researcher and digital entrepreneur specializing in government benefit data and cost-of-living support. As the founder of CanadaPaymentDates.ca and BetterPayJobs.ca, Jeff helps newcomers, students, and workers navigate the Canadian social safety net—from tracking CRA payment schedules to finding entry-level work.

Sources

Note

Official 2026 payment dates and benefit amounts are determined by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provincial governments. While we strive to keep this information current, government policies and schedules are subject to change without notice. All data in this guide is verified against official CRA circulars at the time of publication and should be treated as an estimate. We recommend confirming the status of your personal file directly via CRA My Account or by calling the CRA benefit line at 1-800-387-1193.

Published by:

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z)

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