← Back to the full guide to social assistance in Quebec
Receiving last-resort assistance is a right, not a favour. And that right comes with more than the monthly cheque.
On top of your benefitSpecial benefits
In addition to your basic benefit, you may be entitled to reimbursement of certain costs:
- Medicationthrough the claim slip (the "medication card"), sent each month to recipients.
- Optometric services, eye exams and glasses.
- Dental services, some care is covered.
- Special needsother costs may be reimbursed depending on your situation.
These benefits are not always automatic: ask Services Québec what you are entitled to. Many people miss out on help simply because they do not know it exists.
Dealing with the administrationYour rights
As a recipient, you have the right:
- to be treated with respect;
- to receive information in a language you understand (an interpreter if needed);
- to confidentiality of your file;
- to be accompanied or represented in your dealings, by someone close to you, an organisation or a lawyer.
You do not have to face the system alone
An organisation defending the rights of social assistance recipients can help you free of charge. Dial 211 to find one near you.
Keep reading
This article is part of our full dossier on social assistance in Quebec.
Frequently askedYour questions
Am I entitled to dental care on social assistance in Quebec?
Yes. In addition to your benefit, certain special benefits cover dental services, as well as medication and optometric services. Ask Services Québec what you are entitled to.
What is the claim slip in social assistance?
It is the "medication card", sent each month to recipients of social assistance and social solidarity. It allows certain medications and services to be covered.
Can I be accompanied in my social assistance dealings?
Yes. You have the right to be accompanied or represented by a person of your choice: someone close to you, a rights organisation, or a legal aid lawyer.
Official sources
- Social assistance and social solidarity, Québec.ca (in French)
- Application for financial assistance, Québec.ca (in French)
- Requesting a review of a decision, Québec.ca (in French)
Important notice. This article is a general information document. It does not replace legal, financial or professional advice, nor official services. BetterWorld is not affiliated with the Government of Quebec. Amounts and rules are indexed every year and a reform is under way: always confirm the current information on Québec.ca or with Services Québec. If you are unsure or have been refused, free help exists: legal aid, or a group defending the rights of social assistance recipients.
Spotted an error or an out-of-date figure? Write to us: we will correct it and re-date the article. Our texts are written with the help of artificial intelligence and checked against official sources before publication, but an amount or a rule can change without us catching it. If anything here does not match what an official body tells you, they are right.