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Seniors with low-income can get financial assistance to help with monthly living expenses.
New online options are available for seniors financial assistance programs:
Select a quick, easy and secure way to complete your Seniors Financial Assistance application online.
Submit documents online: this is the easiest way to send your applications, forms and updated information to the Alberta Seniors Benefit program.
To be eligible for the Alberta Seniors Benefit you must:
Note: If you or your spouse or partner have chosen to defer or delay receipt of Old Age Security (OAS), you are not eligible for seniors financial assistance programs.
Use the Seniors Benefit Estimator to help determine your eligibility for Seniors Financial Assistance programs. You do not need to share any personal information to use the calculator.
If you are a new Alberta resident, you are eligible to begin receiving benefits on the later of the following dates:
In general, a single senior with an annual income of $29,285 or less, and senior couples with a combined annual income of $47,545 or less, may be eligible for a benefit. These income levels are guidelines only, and are for seniors whose income includes full Old Age Security pension.
The amount of benefit you may be eligible to receive is determined by:
Benefits are paid based on your previous calendar year’s total income, from January to December.
Your income information is needed each year to accurately calculate your benefits.
If you received Canada emergency response benefits (for example, CERB) in 2020, and your 2020 income was significantly higher than your 2019 income as a result, you may be eligible to have your seniors financial assistance eligibility based on your 2021 actual income. Simply complete, sign, and submit an Income Information Form (PDF, 71 KB) and attach copies of your t-slips.
The Government of Canada issued a one-time payment of $500 to eligible Old Age Security recipients aged 75 and older in August 2021. This payment will not affect eligibility or benefit amounts for Alberta seniors financial assistance programs. For payment information, contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.
Your application to the Alberta Seniors Benefit program asks you to authorize the Canada Revenue Agency to release limited income information to Alberta Seniors and Housing. Only the lines relevant to verifying your eligibility and determining your benefits are collected.
To calculate your benefit amount, the Alberta Seniors Benefit starts with your total income as identified on line 15000 of your income tax return (combined with your spouse/partner’s total income) and then subtracts the following income deductions:
Your total income minus these allowable deductions results in the income used to calculate your eligibility or your ‘non-deductible’ income. You may be eligible for an Alberta Seniors Benefit if your non-deductible income is within the program thresholds.
If your non-deductible income is $0 you will receive the maximum benefit available according to your accommodation type and marital status.
If your non-deductible income is greater than $0, the maximum benefit you may receive is reduced for each dollar of non-deductible income reported.
For a single senior
Type of residence | Maximum annual benefit (where income for calculating benefit is $0) | Phase out rate (for income greater than $0)* |
---|---|---|
Homeowner, renter, lodge resident | $3,431 | 0.1560 |
Long-Term Care Centre or Designated Supportive Living Facility | $11,771 | See the Supplementary Accommodation Benefit section below |
Other Residence Categories | $2,390 | 0.1088 |
For a senior couple
Type of residence | Maximum annual benefit (where income for calculating benefits is $0) | Phase out rate (for income greater than $0)* |
---|---|---|
Homeowner, renter, lodge resident | $5,146 | 0.1564 |
Long-Term Care Centre or Designated Supportive Living Facility (with one partner living at home) |
$15,202 | See the Supplementary Accommodation Benefit section below |
Other Residence Categories | $4,779 | 0.1453 |
Use the Seniors’ Benefits Estimator to see if you are eligible for benefits.
The Alberta Seniors Benefit program bases your benefit on your income from the previous calendar year. However, an exception is made for seniors applying to the program or receiving benefits for the first time.
For seniors applying to the program for the first time, or those who have previously applied but have never received benefits, an estimate of income is allowed to determine benefit eligibility for the current calendar year.
Fill out the Income estimate form (PDF, 419 KB) and attach it to your application.
When an estimate is used, the estimated income is compared to the actual income reported to the Canada Revenue Agency at the end of the benefit year. If the estimated income was too high, benefits are paid to you retroactively. If an estimated income was too low, and you received benefits for which you were not eligible, you will have to repay the overpayment.
