Social assistance in New Brunswick is provided to people who have no other income to meet their basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. Since 2013, social assistance caseloads had been trending downward and experienced a significant drop during the COVID-19 pandemic as federal income supports were issued. Following the end of pandemic-related supports, caseloads have been trending upwards and are approaching pre-pandemic levels. Reporting on caseloads is an important measure because every person in receipt of social assistance is experiencing poverty. Providing appropriate supports to transition those who can be moved from social assistance to the labour market is a very important component of poverty reduction. Supporting individuals who need temporary assistance before they become a social assistance recipient is also an important element of poverty prevention.