Effective January 18, 2023, eligible Alberta families and seniors can apply to receive $600 in affordability payments over the next six months. The targeted relief measure for those facing economic hardship is one of several supports introduced by the government to help offset the high cost of living.
“Eligible seniors and parents can apply for $600 in affordability payments over six months to help offset inflationary pressures,” said Matt Jones, Minister of Affordability and Utilities. Eligible households can apply for affordability payments for each child under 18 and each senior 65 and up, which will help to keep Alberta affordable.”
Families with household incomes below $180,000 are eligible to receive the $100 monthly affordability payments while seniors 65 or older who have household incomes below $180,000 and do not receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit can also apply.
Those unable to access the secure online portal may do so in person through any registry agent or Alberta Supports in up to 50 locations. Applications will be accepted any time between January 18 and June 30, 2023.
“We know rising inflation is forcing families to make choices they should not have to make, and kids are feeling the impacts of the financial stress at home,” said Mickey Amery, Minister of Children’s Services. These affordability payments will make a difference for parents and caregivers across Alberta who are struggling to keep up with rising costs. My hope is that by reducing some of the financial pressure on parents and caregivers, our youngest Albertans can focus on kid’s stuff, not their parents’ bills.”
The government says the application portal for direct supports was designed with personal privacy and security in mind. To apply, eligible parents and seniors must have a confirmed or pending Verified Account, which allows Albertans to prove who they are online without paper documents or face-to-face visits.
Those receiving benefits through Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Income Support or the Alberta Seniors Benefit, or services through the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program are already registered and will automatically receive their $100 payments starting January 31. In other words, recipients of these programs need not apply.
