Income Support

The Department has a mandate to contribute to employment and workforce development and to combat joblessness, exclusion and poverty with a view to promoting economic and social growth. Pursuant to the Individual and Family Assistance Act, two Québec-government last-resort financial assistance programs exist for individuals and families whose income is insufficient to meet their needs.

The Social Solidarity Program targets individuals with a severely limited capacity for employment and the members of their families. It is designed to foster recipients’ participation in and active contribution to society. For its part, the Social Assistance Program is intended for individuals whose capacity for employment is not severely limited. It is designed to encourage recipients to engage in job-integration as well as social and community activities.

Employment Insurance
Under its agreement with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, the Department is responsible for the delivery of Employment Insurance. The TELEDEC bi-weekly reporting system and direct-deposit payment method help to reduce the number of client inquiries received by local employment officers.

Parental Insurance Plan
In January 2006, the Québec Parental Insurance Plan came into effect, replacing maternity and parental benefits that used to be provided under Employment Insurance.

Old Age Security
The Department assists with the delivery of Old Age Security benefits in Nunavik.