The Supplementary Accommodation Benefit supports eligible seniors who reside in a designated supportive living or long-term care facility with monthly accommodation charges. The amount received is determined by:
The Supplementary Accommodation Benefit is combined with the Alberta Seniors Benefit. You will receive one combined payment each month.
When a couple must live apart for health reasons, a review of eligibility is completed to consider the couple as 2 single seniors living in separate dwellings. Normally this is done by dividing the couple’s total combined income equally (50:50 split) and calculating benefits using the single senior income threshold. Seniors whose monthly income from all sources is less than the current private room rate may receive a benefit.
Seniors with low income not eligible for the federal Old Age Security pension, who are residents of designated supportive living and long-term care facilities, are considered for the Supplementary Accommodation Benefit.
Seniors Financial Assistance information booklet
Complete the Seniors Financial Assistance application:
Optional income forms are available to help you complete your application:
Optional forms are available to help you complete your application:
Date of birth validation for you and your spouse/partner (if applicable) must be included with your application. Attach a photocopy of one of the following documents:
You are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit. Attach a pre-printed cheque from your bank/financial institution with your:
Make sure to write 'VOID' across the cheque
You may also complete a direct deposit form (PDF, 94 KB)
Use one of the following options to send your completed application and supporting documents:
Fax to 780-422-5954
Mail to:
Alberta Seniors and Housing
Seniors Financial Assistance
PO Box 3100
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3
If you need help completing an application, call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992.
Alberta Seniors and Housing will send you a letter explaining your benefit eligibility once your application is reviewed.
Keeping your information up-to-date helps ensure that you receive your benefits.
If any of the following information changes, contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 (have your Personal Health Care card available when calling):
You may also notify the department in writing. Ensure your full name (print), address, telephone number and Personal Health Care number are clearly marked on your document. Select one of the following options to provide your documents:
Fax to 780-422-5954
Mail to the address below:
Alberta Seniors and Housing
Seniors Financial Assistance
PO Box 3100
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3
Benefits stop:
You may receive benefit payments retroactively for up to 11 months before the date Alberta Seniors Benefit receives your completed application form.
Retroactive payments will not be available before your 65th birthday or before 3 months of permanent residency in Alberta.
The Alberta Seniors Benefit year begins July 1 of each year and ends June 30 of the following year. Below is the 2022 monthly payment schedule.
Month | Payment day |
---|---|
January | Tuesday, January 25, 2022 |
February | Tuesday, February 22, 2022 |
March | Friday, March 25, 2022 |
April | Monday, April 25, 2022 |
May | Wednesday, May 25, 2022 |
June | Friday, June 24, 2022 |
July | Monday, July 25, 2022 |
August | Thursday, August 25, 2022 |
September | Monday, September 26, 2022 |
October | Tuesday, October 25, 2022 |
November | Thursday, November 24, 2022 |
December | Monday, December 19, 2022 |
View and download a printable version of this schedule (PDF, 242 KB)
To request an explanation or review of the information used to determine your eligibility for the Alberta Seniors Benefit program call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre:
Toll free: 1-877-644-9992
You may appeal a decision regarding your Alberta Seniors Benefit file or benefit amount.
Send information and supporting documentation that will assist in the review of your file to:
Director, Seniors Financial Assistance
Seniors and Housing
PO Box 3100
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3
Or send by fax to: 780-422-5954
If your concern is not resolved, request a final review by writing to:
Assistant Deputy Minister
Seniors and Strategic Services Division
Seniors and Housing
PO Box 3100
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3
Or send fax to: 780-422-5954
Once Step 2 is complete, a Notice of Appeal form will be mailed to you. Follow the instructions provided with the form.
Connect with the Alberta Supports Contact Centre:
Hours: 7:30 am to 8:00 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 1-877-644-9992
Fax: 780-422-5954
Address:
Alberta Seniors and Housing
Seniors Financial Assistance
PO Box 3100
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3
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