Government Benefits for New Immigrants in Alberta
In Alberta, government benefits are mainly applied through Alberta Supports, which covers income support, disability benefits, and family support for children with disabilities. New immigrants may be eligible for the following:
- Income Support: Helps with food, shelter, clothing, utilities, and employment services.
- Disability Income Assistance: Includes AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) and ADAP (Assured Disability Assistance), providing monthly income and health benefits for people with disabilities.
- Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD): Provides supports and services for children with disabilities.
- Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD): Helps adults with developmental disabilities live independently.
How to Apply
- Find a local Alberta Supports Centre via the official website.
- Contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 (in Edmonton: 780-644-9992), open Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 8 pm (closed statutory holidays). Help is available in over 100 languages.
- Apply online for some programs (e.g., emergency income support), but you may need to confirm eligibility by phone.
Emergency Income Support
If you need urgent help with shelter, food, clothing, or transportation, you can apply for Emergency Income Support. This service is available 24/7 at 1-866-644-5135. You can now apply online for emergency food benefits via Interac e-Transfer, but you must call the Income Support Contact Centre to confirm eligibility after providing required information.
What to Bring
Typically, you'll need identification, proof of address, income information, and for disability programs, medical documentation. Prepare:
- ID (e.g., passport, permanent resident card)
- Proof of address (e.g., lease, utility bill)
- Income proof (e.g., pay stubs, bank statements)
- Disability proof (e.g., medical reports, if applicable)
Common Pitfalls
- Incomplete documents: Missing documents cause delays; confirm the list in advance.
- Long phone waits: Avoid peak times like Monday mornings.
- Eligibility issues: Income Support has strict income and asset limits; disability benefits require medical proof and may take time.
- Online application still needs phone confirmation: For emergency food benefits, you must call to confirm eligibility.
Other Services
Alberta Supports also offers employment services (e.g., WorkFirst), housing and rent assistance, homelessness support, and family violence prevention. If you're already receiving AISH, ADAP, or Income Support, contact your caseworker or local office, open Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4:30 pm.
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