COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
- Public health restrictions: Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
- Book your vaccine: Albertans 5+ can get it now. Get third dose when eligible.
COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
Financial assistance for unexpected emergencies is available through the Emergency Needs Allowance.
COVID-19 response
There are a number of emergency financial relief programs to help those in need of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, and to apply for programs you may be eligible for, visit the Government of Canada website.
AISH and Income Support recipients who have lost work and income because of COVID-19 can exempt a portion of the federal government’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), if they receive it. This means a portion of the CERB payment will not affect their provincial benefits. Find out more.
If you are facing an unexpected emergency, you can apply for emergency financial assistance.
You can get help when:
This allowance can cover costs for:
Emergency Needs Allowance rates are published on page two of the Financial Benefits Summary (PDF, 228 KB).
Costs that may be covered, but must be repaid include:
You must provide proof of need, such as:
You can apply for the Emergency Needs Allowance if:
For general information on Income Support benefits, you can call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre:
Hours: 7:30 am to 8:00 pm (Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 1-877-644-9992
Email: [email protected]
Contact your Income Support worker.
If an emergency occurs outside regular hours, you can call the 24-hour Contact Centre toll free at 1-866-644-5135. See below for the items that can be issued by the 24-hour Income Support Contact Centre.
If you aren’t receiving Income Support, you can still apply online:
There are some benefits that the 24-hour Income Support Contact Centre can assist with by phone — see details below.
You can now apply online to the Income Support Contact Centre to receive emergency food benefits via Interac e-Transfer. Once you have provided the required information, you will be asked to call the Income Support Contact Centre to confirm your eligibility.
Apply at MyAlberta Emergency Benefits to start the online application process.
If you are facing an emergency need for the following:
Call the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre (available 24/7):
Toll free: 1-866-644-5135
TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 (ask to speak to Alberta Supports)
Fax: 780-422-9681
Email: [email protected] (responses may take 1-3 business days)
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