Alberta

Alberta Seniors Benefit

Easy application

Need you to file taxes and apply separately

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 9, 2024