A guide to federally funded programs and benefits available to First Nations individuals and communities in Canada, including health coverage, education funding, housing support, and income programs.
First Nations peoples in Canada have access to a range of federal programs and benefits administered through Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), in addition to all standard federal and provincial benefits available to all Canadians.
This guide covers federally funded programs. Many First Nations also have band-specific programs administered by their First Nation government. Contact your band office or First Nation administration for community-specific programs and supports.
| Program | Administered By | Who It Serves |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) | Indigenous Services Canada | Registered First Nations and recognized Inuit |
| Post-Secondary Student Support Program | ISC / First Nations | First Nations post-secondary students |
| Jordan's Principle | Indigenous Services Canada | First Nations children |
| On-Reserve Income Assistance | ISC | Low-income First Nations on reserve |
| First Nations Housing | ISC / CMHC | First Nations communities on reserve |
| All standard federal benefits | CRA / Service Canada | All Canadian residents including First Nations |
The NIHB program provides coverage for health benefits not covered by provincial/territorial health insurance to eligible First Nations individuals and recognized Inuit. This is one of the most significant federal benefits exclusively available to First Nations peoples.
You must be a registered First Nations person (registered under the Indian Act) or a recognized Inuit person. NIHB is available regardless of where you live in Canada — on reserve, off reserve, or in urban areas.
The Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP) helps registered First Nations and Inuit students access post-secondary education by providing funding for tuition, books, travel, and living expenses.
PSSSP is administered at the First Nation band level — there is no direct federal application. Contact your band's education coordinator or student services office to apply. Funding is limited and allocated by each First Nation according to their own process and priorities.
| Program | What It Provides |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Student Support Program | Tuition, books, living allowance |
| University College Entrance Preparation | Preparatory programs for post-secondary |
| Canada Student Grants | Available to all Canadians including First Nations; enhanced amounts for Indigenous students |
| Indspire | Private bursaries and scholarships specifically for Indigenous students |
Jordan's Principle is a child-first principle named after Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. It ensures First Nations children can access government-funded products, services, and supports without being denied, delayed, or disrupted due to jurisdictional disputes between federal and provincial/territorial governments.
Under Jordan's Principle, First Nations children can access services for their physical, social, emotional, and mental health needs that may not be available to other children in their community. Applications are made to ISC and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Jordan's Principle covers a wide range of needs including educational supports, mental health services, medical equipment, respite care, and more. If a service is needed by a First Nations child and is not available through existing programs, Jordan's Principle may fund it. Contact ISC at 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453).
Whether you receive CCB, GST credits, or band payments, a fee-free account helps you keep more of your money. KOHO has no monthly fees and earns cash back. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a bonus.
Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYAFirst Nations individuals are eligible for all standard federal benefits available to Canadian residents, including:
| Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|
| Canada Child Benefit (CCB) | Tax-free monthly payments for children under 18 |
| GST/HST Credit | Quarterly payments for low/modest income individuals |
| Employment Insurance (EI) | Available to all workers with insurable employment |
| Canada Workers Benefit | Refundable tax credit for low-income workers |
| Canada Carbon Rebate | Available in applicable provinces |
| OAS and GIS | Senior income supports at age 65+ |
Indian Act tax exemptions: Employment income earned on a reserve by a status First Nations person may be exempt from federal and provincial income tax under Section 87 of the Indian Act. This exemption also affects how some income-tested benefits are calculated. Consult a tax professional familiar with First Nations tax rules for guidance specific to your situation.