Alberta Seniors Benefit Guide

What is the Alberta Seniors Benefit?

The Alberta Seniors Benefit is a monthly benefit provided by the Government of Alberta to eligible low-income seniors to help with living expenses. It complements federal programs like Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

Be 65 years of age or older (benefits may start the month of your 65th birthday)
Have lived in Alberta for at least 3 months immediately before applying
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Receive the Old Age Security pension from the Government of Canada
Meet financial eligibility criteria

Note: If you or your spouse/partner have chosen to defer or delay OAS, you are not eligible for seniors financial assistance programs.

For new Alberta residents, benefits begin on the later of: the month of your 65th birthday, or the month following 3 months of permanent residency in Alberta.

Income Requirements

Effective July 1, 2026, a single senior with an annual income of $32,690 or less, and senior couples with a combined annual income of $53,800 or less, may be eligible. These are guidelines for seniors whose income includes full OAS.

Benefits are based on your previous calendar year's total income. The calculation starts with line 15000 of your tax return (combined with spouse/partner) and subtracts allowable deductions such as OAS, RDSP income, social assistance, net federal supplements, RPP/RSP deductions, pension income splitting, employment income (up to $3,600), CPP death benefit, and Heroes' Compensation Act payments.

The resulting 'non-deductible' income determines eligibility. Minimum income used is zero. For couples, incomes are combined; negative income is treated as zero.

Maximum Benefit Amounts

If your non-deductible income is $0, you receive the maximum benefit based on accommodation and marital status. Benefits reduce as income increases.

Single seniors:

Homeowner, renter, lodge resident: $3,946/year, phase-out rate 0.1714
Continuing care home: $12,466/year (see Supplementary Accommodation Benefit)
Other residence categories: $2,749/year, phase-out rate 0.1194

Senior couples:

Homeowner, renter, lodge resident: $5,918/year, phase-out rate 0.1717
Continuing care home (one partner at home): $16,412/year
Other residence categories: $5,496/year, phase-out rate 0.1594

Phase-out rate means the benefit reduces by approximately that amount per dollar of income.

First Time Exception

First-time applicants or those who never received benefits can use an income estimate form. If estimated income is too high, retroactive benefits are paid; if too low, overpayments must be repaid.

Supplementary Accommodation Benefit

This benefit supports eligible seniors in continuing care homes with monthly accommodation charges. It considers income, maximum monthly accommodation charge, and a minimum disposable income of $373/month. It is combined with the Alberta Seniors Benefit into one monthly payment. Couples living apart for health reasons are treated as two single seniors with income split 50:50.

How to Apply

Read the information booklet.
Choose an application option: online, download/print form, or request by mail (call 1-877-644-9992).
Provide supporting documents (if not applying online with verified account). Date of birth validation may be required unless receiving OAS.
Submit documents online, by fax (780-422-5954), or by mail to Seniors Financial Assistance, PO Box 3100, Edmonton, AB T5J 4W3.

After You Apply

Processing time is typically 16 weeks. You will receive a letter about eligibility. Annual reviews occur each July 1 based on previous year's tax return.

Update Your Information

Notify the Alberta Supports Contact Centre (1-877-644-9992) or update online if your address, marital status, income, or OAS eligibility changes.