Alberta - Apply for Income Support
ProcedureEdit
Here are the procedures on how you can apply for Alberta’s Income Support program. To apply for the process you will need to complete and submit an application form. You can fill up a form in three ways:
Apply OnlineEdit
- Click link to complete an application form online - myAlberta - Apply Online.
- Click the "Log in" button if you already have a myAlberta account or would like to create one.
- After you have created or logged in to your account you may now complete an application form to claim income support.
- After you have submitted your application and all the required documents (see list below), you will get instructions explaining the next steps including how to set up a meeting with a worker to discuss your application.
- The worker from the Centre will review the information you have provided on your application and determine if you are eligible to receive Income Support.
- If you cannot speak English, bring someone with you who speaks English for the interview. This person is required to present their identification.
- It might take about two weeks for your application to be processed and for the financial aid to be ready for release. But in emergency cases, the application can be processed in two days.
Apply In-PersonEdit
As of 2022 due to the changes brought about by COVID, all in-person application submission has been cancelled. All services are performed remotely via phone or online application.
- The Income Support Application Form is available online, use the link provided under 'Documents to Use' section to download and print an application. You may also pick up a paper application from your nearest Alberta Supports or Alberta Works Centre.
- Fill up the form. Don't forget to sign the Declaration and Acknowledgement part of the form.
- Bring the completed form to your nearest Alberta Supports or Alberta Works Centre.
- After you have submitted your application and all the required documents (see list below), you will get instructions explaining the next steps including how to set up a meeting with a worker to discuss your application.
- The worker from the Centre will review the information you have provided on your application and determine if you are eligible to receive Income Support.
- If you cannot speak English, bring someone with you who speaks English for the interview. This person is required to present their identification.
- It might take about two weeks for your application to be processed and for the financial aid to be ready for release. But in emergency cases, the application can be processed in two days.
Required DocumentsEdit
- Completed Income Support Application and Schedules if required
- Completed Direct Deposit Registration
- Identification (ID):
- For you, your spouse/partner, or financial administrator: a document(s) with name, picture, signature and birth date.
- For dependants: a document with full name and birth date
- Proof of employment income and/or other income if applicable
- Proof of assets: Documents to show the value of assets
- A medical form/letter from a doctor if unable to work or limited in working due to health reasons
- Documents to show other need if applicable (e.g. if special diet, note from doctor identifying type of diet)
- Your immigration papers if you immigrated to Canada in the past 10 years
Office Locations & ContactsEdit
Alberta Supports Contact Centre
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
Hours: 24/7
Toll free: 1-866-644-5135
Fax: 780-422-9681
Email: [email protected]
Alberta Supports Centre - Locations
EligibilityEdit
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for Income Support:
- Age and residency:
- You must living in Alberta
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee or refugee claimant
- Financial:
- You must be unable to pay for your basic needs
- You do not have income or assets that exceeds: $5,000 in RRSPs per adult; $10,000 equity in vehicles
- You do not have income that exceeds what you would receive from Income Support core benefits
- You do not have cash or savings that exceed the liquid asset limit (the limit is generally three times the Income Support core benefit amount you would be eligible to receive)
- You must be willing to apply for other income programs that you may be eligible to receive (such as Employment Insurance)
- Ability to work: Your situation must be one of the following:
- You are looking for work
- You are working but not earning enough
- You are unable to work for a short time
- You need help to access training to find a job
- You are unable to work due to chronic health problems or other concerns
- Information and planning:
- You must be willing to provide personal and financial information for all members of your household
- You must also be willing to develop and follow a plan with your Income Support worker to improve your situation
FeesEdit
Explain the fees structure which is required for obtaining the certificate/document.
ValidityEdit
Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid. e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever
Documents to UseEdit
Income Support Application Form
Sample DocumentsEdit
Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.
Processing TimeEdit
It might take about two weeks to process your application.
Related VideosEdit
Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites. Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation. Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver, sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed. e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.
InstructionsEdit
Please provide other instructions related to the certificate/documents. e.g. The state office holds birth records since january 1908.
Required InformationEdit
- Applicant's name
- Birth date
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Alberta Personal Health Number
- Home phone number
- Mailing address
- Residential address
- Gender
- Grade level
- Marital status
- Employment insurance (E.I) status
- Immigration status
- First nations status
- Spouse/partner information (if currently part of your household unit)
- Dependent Children Information
- Type of accommodation you live in
- Additional costs
- Employment information
- Monthly income
- Assets
Need for the DocumentEdit
Please provide the need for the procedure. e.g. Birth Certificate - why do we need to have a birth certificate?
Information which might helpEdit
Alberta’s Income Support program was created to help families pay for their basic living costs and other necessities. Depending on your needs and situation you may be eligible to receive this financial aid.
Other uses of the Document/CertificateEdit
Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate. e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.
External LinksEdit
Income Support Online Policy Manual
OthersEdit
More information which might help people.