What is Special Needs Assistance for Seniors?
Special Needs Assistance for Seniors is a Government of Alberta program that provides financial help to seniors aged 65 and older who meet income criteria, covering specific health supports, personal supports, and appliances or furniture. It is administered by the provincial government.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- Be 65 or older
- Be an Alberta resident
- Be a Canadian citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence
- Meet financial eligibility criteria
- Have submitted a Seniors Financial Assistance application
If you or your spouse deferred Old Age Security, you are not eligible. Expenses before age 65 are not covered. The program does not help individuals under 65, including spouses, children, or grandchildren.
Income Thresholds and Funding Levels
Maximum assistance per benefit year is $5,872. The amount depends on accommodation category, marital status, and combined income. Generally, a single senior with income $32,690 or less, or a couple with combined income $53,800 or less, may be eligible. Income is based on line 15000 of the previous year's tax return.
Funding levels:
- Primary and secondary items: Single income $28,290 or less; couple $45,600 or less.
- Primary items only: Single $28,291–$32,690; couple $45,601–$53,800.
- Over these limits: no funding.
Covered Items
Items fall into three categories: health supports, personal supports, and appliances/furniture. All requests require a receipt or estimate unless noted.
Health Supports
- CPAP machine and supplies: Up to $1,881 once every 5 years for machine, $238/year for supplies. Requires diagnostic study and compliance report. Not for continuing care Type A residents.
- Diabetes supplies: Test strips, lancets, needles, etc. Max funding: $431/year (diet/exercise), $1,288/year (oral meds), $1,441/year (insulin).
- Nutritional beverages: Brands like Ensure, Boost, Glucerna. Max 4 bottles/day at $2.35/bottle. Requires medical note.
- Podiatry: $32/month for nail trimming and callus removal.
- Prescription costs: Helps with co-payments above average ($45/month single, $90/month couple).
Personal Supports
- Bed bug treatment: Up to $1,382. Requires letter confirming infestation.
- Celiac groceries: $63/month. Requires medical note.
- Clothing: $706/year. Requires medical note for weight change.
- Home clean-up: Up to $1,726 once in a lifetime for hoarding situations.
- Housekeeping and yard maintenance: Up to $1,412/year. Not for those living with family or in supportive living.
- Medical trips: For trips over 80 km round trip. Accommodation up to $121/night.
How to Apply
Apply online via MyAlberta Seniors account for fastest processing. You can also submit documents online. Benefit year runs July 1 to June 30.
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