On January 18, 2023, the Alberta Government began accepting applications for temporary Affordability Payments as part of its Affordability Action Plan aimed at providing assistance to Albertans who are struggling with the rising cost of living due to inflation. The Affordability Payments will provide direct payments to help parents, seniors and vulnerable people with their daily living costs.
Eligible individuals and families can apply to receive the following payments:
-
Seniors age 65 and older (with adjusted household income below $180,000) - Can apply for a benefit of $100 per month for 6 months – Total benefit of $600 per person
-
Families with children (with adjusted household income below $180,000) – Can apply for a benefit of $100 per month, per child under the age of 18 for up to 6 months – Maximum benefit of $600 per child under 18)
-
Albertans already eligible and enrolled to receive AISH disability benefits, Income Support, Alberta Seniors Benefit, or Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) – Are automatically enrolled to receive the $600 Affordability Payment (no need to apply for the Affordability Payment)
Applications can be made online and will be accepted any time between January 18 and June 30, 2023.The Alberta Government will begin issuing monthly payments to eligible applicants beginning at the end of January 2023.
Helpful Tip - If you prefer not to submit your application for Affordibility Payments through the online application process, you can also submit your application in person at either your local Alberta Registry Agent, or Alberta Supports Centre. To apply in person you will need to bring the following information:
- Valid identification:
- Alberta Driver's Licence or ID Card to prove identity and residency, OR
- Other identification and proof of residency (see list of options below)
- Social Insurance Number
- Banking information (account, institution and transit numbers) for direct deposit
- Mailing address to receive payments by cheque and/or your eligibility results
For more information on the Alberta Affordability Payments, and how to apply, visit https://www.alberta.ca/affordability-action-plan.aspx
Disclaimer
The information in this publication is current as of January 18, 2023
This publication has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. The publication cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained therein without obtaining specific professional advice. Please contact Gregory, Harriman & Associates LLP to discuss these matters in the context of your particular circumstances. Gregory, Harriman & Associates LLP, its partners, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information in this publication or for any decision based on it.