New Brunswick is rolling out what it calls affordability measures to help those who need it most.

Social Development Minister Jill Green said they know many residents are struggling to make ends meet.

“We know low-income New Brunswickers cannot wait any longer for the assistance they need, and these initiatives ensure they can access that assistance right away,” Green said in a news release on Tuesday.

Social assistance and youth engagement services recipients will get a monthly $200 household supplement starting in February.

Residents who receive the annual $400 Low-Income Seniors’ Benefit will get a $200 supplement for the 2023 benefit year.

Officials said the supplement will remain in place until the benefit is permanently increased to $600 a year.

In addition, a policy change for spousal contributions to facility-based care to ensure at least 60 per cent of the household income remains with the spouse at home will take effect in January.

“New Brunswick seniors who are in their own homes and have a loved one in long-term care, or who need a little extra help with their household bills, will not have to wait for the assistance they need,” Kathy Bockus, the minister responsible for seniors, said in the release.

Provincial officials said the new measures will cost an additional $65 million a year.