Affordability Action Plan

Affordability payments

Seniors, families with children under 18, and Albertans on core support programs can get $600 to help with the rising cost of living. Find out how.

Apply now

Keeping Alberta affordable

As part of the Affordability Action Plan, millions of Albertans struggling with inflation and the high cost of living can apply for the Affordability Payments program until June 30, 2023.

  • Families with household incomes under $180,000 can apply for $600 per child under 18.
  • Seniors who have household incomes under $180,000 and do not receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit can apply for $600 per person.
  • AISH , PDD, CPP Disability, Income Support and Alberta Seniors Benefit clients will automatically get their personal $600 payment, but will need to apply for additional payments if they have kids under 18.

Applications now open

Apply from January 18 to June 30, 2023.

Apply now

Application portal updates

You can now edit your dependents, banking and payment method information online if you applied through the portal and at a registry office if you applied in person. In-person applicants can also update their mailing address, email and phone number. Learn more.

How to get your affordability payments

  • Icon of number 1
    Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

    Find out if you are eligible, and if you need to apply or if you will get automatic payments.

  • Seniors 65 and older

    How it works

    • Seniors who do not receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit can apply to get $100 per month for 6 months, for a total of $600 per person.
    • Alberta Seniors Benefit recipients do not need to apply as they will get payments automatically.

    Eligibility

    • Age 65 or older by June 30, 2023.
    • Adjusted household income is below $180,000 according to your 2021 tax return (gross household income minus medical, education and split pension deductions).
    • Alberta resident as of November 30, 2022, and remain so on the first day of each month between January and June to be eligible for each month’s payment.
    • Federal benefit recipients (Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security) can still apply if they do not receive the provincial Alberta Seniors Benefit.

    When to apply

    • Apply between January 18 and June 30, 2023 following the steps below.
      • You can get help applying online or in person from trusted family members or friends, if needed.
    • If you turn 65 during the application period:
      • you can apply at any time but payment(s) will be held until your birth month
      • you will receive $100 for every month you are 65
    • If you are the parent or guardian of dependent children under 18, you can also apply to receive $600 per child when you complete your application.

    Payments

    • Payments will be issued in 6 monthly installments of $100 starting at the end of the month your application is successfully completed. Exact timing will vary.
    • If you apply late in the application period, payments will be retroactive to the first month you are eligible.
    • Affordability payments are non-taxable and will not affect your eligibility for the Alberta Seniors Benefit.
  • Families and caregivers with children under 18

    How it works

    • Families can apply to get $600 for each dependent child under 18.
    • Foster and kinship caregivers will automatically get payments for each child under 18 placed in their care, but will need to apply for biological or adopted children.

    Eligibility

    • Parent or guardian of dependent children who are under 18 between January 18 and June 30, 2023.
    • Adjusted household income is below $180,000 according to your 2021 tax return (gross household income minus medical, education and split pension deductions).
    • Alberta resident as of November 30, 2022, and remain so on the first day of each month between January and June to be eligible for each month’s payment.

    When to apply

    • Apply any time between January 18 and June 30, 2023 following the steps below.
      • If your child turns 18 during the application period, you will get $100 for every month they are under 18.
      • If you have a baby during the application period, you will get $100 per month starting the month they are born.
      • If you share custody 40 to 60% of the time, both parents can apply to get $50 per month for each child.
      • If you are 65 or older, you can also apply to receive the $600 payment for seniors when you complete your application.
      • If you are on AISH, Income Support or PDD and have dependent children under 18, you will need to apply to receive payments for your children.

    Who is not eligible

    • Parents who do not have custody at least 40 to 60% of the time.
    • Parents of children in care.
    • Child or youth who live in group homes as expenses are paid by Children's Services.
    • Youth living independently as living expenses are paid by Children's Services.

    Payments

    • Payments will be issued in 6 monthly installments of $100 per child starting at the end of the month your application is successfully completed. Exact timing will vary.
    • If you apply late in the application period, payments will be retroactive to the first month you are eligible.
    • Automatic monthly payments to foster and kinship caregivers caring for children under 18 will start January 31.
    • Affordability payments are non-taxable.
  • AISH, PDD, Income Support and Seniors Benefit clients

    How it works

    • Albertans on eligible benefit programs will be automatically enrolled to receive their personal $600 affordability payment.

