Applying for the Long Term Care Program

To learn more about the types of long-term care programs available in New Brunswick, see this page:

• Types of long-term care

Aging in New Brunswick also includes a detailed explanation of the long-term care program.

• The Aging in NB User Guide – St. Thomas University

You will need the following information to apply for the long-term care program:  

• full name  
• address  
• date of birth  
• social insurance number  
• next of kin or emergency contact person, their relationship to you, and their phone number. 
• the name and date of birth of any dependents living with you. 
• proof of the following if it applies to your situation or is requested:  
  • private insurance   
  • other income not declared on your income tax return (example: disability insurance, veteran pension, pension from out of country, current pension amounts if your situation changed since last income tax return, etc.)  
  • copies of Power of Attorney or Trustee  

To apply for help to pay for long-term care, you must provide information about your taxes for the last two years. You can do this by providing consent to the Department of Social Development to request financial updates from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on your behalf. 

Please call the Department of Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 to learn more.

The Department of Social Development will work with you and your family to determine the level of care you need. Two things will happen after you submit your completed forms:

Step 1: Financial Assessment

A common myth is that if you need to go into a long-term care home, the government will ‘take your house’. This is not true.  

The assessment evaluates your eligibility based on income and the cost of the services that you need.

They will consider income like:

• Canadian Pension Plan (CPP)  
• Old Age Security (OAS)  
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)  
• employment insurance payments  
• income assistance  
• income tax  
• private pensions  
• income from employment  
• interest from investments  

The financial assessment does not consider assets (things you own). Check out the long-term care financing calculator for an estimated cost.

Step 2: Functional Assessment

A social worker will assess your needs through a functional evaluation to determine the best care level for you.

You can have a friend or family member join you when they visit. They will ask about your home life, nearby support, and the type of help you need.

After the financial and functional assessments:

You will be asked to pick your top two choices of homes. These will be treated as equal preferences.

You will be contacted when a spot opens at one of these homes so you can move in. 

Ask your social worker for your options if a spot opens sooner than you had planned. 

If you refuse a spot, you may lose your place in line. If this happens, you can apply again later. 

If you get into a home that was not your first choice, you have the option to move in and ask to be added to the transfer list to move into your first choice once it is available.