Not all seniors are fortunate enough to end up with a mountain of cash to support themselves in retirement. Sometimes, additional income from the federal and provincial governments is needed to help cover living expenses such as food, rent, and healthcare.
While the federal government offers the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and Guaranteed Income Supplements (GIS) for seniors, each province may have its own program. If you live in Alberta, you can apply for the Alberta Seniors Benefit.
KeyPoints
- The Alberta Seniors Benefit provides a monthly payment to eligible seniors to help with the cost of living.
- To be eligible, seniors in Alberta must have an income of no more than $31,080 (as a single) and $50,720 (as a s couple).
- Payments are made once a month from July 1 to June 30 each year.
- Payment amounts vary by income and family size. For example, seniors can get a maximum of $3,792 as a single homeowner or renter each year and $5,687 as a couple.
What Is The Alberta Seniors Benefit?
The Alberta Seniors Benefit is a government assistance program that helps seniors cover the cost of living. The program pays a monthly benefit, which varies according to several factors.
How To Qualify For The Alberta Seniors Benefit?
To be approved for the Alberta Seniors Benefit, you will have to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- be a resident of Alberta for a minimum of three months
- Be a Canadian citizen or have permanent residence status (landed or sponsored immigrant)
- Receive OAS payments
- Meet the income requirements
Income Requirements
There are also income requirements you must satisfy before being accepted. For the 2023-2024 year, the income threshold is:
- $31,080 if you’re single.
- is $50,720 if you’re married or in a common-law relationship.
Alberta’s seniors financial assistance program administrators will use the income you earned from the previous year to determine your eligibility and your monthly benefit amount. Keep in mind that these figures are guidelines rather than strict requirements.
Alberta Seniors Benefit Payment Dates
The Alberta Seniors Benefit program runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. Below is a table monthly payment schedule:
| Month | Date |
| January | Thursday, January 25, 2024 |
| February | Friday, February 23, 2024 |
| March | Friday, March 22, 2024 |
| April | Wednesday, April 24, 2024 |
| May | Monday, May 27, 2024 |
| June | Monday, June 24, 2024 |
| July | Thursday, July 25, 2024 |
| August | Monday, August 26, 2024 |
| September | Monday, September 23, 2024 |
| October | Friday, October 25, 2024 |
| November | Monday, November 25, 2024 |
| December | Tuesday, December 17, 2024 |
How Much Will You Get Through The Alberta Seniors Benefit?
The amount of your monthly benefit is determined by the following factors:
- Your income from the previous calendar year and that of your spouse or partner
- Whether you’re collecting OAS payments
- Your accommodation type
- Your marital status
Below is an overview of the maximum benefit you’re entitled to receive as a single senior and a couple.
Seniors Financial Assistance Payments For Singles
| Type Of Residence | Max Annual Benefit |
| Homeowner, renter, lodge resident | $3,792 |
| Long-Term Care Centre or Designated Supportive Living Facility | $12,312 |
| Other Residence Categories | $2,642 |
Seniors Financial Assistance Payments For Couples
| Type Of Residence | Max Annual Benefit |
| Homeowners, renter, lodge | $5,687 |
| Long Term care or Designated Supportive Living Facility | $16,104 |
| Other Residence Categories | $5,282 |
Supplementary Accommodation Benefit
The Supplementary Accommodation Benefit provides additional financial support for seniors in Alberta who live in a designated living or long-term care facility that charges monthly rental charges. The amount you’re eligible to receive is calculated using the following variables:
- Your income from all sources and that of your spouse or partner
- The max monthly accommodation charge, as set by Alberta Health
- The monthly disposable income amount, currently is at least $357
The Supplementary Accommodation Benefit and Alberta Seniors Benefit are combined into a single payment and issued monthly.
How To Apply For The Alberta Seniors Benefit
Residents of Alberta looking to apply for the Alberta Seniors Benefit should follow these steps:
Step One
Complete the Seniors Financial Assistance application form online or by paper.
| Online | MyAlberta Account |
| Paper | Application Form PDF Fax: 780-422-5954 Mail to: Alberta Seniors and Housing, Seniors Financial Assistance PO Box 3100 Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3 |
Step Two
In addition to all relevant forms, you must provide at least one photocopied document that confirms your identity, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport.
Step Three
Submit your applications and additional documents online on the Senior Financial Assistance portal or via fax or mail.
Additional Documents You May Need:
You may need several other forms to help complete your application:
- Income estimate form. Submit this form if your income decreased from the amount stated in your most recent tax return and you’re applying for the program for the first time.
- Income information form. Submit this form if you still haven’t filed your tax return for the prior year.
- Direct deposit form. Attach a direct deposit form if you wish to receive payments via bank transfer.
- Undertaking to Administer Benefits and Certificate of Incapability. This document is for the senior’s trustee and doctor to complete.
- Authorization of Representative. This form is required if you want to permit an individual to represent you and look after your Alberta Seniors Benefit.
Other Financial Assistance Programs For Seniors In Alberta
There are a variety of other financial aid programs available for seniors, each designed to meet a specific need.
Special Needs Assistance For Seniors
The Special Needs Assistance For Seniors program offers a lump-sum payment to help cover the cost of health and personal support, as well as appliances and furniture. The maximum amount you’re entitled to receive is $5,643 per benefit period (July 1 – June 30).
Dental And Optical Assistance For Seniors
The Dental Assistance for Seniors program provides coverage for procedures that help “maintain a reasonable level of dental health”. The maximum amount you can receive is $5,000 over five years.
The Optical Assistance for Seniors program offers coverage for prescription eyeglasses. The maximum amount payable is $230 over three years. Alberta Health pays for any necessary eye exams once per benefit year.
Coverage For Seniors Program
The Coverage for Seniors Program provides coverage for a wide variety of premium-free health-related products and services not covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), including:
- Ambulance
- Home nursing care
- Prescription drugs (There’s a 30% co-payment, up to a maximum of $30.)
- Clinical Psychologist
- Chiropractor
- Diabetic supplies
Are you living with a disability in Alberta? Then you may qualify for the Assured Income For The Severely Handicapped (AISH) program or Alberta’s Aids To Daily Living (AADL).
Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program
The Seniors Property Tax Deferral program enables seniors to defer all or a portion of their property taxes by taking on a low-interest home equity loan. The Government of Alberta covers the cost of property taxes, issuing payments directly to the municipality.
You don’t have to repay the loan until you sell your home, though you have the option to settle it sooner. No monthly payments are required.
Seniors Home Adaptation And Repair Program (SHARP)
The Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program helps seniors finance home repairs and renovations for their personal property through a low-interest home equity loan. The maximum loan amount is $40,000.
You must repay the loan once you sell your home, or sooner if you wish. There are no monthly payment obligations.
Final Thoughts
If the federal government retirement programs don’t provide nearly enough to supplement your savings, you should check out the Alberta Seniors Benefit and the many other financial aid programs offered by the Alberta government. Depending on your eligibility, you may gain access to enough funds to pay for essentials like rent, food, utility bills, and medical bills.
