Alberta Income Support Programs FAQ

Alberta Income Support (IS) is a crucial program for residents facing financial difficulties due to health problems that prevent them from working.

Who is eligible for Alberta Income Support?

To qualify for Alberta Income Support, individuals must meet certain conditions related to their residency, health, financial status, and assets:

• Residency and age: Must live in Alberta, be 18 years or older, and be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Health conditions: Assistance is available for those unable to work due to chronic (both temporary and persistent) health problems.
• Financial eligibility:
  • Must be unable to meet basic needs with current income.
  • Can’t have assets exceeding certain limits: $5,000 in RRSPs and $10,000 in vehicle equity.
  • The income should not exceed what would be received from the Income Support program.
  • Cash and savings should not surpass the liquid asset limit, which is calculated as three months’ core benefit amount.

Note: You can’t concurrently receive Alberta Income Support and AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped).

Assistance provided by Alberta Income Support

The support offered varies depending on the applicant’s situation, aiming to cover basic living costs and potentially other needs:

• Financial assistance: The amount varies based on the applicant’s financial resources and household budget. It’s designed to bridge the gap between a household’s budget and their available financial resources.
• Dependence on circumstance: The specific amount and type of assistance depend on family size and the applicant’s category (e.g., Expected to Work, Barriers to Full Employment).
• Supplementary benefits: Eligible clients may receive additional benefits tailored to their specific needs.

How to apply for Alberta Income Support

There are several ways to apply for Income Support in Alberta, ensuring accessibility for all eligible individuals:

• Online application: The fastest and most convenient method.
• Contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre: Call 1-877-644-9992 or email ascc@gov.ab.ca for assistance.
• Visit an Alberta Supports Office: For those who prefer in-person help.

Categories for Health Problems

• Persistent or severe health problems: Those lasting more than 6 months should apply under the “Barriers to Full Employment” category.
• Temporary health problems: Issues lasting less than 6 months should apply under the “Expected to Work or Working” category.

The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program is a vital initiative by the Alberta government, designed to support individuals whose severe mental or physical impairments significantly limit their ability to earn a living.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for AISH, applicants must meet several criteria, focusing primarily on the impact of their medical condition on their ability to work. The eligibility revolves around three main factors:

• Impact on mental/physical functioning: The applicant’s ability to function daily is significantly impaired due to a medical condition.
• Limitation on earning capacity: This impairment considerably restricts the person’s capacity to earn a living.
• Permanency of condition: The disabling condition is expected to be permanent, as no available therapy can sufficiently improve the individual’s ability to earn a living.

Basic qualifications include:

• Being a resident of Alberta
• Age 18 or older
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

Assistance provided by AISH

AISH offers comprehensive support to eligible individuals, including:

• Monthly living allowance: Financial assistance to cover basic living expenses.
• Monthly child benefit: Additional support for applicants with children.
• Personal benefits: Tailored benefits to meet specific needs not covered by other means.

How to apply for AISH

Applying for AISH involves a detailed process to ensure that the support goes to those who need it most:

1. Gather required information: Applicants need to prepare detailed information about their living situation, personal details, income and assets, information about spouse/partner and children, and comprehensive medical information.
2. Complete the application: The AISH application consists of two main parts:
   • Part A: Information about the applicant’s situation.
   • Part B: A medical report that must be completed by a doctor, detailing the applicant’s medical condition and how it affects their ability to work.
3. Submit the application: Once completed, the application can be submitted to AISH for review.

In Alberta, unforeseen circumstances can place individuals and families in a sudden financial bind. Whether due to an emergency, unexpected job loss, or other unforeseeable events, the need for immediate financial assistance becomes paramount. The Alberta government provides Emergency Financial Assistance to help residents navigate these challenging times.

Eligibility for Emergency Financial Assistance

Emergency Financial Assistance in Alberta is designed to support individuals and families facing a temporary financial crisis. Eligibility is categorized into three main groups:

• Current Income Support (IS) Clients: Those already receiving benefits under the Income Support program.
• Individuals earning an income: Those who have a stable income but are confronted with a one-time, short-term emergency lasting less than one month.
• Eligible but not currently receiving IS: Individuals who meet the criteria for the Income Support program but are not current recipients.

Emergency Financial Assistance criteria

To qualify for Emergency Financial Assistance, applicants must meet the specific criteria set by the Income Support (IS) program. These criteria ensure that aid is directed to those in genuine need, aligning with the program’s goal to provide temporary support during unforeseen financial hardships.

Assistance provided

Emergency Financial Assistance offers support in several key areas to address immediate needs. The assistance includes but is not limited to:

• Food: An allowance is provided to cover daily food expenses, calculated at $11 per day for adults.
• Clothing: Assistance for essential clothing purchases in emergency situations.
• Childcare: Support for childcare expenses to help parents manage during financial crises.
• Transportation: Aid for necessary travel expenses, including public transit or fuel for private vehicles.
• Temporary accommodation: Assistance with temporary housing costs for those displaced from their homes.
• Eviction payments: Support to prevent imminent eviction due to rental arrears.

The amount of assistance varies depending on the specific needs of the applicant and the type of support required.

How to apply for Emergency Financial Assistance

Applying for Emergency Financial Assistance in Alberta is a straightforward process, designed to facilitate quick access to funds for those in need.

• For existing IS clients: Contact your Income Support worker directly to discuss your emergency needs.
• General applications: Reach out to the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135 or via email at hs.iscc@gov.ab.ca. Email inquiries typically receive a response within 1-3 days.
• Emergency food benefits: For applications related specifically to emergency food assistance, you can apply through Interac E-Transfer, ensuring quick and direct support.

Our team of experienced disability lawyers can help individuals in all Canadian provinces (excluding Quebec) when their long-term disability benefits are denied or cut off.

Alberta • British Columbia • Manitoba • New Brunswick • Newfoundland & Labrador • Nova Scotia • Ontario • P.E.I. • Saskatchewan