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.

“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.”

Matt Jones, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

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.

“Alberta’s government has heard loud and clear that families, seniors and vulnerable Albertans need relief, and the approach we’ve taken ensures they get that support now. We have designed a secure system that will allow eligible Albertans to apply for benefits quickly and easy. Our top priorities during development of the inflation relief portal were privacy, security and accessibility. I’m proud of the work our civil servants have done over the last two months to bring this much-needed program to life.”

Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation

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.

“As we all know, rising prices are putting pressure on household budgets, making it harder for families to pay their bills. Alberta’s government refuses to allow children to pay the price of inflation. The inflation relief payment will help reduce some of the financial pressures on Alberta families so that all parents, including foster and kinship caregivers, will not have to choose between buying food and paying bills. We are hoping that this additional support will allow kids to be kids and enjoy the fun activities they love.”

Mickey Amery, Minister of Children’s Services

“Affordability for Albertans is a top priority for our government, especially for seniors and those living with disabilities. With critical steps such as targeted relief payments, we are helping millions of individuals and families meet their basic needs and offset the impact of today’s inflation.”

Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

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.

Keith Hopper, Trending 55