If you’re an Albertan resident facing financial emergencies, there are several agencies you can turn to for assistance. Here’s a list of the most known ones:
Emergency Needs Allowance (ENA)
This program provides financial aid for unexpected emergencies, helping cover costs such as food, clothing, child care, transportation, temporary shelter, utility arrears, and eviction payments.
It’s designed for situations caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, posing a severe health risk, and where you can’t access other resources or wait for your next paycheck or Income Support benefit check.
To apply, contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 during regular business hours, or the Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135 for 24-hour emergency assistance.
Income Support
This program supports individuals and families in Alberta to pay for basic expenses like food, clothing, and shelter. It offers various forms of assistance based on the applicant’s needs and situation.
For more information, you can reach out to the Alberta Supports Contact Centre or apply online for emergency food benefits via Interac e-Transfer.
Basic Needs Fund and Emergency Financial Assistance
Administered by the Distress Centre Calgary, the Basic Needs Fund offers one-time grants to individuals and families in financial crisis, addressing immediate needs like bill payments or rent assistance.
Additionally, the Government of Alberta’s Emergency Financial Assistance provides similar support for urgent financial needs.
Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD)
VAD provides resources and support, particularly for Albertans with disabilities. They offer assistance in navigating and accessing government or community resources.
Alto Home Care Services
This service provides government-funded home care for seniors and families, especially those with children with intellectual disabilities or older adults with mobility challenges.
They offer a range of services from casual care to complex medical support, working within government-funded financial assistance programs.
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant
Aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses in Alberta affected by COVID-19, this grant offers financial assistance to eligible businesses that had to close or curtail operations due to the pandemic.
The program has been expanded to include new businesses and specific sectors like hotels and taxis.
Direct Energy Assistance Programs
Direct Energy lists several programs offering financial assistance for utility bills in Alberta. These include the Alberta Seniors Special Needs Assistance Program for utility arrears, the Alberta Seniors and Housing Direct to Tenant Rent Supplement Program, and the Aspen Family and Community Network’s Home Stay Prevention Program in Calgary.
The Bissell Centre in Edmonton offers the Community Bridge Program, providing access to funds to pay overdue utility bills and support for negotiating with landlords or utility companies.
Bow West Community Resource Centre
This center works with residents in northwest Calgary, providing support, referrals, and educational programs for individuals and families in need.
Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund
This program offers grants and loans to serving and former Canadian Forces personnel facing financial distress.
Care Connect Christian Society
Based in Calgary, they provide undesignated temporary financial assistance.
Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS)
Offers assistance with utility payments in Calgary.
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
AISH provides financial support for living and health-related expenses to adults with a disability or ongoing health condition. The condition must be permanent and significantly limit earning ability.
Applications should be started six months before turning 18, and a medical form from a family doctor or pediatrician is required.
Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)
This program funds services that enable adults with developmental disabilities to live, work, and access services or programs in the community. Eligibility is determined by a psycho-educational assessment showing an IQ of 70 or less. Services can be provided by community agencies or through a Family Managed Services agreement.
Home Care
Offered by Alberta Health Services, this program assists people with disabilities or health conditions to safely stay in their homes. Services may include professional support, personal care, medication management, home support, or respite. A Home Care case manager assesses needs to determine eligibility.
Financial Assistance for Seniors
Alberta offers various programs for seniors, including the Alberta Seniors Benefit for low-income seniors, the Coverage for Seniors Program providing premium-free coverage for prescription drugs and other health-related services, Dental and Optical Assistance, and the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program.
Foundational Learning Assistance
This program supports students in foundational learning and skills development programs with funding for education and living costs.
It covers educational costs such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living costs like food, clothing, and utility expenses.
Financial Assistance for Students, Teachers, and Organizations
This includes loans, grants, bursaries, scholarships, and other educational funding options. It encompasses Alberta government scholarships and awards, grants and bursaries for academic upgrading and adult learning, and funding for post-secondary education.
These resources offer a range of support, from home care services and business grants to utility bill assistance and general financial aid.
It’s important for individuals to contact these agencies directly to understand the specific services they offer and the eligibility criteria.