This release was issued under a previous government.

Budget 2015 supports families

All families earning less than $41,220 per year, including those receiving AISH and Income Support, are eligible to receive the new Alberta Child Benefit (ACB). The maximum annual benefit is $1,100 for families with one child, and up to $2,750 for families with four or more children.

The enhanced Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit (AFETC) will support more working families with children and provide a larger benefit for many families. The maximum annual credit is $754 for families with one child, and up to $1,987 for families with four children or more.

“No child should grow up in poverty. We need to help ensure all of Alberta’s children and their families have opportunities to succeed – that’s the Alberta Way. The new Alberta Child Benefit and enhanced Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit will help families provide a better quality of life for their children.”

Irfan Sabir, Minister of Human Services

“I’m proud that these programs are going to make a real difference for more Alberta families and give children the opportunity to reach their full potential.” 

Joe Ceci, President of Treasury Board, Minister of Finance

“We know that one in ten Calgarians live at or below the poverty line, and families need access to a range of opportunities and supports that allow them to increase household income and build long-term resiliency. When people are better able to make ends meet, they are better able to invest in their future.”

Dr. Lucy Miller, President and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area

The new Alberta Child Benefit fulfils the government’s platform commitment to provide all lower-income families with a new tax benefit. The programs will support a combined 380,000 children in 199,000 families with $336 million in annual benefits.

Example

A single parent earning $25,000 per year in employment income, with two children under the age of 18, would be eligible for a total of $3,089 ($1,650 ACB + $1,439 AFETC) from the two programs.

Quick facts

  • Both the ACB and AFETC are non-taxable benefits.
  • Albertans’ eligibility and benefit amounts for AISH, Income. Support and Child Care Subsidy are not impacted.
  • The new benefit and enhanced credit begin in July 2016.
  • Families will receive the new ACB in four payments - August, November, February and May of each benefit year. Families will continue to receive the AFETC in July and January.
  • To be eligible, families must be residents of Alberta, file a tax return and have one or more children under the age of 18.

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