The provincial government says monthly $100 affordability payments for families, seniors, and vulnerable Albertans are on the way.
Six months of the payments will begin through an application and distribution system.
“Our government is committed to keeping Alberta affordable. By the end of January, most Alberta seniors and families will be able to apply for and receive monthly affordability payments that will provide real relief and help to offset inflationary pressures," said Matt Jones, Minister of Affordability and Utilities in Alberta.
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 payment 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 the 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 on 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 the monthly payments for each dependent child under 18. 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.
Albertans can learn more about all the broad-based and targeted affordability relief programs online.