Escaping Abuse Benefit – Get help with costs to leave

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

Step 1: Gather your documents

If you are able to, include the following documents with your application:

• identification for you and any dependents
• 2 bank statements for 60 days prior to the date of application
• direct deposit information
• medical letter – if you cannot work for medical reasons

Note: If you do not have these documents at this time, you can still apply.

Step 2: Apply online

Apply for the Escaping Abuse Benefit using the Income Support online application. Income Support applications for people leaving an abusive situation can be completed in as little as 2 days.

Apply online

Read more about the Income Support application process.

Contact

Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Connect with the main Alberta Supports Contact Centre for more information about the benefits available or if you have questions about your application:

Hours: 7:30 am to 8 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 1-877-644-9992
Email: [email protected]

24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre

For after-hours support, contact the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre:

Hours: 24/7
Toll free: 1-866-644-5135