    Eligibility

    • Receive regular monthly benefits or services between January 18 and June 30, 2023:
      • AISH
      • Income Support
      • Alberta Seniors Benefit
      • Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)
    • Alberta resident as of November 30, 2022, and remain so on the first day of each month between January and June 2023 to be eligible for each month’s payment.

    When to apply

    • Benefit clients will automatically get their personal affordability payment. There is no need to apply.
    • Clients with dependent children under 18 will need to apply online or in-person to get an additional $600 per child (See the families with children section for details).

    Payments

    • Payments of $100 per month for 6 months will be issued automatically starting January 31.
      • Affordability payments will be issued separately from your benefit payments. Exact date will depend on when you were enrolled.
      • AISH, Income Support and Seniors Benefit clients will receive the payments the same way as your regular monthly benefit payment (direct deposit or cheque).
      • PDD clients who do not receive benefit payments will get the affordability payment by cheque.
    • Payments for dependent children will be made by direct deposit starting at the end of the month your application is successfully completed. Exact timing will vary.
    • Affordability payments are non-taxable and will not affect your eligibility or existing benefits for AISH, PDD, Income Support or the Alberta Seniors Benefit.
  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability clients

    How it works

    • Albertans enrolled in the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) benefit on their 2021 tax return will automatically be enrolled to receive their personal affordability payment.

    Eligibility

    • Receiving regular monthly benefits between January 18 and June 30, 2023.
    • Adjusted household income is below $180,000 according to your 2021 tax return (gross household income minus medical, education and split pension deductions).
    • Alberta resident as of November 30, 2022 and remaining so on the first day of each month between January and June 2023 to be eligible for each month’s payment.

    When to apply

    • Eligibility is based on 2021 tax return information from the Canada Revenue Agency.
    • Albertans who received CPPD benefits on their 2021 tax return will automatically be enrolled to receive their personal affordability payment.
    • Individuals who did not file a tax return or who began receiving CPPD benefits on or after January 1, 2022 need to apply by calling 1-844-644-9955.
    • Clients with dependent children under 18 will need to apply online or in-person to get an additional $600 per child (See the families with children section for details).

    Payments

    • A lump sum payment of $600 will start being delivered to clients in late April and May.
    • Affordability payments are non-taxable and will not affect your eligibility for existing benefits.

    Questions

    • To find out if you are eligible, call the Affordability Action Plan Information Line at 1-844-644-9955.
  • Icon of number 2
    Step 2: Sign up for an Alberta.ca Account

    Sign up for a pending or verified Alberta.ca Account (formerly MyAlberta Digital ID). You need it to apply online.

  • Learn more about the verified Alberta.ca Account

    To apply online you need a pending or verified Alberta.ca Account (formerly known as MyAlberta Digital ID). If you already have one, skip ahead to Step 3: Apply.

    • An Alberta.ca Account is a secure and confidential way to prove your identity online.
    • You will need a 'pending verified' or 'verified' level account to apply for the affordability payment online.
      • If you already have a 'basic' account, you will need to upgrade by adding your valid Alberta driver's licence or ID card to your profile.
      • Once your ID is entered, your account will be upgraded to 'pending verified'. You can now apply for your payment. You do not need to wait for the activation code to arrive in the mail to be able to apply.
    • Each Alberta.ca Account must have a unique, individual email address.
      • It is not possible to create two accounts using the same email address.
      • There are many free email providers (gmail, yahoo, hotmail).

    Sign up for an Alberta.ca Account

    Verified vs. pending verified account

    • A 'pending verified' account means you have added your ID to your profile but have not yet entered the activation code that will arrive in the mail. You can apply for your affordability payment at this stage.
    • A 'verified' account means you have completed both steps to confirm your identity. You will be able to access all available services.

    For additional support

  • Icon of number 3
    Step 3: Apply for affordability payments

    Most people will need to apply for the affordability payments online or in person by June 30, 2023.

    Apply online now

  • Apply online

    Once you have a 'verified' or 'pending verified' Alberta.ca Account, you can apply for your affordability payment online using the secure application portal.

