24-hour help
Family violence is a crime – Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.
Call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 to get help anonymously in more than 170 languages, or find family violence and domestic violence supports.
Escaping abuse benefit
Eligibility
You can apply for this benefit if you:
- are living in an abusive family situation or you have already left
- do not have enough money to leave an abusive family situation or start over
- you do not qualify for other ongoing Alberta benefits
- are at least 18 years old
- live in Alberta and are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, refugee or refugee claimant
What you get
You may get help with expenses and other supports to get to safety and/or start a new life. This could include:
- emergency transportation to a safe place (for example, women’s shelter)
- costs to stay in a hotel or motel for a short time if shelters are full or not available
- an allowance to buy personal items not provided by the shelter
- emergency items not available through shelters such as prescription drugs, child care, dental and eye care services
- one-time costs to move within Alberta or Canada if you must leave your community to escape a threat of family violence or domestic violence
- a one-time allowance to help set up a new home
- the damage deposit for a new home
- costs for basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter
- costs for telephone calls and transportation to access counselling or legal advice
- extended health coverage for adults and children from families with limited incomes
How to apply
Call Alberta Supports to apply:
Weekdays
Hours: 7:30 am to 8 pm
Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 (in Alberta, up to 150 languages)
Weekends, holidays and after hours
Toll free: 1-866-644-5135 (in Alberta)