Alberta

Alberta Seniors Benefit

Easy application

Tax filing required

Prerequisite(s) required

To get this benefit you need to first apply for the following benefit(s) if you're eligible:

The Alberta Seniors Benefit provides financial assistance to individuals over the age of 65.

The amount of support you may be eligible to receive is determined by:

  • Your income (combined with your spouse/partner’s income if applicable).
  • Whether you receive the Federal Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
  • Your accommodation category (homeowner, tenant, etc.).
  • Your marital/cohabitation status.

A single senior can receive at least $2,534 annually and a maximum of $12,097 a year.

To be eligible for the Alberta Seniors Benefit 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 the financial eligibility criteria.

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

If you are a new resident of Alberta, you are eligible to receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit on either the month of you 65th birthday or the month following 3 months of permanent residency in Alberta, whichever comes later.

Health card

For example:

  • valid health card with no photo, name and address
  • valid health card with photo, name and address
  • MCP (Medical Care Plan) number
  • Valid ambulance/dental services card
  • Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour identification number
  • Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour file number (Income Support Card).

Proof of birth

A document with first name, last name, and date of birth. For example:

  • Birth certificate or birth registration
  • Hospital record of birth or record of the physician/nurse/midwife who attended the birth
  • Passport
  • Record of landing or confirmation of permanent residence issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
  • Citizenship certificate
  • Note of decision or temporary resident’s permit issued under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
  • Certificate of Indian status card
  • Provincial identity card

  1. Step 1: Read the information booklet
  2. Step 2: Complete the application package
  3. Step 3: Include supporting documents with your application. Attach a photocopy of one of the following documents:
    • Canadian birth certificate
    • A valid Canadian driver’s license
    • A valid Alberta identification card
    • Passport
    • Canada Entry Documents
    • Canadian Citizenship Document
    • Permanent Resident Card (front and back)
  4. Step 4: Apply
    • Submit documents online
    • Fax to 780-422-5954
    • Mail to:
      Seniors Financial Assistance
      PO Box 3100
      Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3

If you need help completing an application, call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992.

After you apply, Alberta Seniors and Housing will send you a letter explaining your benefit eligibility once your application is reviewed.

Last updated: January 10, 2024