    • Applications will be accepted any time between January 18 and June 30, 2023.
    • To complete your application online:
      • Open the application portal
      • Click 'create application' and answer a series of eligibility questions
      • Once eligibility is confirmed, sign in with your verified Alberta.ca Account
      • Once signed in, complete the rest of the application
      • Before clicking submit, ensure all information is correct – you may not be able to change it after
    • Gather the following information to complete your application:
      • Social Insurance Number(s) for yourself and your spouse, if applicable
      • Bank account, institution and transit numbers to receive payments by direct deposit, or mailing address to receive a cheque

    Apply for affordability payments online

    For additional support

  • Apply in person

    If you are unable to create a verified account or apply online, you can apply in person for no charge at any:

    What you need to bring

    • Valid identification:
      • Alberta Driver's Licence or ID Card to prove identity and residency, OR
      • Other identification and proof of residency (see list of options below)
    • Social Insurance Number
    • Banking information (account, institution and transit numbers) for direct deposit
    • Mailing address to receive payments by cheque and/or your eligibility results

    If you do not have an Alberta driver's licence or ID card that is not expired for more than 6 months, you may need to provide separate documents to prove your identity and residency. The other accepted documents listed below must be valid and not expired. The lists are not inclusive.

    Accepted proof of identity

    • Driver’s licence or ID card issued by an official government outside of Alberta
    • Canadian-issued travel documents such as a:
      • Passport
      • Certificate of identity (grey) – issued to non-Canadians lawfully admitted to Canada as permanent residents who meet certain conditions
      • Travel document for refugees (blue) – issued to non-Canadians who have been determined to have Convention refugee or 'protected person' status in Canada
    • Foreign passport
    • U.S. Passport Card
    • Canadian citizenship certificate with photo (issued prior to February 1, 2012)
    • Permanent resident card
    • Temporary resident permit or refugee protection claimant document
    • Secure Certificate of Indian Status
    • Métis Nation of Alberta Card
    • Department of National Defence (DND) Driver Permit (DND404)
    • Military ID cards NDI20 and NDI21
    • Possession and Acquisition Licence
    • NEXUS Card
    • Single Journey Travel Document, Single Journey Travel Document for Resettlement to Canada, and Emergency Travel Document for a Single Journey Only (all issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada)
    • Temporary confirmation of registration document issued by Indigenous Services Canada
    • Temporary Resident Permit

    Accepted proof of Alberta residency (paper or electronic)

    • Utility, gas, phone or cable bills
    • Bank or credit card statements
    • Residential lease agreement
    • Pay stub
    • Insurance Policy Pink Card
    • Statutory declaration completed in a registry agent office stating you are a resident of Alberta
  • Icon of number 4
    Step 4: After you apply
    • Once the application is successfully completed, most Albertans will start getting payments at the end of that month. Exact timing will vary for each person.
    • Cheque payments will take longer to arrive.
    • Affordability payments are non-taxable.

Get help

Watch the video or read below to find solutions to problems you may encounter when applying. We will add more tips as we learn from your experiences.

  • Payments

    Payment timelines

    • Applied before January 27: First payment will arrive on January 31.
    • Applied after January 27: First payment will arrive within 10 days.
    • Additional payments will arrive on the last business day of each month.

    Missing payments

    A small number of applications had incorrect banking information so payments could not be delivered on January 31. We are working to address the issue.

    • If you applied and were not paid because of incorrect banking information, you will receive monthly cheques in the mail.
      • If you applied online, you can switch the payments to direct deposit if you update your banking information online.
      • If you applied in-person, you can switch the payments to direct deposit if you update your banking information at any registry office.
    • If additional action is required, we will contact you by email to provide instructions on when and how you can edit your application.
      • Remember, we will never ask you to provide your personal or banking information over the phone, by email or text message.
      • The only way to apply for the affordability payment or update your profile is through the secure online application portal, or in-person at an Alberta Registry or Alberta Supports Centre.
    • Once your application is corrected, you will receive all missed payments retroactively.
    • The deadline to update your application, if you're contacted to do so, is June 30, 2023.

    Updating or editing your application

    • It is now possible for applicants to edit their banking information:
      • If you applied online, you can now edit your banking information in the application portal. Once your banking info is updated, you can expect payment within 10 days.
      • If you applied in-person, you can now edit your banking information at any registry office.
    • We are still working on a solution to edit other application areas. Information will be posted here as the edit functionality expands.
  • Editing your application (updated April 26)

    Editing your application

    • You must edit your application the same way you applied:

    Editing your banking information

    • If you applied online, you can now edit your payment method and banking information in the application portal.
    • If you applied in-person, you now edit your payment method and banking information at any registry office.

    Updating your contact information

    • If you applied in-person, you can now edit your mailing address, email and phone number at any registry office.
    • This functionality is not yet available to online users.

