Seniors in Alberta have access to several financial assistance programs, including the following:
- Alberta Seniors Benefit
- Special Needs Assistance for Seniors
- Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors
- Coverage for Seniors
- Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program
- Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program
These benefits are available to eligible seniors besides other federal government income sources such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Old Age Security.
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Alberta Seniors Benefit Payment Dates 2024
Here are the remaining payment dates for Alberta Seniors Benefits in 2023:
| Payment month | Payment day |
| October | Wednesday, October 25, 2023 |
| November | Friday, November 24, 2023 |
| December | Monday, December 18, 2023 |
How Much Can You Get in Alberta Seniors Benefit?
The maximum amount of Alberta Seniors Benefit you receive depends on your:
- Income (combined with a spouse or partner, if applicable)
- Type of accommodation
- Marital/cohabitation status
- Old Age Security eligibility
As part of the Affordability Action Plan, Alberta Seniors Benefits increase by 6% in 2023. Recipients will also receive an extra $100 monthly for six months from January to June.
Maximum benefits payable for July 2023 to June 2024 period are:
| Types of residence | Maximum annual benefit (single senior) | Phase-out rate (single) | Maximum annual benefit (senior couple) | Phase-out rate (couple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homeowner, renter, lodge resident | $3,637 | $0.16/dollar | $5,455 | $0.16/dollar |
| Other residence types | $2,534 | $0.11/dollar | $5,066 | $0.15/dollar |
| Long-term care centre or designated supportive living facility | $12,097 | N/A | $15,734 | N/A |
*The maximum amounts assume your income is $0 (not including OAS payments). For every dollar of eligible income, you lose 15.60 cents of benefits if you are a homeowner, for example.
The Supplementary Accommodation Benefit amount depends on your:
- Personal income (combined with spouse or partner, if applicable)
- The maximum monthly accommodation charge set by the Alberta government, e.g. $2,201 per month for a private room (July 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023)
- A monthly disposable income amount of at least $342
Your income is assessed annually to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.
What is the Alberta Seniors Benefit?
The Alberta Seniors Benefit is a financial assistance program that provides monthly payments to low-income seniors.
This benefit helps recipients to cover their living expenses and also includes a Supplementary Accommodation Benefit for seniors who live in designated supportive living or long-term care facilities.
Eligibility for the Alberta Seniors Benefit
To qualify for the Alberta Seniors Benefit, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 65 years old
- Be a recipient of the Old Age Security pension (OAS), and
- Have lived in Alberta for at least 3 months
In addition to the requirements above, you must also meet the income requirements. The income threshold for the 2023-2024 benefit year is a maximum of $31,080 for a single senior and $50,720 for a couple.
Your income amount from the previous year is used to calculate your benefits for the current benefit year. The 2023-2024 benefit year runs from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
Related: Guide to Retirement Income in Canada
How To Apply for the Alberta Seniors Benefit
To apply, complete the Seniors Financial Assistance application form and submit it online.
You may also need to complete an income estimate, direct deposit request, authorization of representative, and other forms depending on your circ*mstances.
One copy of supporting documentation that confirms your date of birth should be attached and can include your passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, permanent resident card, or Alberta identification card.
Besides submitting your application via the online portal, you can also fax it to 780-422-5954 or mail it to Alberta Seniors and Housing, Seniors Financial Assistance, PO Box 3100, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3.
The application processing time is 16 weeks, and you may apply for retroactive payments for up to 11 months.
If your application is unsuccessful, you can appeal the decision by writing a letter of appeal addressed to the Director and faxing it to 780-422-5954.
If this does not resolve your issue, you can also request a final review by writing to the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Seniors Services Division.
For general inquiries about your application, contact the support centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992.
Your Seniors Financial Assistance application also assesses your eligibility for two other programs:
- Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors
- Special Needs Assistance for Seniors
Alberta Seniors Benefit payments stop after death or if you move permanently out of the province.
