Monthly $100 affordability payments for families, seniors, and vulnerable Albertans will be released soon, and Albertans can act now to get ready.

Alberta’s economy has recovered strongly, but many people are struggling to heat their homes and feed their families. Alberta’s government has responded with the largest inflation relief package in Canada, with significant broad-based and targeted supports. Starting this month, six months of affordability payments will begin for Albertans through an application and distribution system that is fast, effective and safe.

Starting January 18, seniors 65 or older who are not receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit and eligible parents with children under 18 can apply online through the government portal or in person at locations across the province for $600 in monthly affordability payments.

In order to use the portal, eligible parents and seniors will be required to have a Verified Account. To ensure that the application process is as smooth as possible, Albertans should sign-up for their Verified Account or confirm they have an existing Verified Account with accurate information as soon as possible.

Many Albertans receiving these targeted relief payments are automatically enrolled for the program and do not need to apply to receive the benefit.

Along with Foster and Kinship Caregivers, anyone currently receiving regular monthly benefits through Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Income Support or Alberta Seniors Benefit, or receiving services through the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program will automatically receive their first payment starting January 31.

Affordability payments for AISH, Income Support and PDD clients

All clients accessing AISH, Income Support or PDD are automatically enrolled in the program and do not need to sign up to receive their benefits. They will receive their first $100 payments starting January 31.

• Payments will be delivered the same way as a client’s regular monthly benefits, whether by automatic deposit or a physical cheque.
• Payments will be delivered by physical cheque for existing PDD clients who are not receiving AISH or Income Support benefits.
• Beneficiaries will also be notified directly about their enrollment in the payment program and related information.
• These payments will be treated as exempt income by the AISH and Income Support programs and will not impact eligibility or financial benefits.
• Parents in these programs with children under 18 can also receive $600 in additional payments per child. They will need to apply online or in person for these payments starting January 18.

Affordability payments for seniors

All Albertans 65 or older with household incomes below $180,000 will soon be eligible for $600 over six months in monthly affordability payments.

Albertans receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit are automatically enrolled in the program and do not need to sign up to receive their benefits. The distribution of additional monthly payments will begin January 31.

Eligible seniors who are not receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit will need to apply for affordability payments by creating or confirming their Verified Account and applying for benefits via the online portal or in person at a registry office or through Alberta Supports when the portal opens on January 18.

Affordability payments for parents or guardians caring for children under 18

Families with household incomes below $180,000 per year will soon receive a total of $600 for each dependent child under 18 over six months. Eligible parents can apply for affordability payments by creating or confirming their Verified Account and applying for benefits via the online portal or in person at a registry office or through Alberta Supports when the portal opens on January 18.

Affordability payments for foster and kinship caregivers caring for children under 18

Eligible kinship or foster caregivers caring for a child under the age of 18 are automatically enrolled in the program and do not need to sign up to receive their affordability payments. They will receive their first payments at the end of January.

• Payments will be delivered the same way as regular monthly benefits, whether by automatic deposit or physical cheque.
• Monthly payments will be rolled out starting January 31.

Alberta’s government is delivering immediate cost of living and inflation relief while also working to support long-term affordability. Albertans can learn more about all the broad-based and targeted affordability relief programs online.

Quick facts:

• Alberta’s government will use CRA 2021 tax data to verify eligibility based on income.
• Applications can be submitted until June 30, with payments being retroactive to include previous months when a person was eligible.
• 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.
• Alberta has had verified accounts since 2015 as a way for Albertans to safely and securely access a growing number of government services.
• As with all online accounts, Albertans should use strong passwords and not share their password with anyone else. Tips on how to create a strong password are available on the Government of Alberta site.
• The Alberta government will not send texts or emails asking Albertans to submit personal or banking information to receive payments.

Additional information, including a video and answers to questions, is available at alberta.ca/affordable.