    Adding dependents

    • If you applied online, you can now use the application portal to add dependents, including any children born or adopted since the program began.
    • If you applied in-person, you can now visit any registry office to add dependents, including any children born or adopted since the program began.

    Editing other information

    • It is not yet possible to edit other areas of your application once it has been submitted, but we are working on it.
    • Information will be posted here as the edit functionality expands.
  • Application period

    Application period

    • Applications will be accepted any time between January 18 and June 30, 2023.
    • Once the application process is successfully completed, most Albertans will receive payments at the end of that month. Exact timing will vary for each individual.

    Applied late

    • If you applied in the middle or end of the application period, payments will be retroactive to the first month you are eligible.
    • All applications must be made by June 30, 2023.
    • All payments will be made by December 31, 2023.
  • Eligibility

    Children born between January and June 2023

    • Apply for benefits any time before the application period ends June 30, 2023.
    • Payments will be retroactive to the month your child is born.
    • If you already applied for other children, you can now add your newborn:
      • If you applied online, you can use the application portal to edit your information.
      • If you applied in-person, you can visit any registry office to edit your information.

    Children turning 18 before June 30, 2023

    • Payments will end the month your child turns 18 or July 2023, whichever comes first.

    Seniors turning 65 before June 30, 2023

    • Apply for payments any time between January 18 and June 30, 2023.
    • Payments will begin the month you turn 65.

    Household income

    • Adjusted 2021 household income of less than $180,000 to receive affordability payments for children or as a senior.
      • You do not need to calculate your income. We will use Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) 2021 tax data when you apply.
      • If you wish to calculate your adjusted family total income, use line 15000 (total income) minus:
        • 21000 (deduction for split-pension amount)
        • 32000 (tuition expenses)
        • 33099 (medical expenses for self, spouse or common law partner and dependent children under 18)
        • 33199 (medical expenses for other dependents)
    • If you did not file a 2021 tax return, or filed a return outside of Alberta but meet all other eligibility requirements, you can still apply but your application will be reviewed and audited by the Government of Alberta to verify your household income.
    • The affordability payment is not taxable income, and does not need to be claimed on your 2023 income tax return.

    Resident of Alberta requirements

    • You must be an Alberta resident as of November 30, 2022 to be eligible.
    • You must remain an Alberta resident on the first day of each month between January and June 2023 to be eligible for each month's payment.
    • If you moved to Alberta before November 30, 2022, you can apply for the affordability payment if you meet other eligibility criteria.
    • If you moved away from Alberta:
      • before November 30, 2022, you are not eligible
      • between January 18 and June 30, 2023, your payments will end the first full month you were away from the province (for example, if you moved March 25, you would only receive 3 payments for January, February and March).

    AISH, PDD, CPP Disability, Income Support and Alberta Seniors Benefits

    • You must be enrolled to receive regular monthly benefits through AISH, CPP Disability, Income Support, Alberta Seniors Benefit, or services through the PDD program to be eligible for affordability payments.
    • If you are on a waitlist for PDD services, or working with a caseworker to plan for services, you will receive affordability payments.
    • If you are eligible for any of these programs retroactively, you will receive the affordability payment retroactively, as long as you did not receive affordability payments as a senior by applying through the online portal.

    Incarcerated for 90 days or more

    • If you are incarcerated for 90 consecutive days or more during the January to June 2023 period, you may only be eligible for payments for the months when you were not incarcerated on the first day of the month.
    • For example, if you are incarcerated from January 15 to May 3, you may be eligible for January and June payments.
  • Identification needed to apply in person

    When applying in person at a Registry Agent or Alberta Supports Centre, you will need to bring:

    • Valid identification:
      • Alberta driver's licence or ID card to provide proof of identity and residency, OR
      • Other identification and proof of residency (see list of options below)
    • Social Insurance Number
    • Banking information (account, institution and transit numbers) or mailing address

    If you do not have an Alberta driver's licence or ID card that is not expired for more than 6 months, you may need to provide separate documents to prove your identity and residency. The other accepted documents listed below must be valid and not expired. The lists are not inclusive.