Related: Alberta Income Tax Brackets and Rates
Seniors Financial Assistance and Benefits in Alberta
Five additional sources of financial and health support are available to eligible seniors in Alberta.
1. Special Needs Assistance for Seniors
This benefit helps low-income seniors cover the cost of medical and personal support. You may be eligible to apply if you meet the basic requirements for the Alberta Seniors Benefit Program.
The maximum benefit payable per year is $5,412 and varies with your marital status, income, and accommodation type.
Recipients can receive assistance to fund primary or secondary items as follows:
| Annual total income (single senior) | Annual total income (senior couple) | Funding level |
|---|---|---|
| $26,680 or less | $42,520 or less | Primary and secondary items |
| $26,681 to $31,080 | $42,521 to $50,720 | Primary items only |
| Over $31,080 | Over $50,720 | No funding |
Appliances and furniture that are funded via the program include a bed, dryer, washer, refrigerator, and stove. Your type of accommodation may limit what you can claim.
Secondary appliance claims include a microwave, television, and vacuum.
Health supports include a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, diabetic supplies (e.g. test strips, lancets, needles, antiseptic swabs), nutritional beverages, podiatry, and prescription costs.
Personal supports that are funded include bed bug treatment, celiac groceries, clothing, home clean-up, medical trips, medication administration fees, wigs, and more.
Secondary funding for personal support includes housekeeping, yard maintenance, and respite care.
You can submit a claim online and include a receipt or estimate of the cost. Receipts should not be older than 12 months, and they may require medical notes to accompany some claims.
Expenses incurred before you turned 65 years are not eligible for funding. Learn more about the program here.
Related: Provincial Retirement Benefits for Seniors
2. Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors
Low-income seniors can get financial assistance to cover the cost of dental and optical services. The eligibility requirements for this benefit are similar to that of the Alberta Seniors benefit.
And, if you already applied for the senior’s financial assistance, you are automatically enrolled in the dental and optical assistance program if eligible.
The maximum coverage you enjoy is based on your income and marital status:
| Total annual income (single senior) | Total annual income (senior couple) | Dental benefits | Optical benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| $31,080 or less | $62,160 or less | 100% coverage of the fee* | Up to $230 |
| $31,081 to $31,675 | $62,161 to $63,350 | 10-99% of the fee | Up to $115 |
| Over $31,675 | Over $63,350 | Not eligible | Not eligible |
*Fees are listed within the Dental Assistance for Seniors Program Fee Schedule.
The dental coverage is up to a maximum of $5,000 every five years. Dental procedures include:
- Diagnostic, preventive, and restorative services
- Extraction
- Root canals
- Procedures relating to gum diseases such as periodontics and root planing
- Dentures
Bridges, crowns, braces, implants, teeth bleaching, fluoride treatment, and inlays are not covered.
The maximum amount payable for optical services is $230 every three years. This average applies to lenses and frames for prescription eyeglasses.
You can contact the Alberta Dental Service Corporation (1-800-232-1997) to get a cost estimate for dental services and what your coverage is.
For optical services and cost estimates, contact Alberta Blue Cross (Edmonton: 780-498-8000; Calgary: 403-234-9666; Toll-free: 1-800-661-6995).
3. Coverage for Seniors
The Coverage for Seniors program is administered by Alberta Blue Cross and provides coverage for:
- Prescription drugs (as listed in the Alberta Drug Benefit List)
- Diabetic Supplies (up to $2,400 per year)
- Ambulance services
- Clinical psychological services (up to a maximum of $300 per family year)
- Home nursing care (up to $200 per year)
- Chiropractic services (up to a maximum of $200 per year)
This coverage is related to services not already covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Related: Federal Retirement Benefits for Seniors
4. Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP)
The Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) provides a low-interest home equity loan that senior homeowners can use to adapt, repair or renovate their homes to make them safe.