    Accepted proof of identity

    • Driver’s licence or ID card issued by an official government outside of Alberta
    • Canadian-issued travel documents such as a:
      • Passport
      • Certificate of identity (grey) – issued to non-Canadians lawfully admitted to Canada as permanent residents who meet certain conditions
      • Travel document for refugees (blue) – issued to non-Canadians who have been determined to have Convention refugee or 'protected person' status in Canada
    • Foreign passport
    • U.S. Passport Card
    • Canadian citizenship certificate with photo (issued prior to February 1, 2012)
    • Permanent resident card
    • Temporary resident permit or refugee protection claimant document
    • Secure Certificate of Indian Status
    • Métis Nation of Alberta Card
    • Department of National Defence (DND) Driver Permit (DND404)
    • Military ID cards NDI20 and NDI21
    • Possession and Acquisition Licence
    • NEXUS Card
    • Single Journey Travel Document, Single Journey Travel Document for Resettlement to Canada, and Emergency Travel Document for a Single Journey Only (all issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada)
    • Temporary confirmation of registration document issued by Indigenous Services Canada
    • Temporary Resident Permit

    Accepted proof of Alberta residency (paper or electronic)

    • Utility, gas, phone or cable bills
    • Bank or credit card statements
    • Residential lease agreement
    • Pay stub
    • Insurance Policy Pink Card
    • Statutory declaration completed in a registry agent office stating you are a resident of Alberta
  • First Nations, Inuit and Métis

    Eligibility

    • First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals can apply online or in person to receive affordability payments if you meet the other eligibility criteria.

    Identification

    • An Alberta driver’s licence or Alberta ID card is needed to apply online.
    • If you do not have one, you can apply in person at any Registry Agent or Alberta Supports Centre using your Secure Certificate of Indian Status, Métis Nation of Alberta Card, or other forms of identification to verify your identity and residency (see the identification section above for the full list).

    Enrolled on AISH, PDD, Income Support or Alberta Seniors Benefit

    • Indigenous people who currently receive benefits through AISH, Income Support, Alberta Seniors Benefit or services through PDD will automatically receive $600 over 6 months.
  • Separated or divorced parents

    • Legally separated or divorced parents who meet the eligibility criteria and have shared custody of their children can apply for the affordability benefit payments. Each parent needs to apply.
    • Each parent in the shared custody arrangement will receive half of the payment.
  • Foster and kinship caregivers

    Foster and kinship caregivers

    • You do not need to apply. You will be automatically enrolled to receive affordability payments for children placed in your care. 
    • There is no income testing or threshold limit for children placed in your care.
    • Payments will come from Children's Services through your regular payment process.
    • Payments are based on a daily rate. 
    • You must meet eligibility requirements and apply for biological or adopted children under 18 through the application portal. 

    Delegated First Nation Agency (DFNA) caregivers

    • You do not need to apply. You will be automatically enrolled to receive affordability payments for children placed in your care. 
    • Payments will come directly from the DFNAs.
    • DFNAs will receive payment funds for eligible foster and kinship caregivers from Children's Services.

    Agency caregivers

    • You do not need to apply. You will be automatically enrolled to receive affordability payments for children placed in your care. 
    • Payments will come directly from the contracted agency.
    • Contracted agencies will receive payment funds for their foster and kinship caregivers from Children's Services.
  • Privacy and security

    Using the Alberta.ca Account

    • Your information is protected using both server authentication and data encryption, ensuring that it is safe, secure and private.
    • We only store information required to create and verify your identity. 
    • We do not collect or store any information from participating services when you access them.
    • We only provide information that participating services need and have authority to collect. 

    Using the Application Portal

    • To prevent unauthorized access to the application portal, applicants must log in using their verified Alberta.ca Account.
    • Information collected is stored in an encrypted format to ensure it is safeguarded.
    • Information collected can only be used for the purpose of administering the Affordability Program.
  • Other issues or questions

    If you have other issues or questions that cannot be resolved using the tips listed above, contact the following supports and services.

    Alberta.ca Account

    • For questions or issues setting up your verified account, call: 1-844-643-2789 

    Affordability Action Plan Information Line

    • For questions or issues applying for affordability payments, call: 1-844-644-9955

    In-person support or applications

Watch out for frauds and scams

Protect yourself from scammers tricking you into sharing sensitive info.

  • Remember, to receive the affordability payments you must create a verified Alberta.ca Account and apply on a secure site.
  • We will never send you unsolicited emails, text messages or call you by phone asking for your personal information.
  • If you see something suspicious or think you've been the target of a scam, report it to the police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.

Get tips to avoid identity theft and scams

Contact us

Call the Affordability Action Plan Information Line if you have questions or issues applying for the affordability payments.

1-844-644-9955

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