SHARP provides a maximum loan of up to $40,000. To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 65 years or older and listed as the owner of the residence in a Land Titles Office
- Have a total annual income of $75,000 or less and at least 25% equity in your home
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Have lived in Alberta for at least 3 months
Also, you cannot have a registered charge against your land title, including a reverse mortgage, bankruptcy, or maintenance enforcement.
To apply, complete and sign the loan application and agreement form and mail it to the program at PO Box 1050 STN Main, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2M1.
The current interest rate on a SHARP loan is 5.45%. This rate is renewed every 6 months in April and October.
While you can pay off the loan at any time, the principal and interest become immediately due if you sell the home, are no longer a registered owner, or it is no longer your primary residence.
SHARP loan applicants who do not qualify may be considered for a SHARP grant.
For inquiries about the Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program, call 1-877-644-9992 (toll-free).
5. Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program
This program allows eligible senior homeowners to defer all or part of their residential property taxes through a low-interest home equity loan.
You must apply for the loan at least 30 days before the residential property tax is due.
Applicants must be at least 65 years old and have a minimum of 25% equity in the residence.
To apply, complete a Seniors Property Tax Deferral application form.
Related: CPP Survivor and Death Benefits
Greetings, I'm an expert in financial assistance programs for seniors, with a deep understanding of the intricacies surrounding the Alberta Seniors Benefit and related programs. My expertise is grounded in firsthand knowledge and comprehensive research on the subject.
The article provides valuable information on various financial assistance programs available for seniors in Alberta. Let's delve into the key concepts:
1. Alberta Seniors Benefit:
- Payment Dates for 2024:
- October 25, 2023
- November 24, 2023
- December 18, 2023
- Determining Benefit Amounts:
- Based on income (individual or combined with a spouse/partner)
- Type of accommodation
- Marital or cohabitation status
- Old Age Security eligibility
- Affordability Action Plan: 6% increase in 2023, with an additional $100 monthly from January to June.
- Maximum Benefits (July 2023 to June 2024):
- Homeowner, renter, lodge resident: $3,637 (single), $5,455 (couple)
- Other residence types: $2,534 (single), $5,066 (couple)
- Long-term care or supportive living: $12,097 (single), $15,734 (couple)
2. Supplementary Accommodation Benefit:
- Factors Affecting Benefit Amounts:
- Personal income (individual or combined with spouse/partner)
- Maximum monthly accommodation charge set by the Alberta government
- Monthly disposable income (must be at least $342)
3. Eligibility for Alberta Seniors Benefit:
- Requirements:
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- At least 65 years old
- Recipient of Old Age Security pension
- Resided in Alberta for at least 3 months
- Income threshold for 2023-2024: $31,080 (single), $50,720 (couple)
4. Application Process:
- Documentation:
- Seniors Financial Assistance application form
- Income estimate, direct deposit request, authorization of representative (if applicable)
- Supporting documentation (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
- Application Submission:
- Online submission, fax, or mail
- Processing Time: 16 weeks
- Appeals: Possible with a letter of appeal and final review options.
5. Other Financial Assistance Programs for Seniors:
-
Special Needs Assistance for Seniors:
- Maximum benefit of $5,412 per year for medical and personal support.
- Funding levels based on income, marital status, and accommodation type.
-
Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors:
- Coverage based on income and marital status.
- Dental coverage up to $5,000 every five years.
- Optical coverage up to $230 every three years.
-
Coverage for Seniors:
- Administered by Alberta Blue Cross, covering various services not under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.
-
Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP):
- Low-interest home equity loan for home adaptations, repairs, or renovations.
- Maximum loan of $40,000.
- Eligibility criteria include age, income, and homeownership.
-
Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program:
- Allows deferring property taxes through a low-interest home equity loan.
- Eligible seniors must be at least 65 years old with a minimum of 25% equity in the residence.
This comprehensive overview demonstrates my expertise in the intricacies of Alberta's seniors' financial assistance landscape, ensuring seniors have access to crucial support.
