Alberta Benefits & Assistance Programs (2026 Guide)
A complete guide to Alberta government benefits and assistance programs, covering food assistance, health coverage, income support, housing help, disability services, and child & family benefits. Use this page to understand eligibility and find official application links.
Quick Access
Jump straight to the support category you need in Alberta.
Food Assistance in Alberta
Alberta residents can find food support through community-based services like food banks, meal programs, and community pantries. Use the steps below to find help fast, understand common requirements, and access trusted directories.
Emergency Food Help (Fastest Options)
If you need food right away, start with local providers that can help quickly. Availability varies by city and provider, so it helps to call ahead.
- Food banks & grocery hampers: Free groceries based on availability and local intake rules.
- Meal programs: Free or low-cost meals through community organizations.
- Community pantries: Local nonprofits, faith groups, and community centres may provide food support.
How to Find Food Near You
Use a trusted directory to search by city or postal code. If one provider is at capacity, try another provider listed in the same directory.
Find Food Support (Directories)
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211 Alberta — Community & Food Supports
Search for food banks, meal programs, and local community resources across Alberta.
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Food Banks Alberta — Find a Food Bank
Locate member food banks and learn how local food bank support works.
Tip: Call ahead to confirm hours, intake rules, and what items are available.
What to Bring (Common Requirements)
Requirements vary by provider. Some locations may ask for basic information to confirm service area or household details.
- Proof of address (e.g., mail, lease, or a document showing your current address).
- Identification for adults in the household (varies by location).
- Household info (number of people, ages, and dietary needs).
Tips for Getting Help Quickly
- Call ahead to confirm hours, intake rules, and what items are available.
- Ask about delivery options if mobility or transportation is a barrier.
- Try multiple providers listed in 211 Alberta if options are limited or at capacity.
- Check holiday hours and weather-related closures during winter months.
FAQ
Is food assistance in Alberta free?
Do I need ID to use a food bank in Alberta?
What’s the fastest way to find food support near me?
Medical & Health Coverage in Alberta
Alberta offers public health coverage through AHCIP, plus help finding clinics, mental health supports, prescriptions assistance, and community health services. Use the quick links below to jump to what you need.
AHCIP Coverage (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan)
AHCIP is Alberta’s public health insurance plan. If you’re eligible, it helps cover medically necessary physician and hospital services. Application rules vary depending on your residency and situation.
AHCIP resources Official
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Alberta.ca — AHCIP information & how to apply
Eligibility basics, coverage details, and application steps.
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Alberta.ca — AHCIP contact & updates
Where to get help if you have questions about your card or application.
Clinics & Finding a Doctor
If you don’t have a family doctor, start with a clinic directory or a community resource line. Call ahead to confirm wait times and whether they accept new patients.
Clinic & doctor directories
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Alberta Find a Doctor — Search for physicians accepting patients
Search by location to find doctors and clinics (availability can change).
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211 Alberta — Health & community supports
Helps locate clinics, community health programs, and local supports.
Prescription Help (Common Options)
Prescription coverage depends on your situation (age, income, disability supports, employer plans, etc.). If cost is a barrier, ask your pharmacy about lower-cost options and support programs.
- Seniors benefits: may include drug coverage depending on eligibility.
- Income/Disability programs: some supports include health-related benefits.
- Community programs: some nonprofits can help with medication access in urgent situations.
Mental Health & Counselling
If you need someone to talk to, Alberta has phone and online supports plus local counselling resources. If you feel unsafe, seek urgent help right away.
Mental health support
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Alberta Health Services — Mental Health & Addictions
Programs, contact options, and how to find help in your area.
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211 Alberta — Local counselling and community supports
Search by city to find counselling, crisis supports, and local services.
FAQ
Is AHCIP free in Alberta?
How do I find a clinic near me?
What if I can’t afford prescriptions?
Income Assistance in Alberta
Alberta provides help if you can’t meet basic living costs, including Income Support and AISH. Use the buttons and quick links to find eligibility, documents, and how to apply.
Income Support (Alberta)
Income Support provides temporary financial help for eligible Alberta residents who cannot meet basic living expenses due to low or no income.
Who may qualify
- Alberta residents with limited income and assets
- Individuals or families experiencing financial hardship
- People who are unemployed or unable to work short-term
- Applicants who meet provincial eligibility rules
How the program works
- Applications are managed through the Government of Alberta
- Support may help with basic needs and shelter costs
- Some recipients may be connected to employment supports and community services
Income Support resources Official
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Alberta.ca — Income Support overview
Eligibility basics and program information.
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Alberta.ca — How to apply for Income Support
Steps to start an application.
AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped)
AISH provides ongoing financial support for eligible Alberta residents with a permanent medical condition that substantially limits their ability to earn a living.
- Medical + financial eligibility are both reviewed
- Approved applicants may receive monthly income support
- Additional benefits may be available depending on circumstances
AISH resources Official
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Alberta.ca — AISH overview
Program info and eligibility guidance.
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Alberta.ca — How to apply for AISH
Application steps and forms.
Eligibility & Payment Notes
Eligibility and payment amounts depend on your household situation and may change over time. Use official sources for the latest numbers.
- Household income and assets are reviewed
- Living arrangements and family size may affect eligibility
- Additional supports may be available in some situations
Documents You May Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Alberta residency (lease, utility bill, etc.)
- Income or bank information
- Details about household members (if applicable)
- Medical documentation (for AISH applications)
How to Apply
- Income Support: Apply / start here
- AISH: Start the AISH application
Helpful Contacts
Contacts Directory
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211 Alberta (local supports)
Visit 211 AlbertaFind local services, emergency help, and community supports. -
Alberta Supports (services & office locations)
Visit Alberta SupportsFind programs, services, and nearby office locations.
FAQ
Can I apply for Income Support online?
Is AISH only for permanent conditions?
Housing & Rental Assistance in Alberta
Alberta offers subsidized and affordable housing programs, rental support like RAB, and emergency housing resources. Use the quick buttons and links below to jump to what you need.
🏘️ Main Housing & Rental Assistance Programs in Alberta
1. Alberta Housing (Subsidized & Affordable Housing)
Alberta Housing delivers subsidized and affordable housing programs across the province to help low-income households access safe and stable housing.
Who May Qualify
- Low-income individuals and families living in Alberta
- Seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children
- Applicants who meet income, residency, and program-specific requirements
How the Program Works
- Applications are usually managed through local housing authorities
- Most long-term housing programs have waitlists
- Availability varies by community and region
Alberta Housing resources Official
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Alberta Housing Programs (Alberta.ca)
Program overview and official information.
2. Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB)
The Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) helps eligible low-income renters in Alberta with monthly rental costs in the private rental market.
- Available to families, seniors, and individuals who qualify
- Amount depends on income, household size, and rent costs
- Applicants must meet residency and income rules
👉 Rent Assistance Benefit details: Rent Assistance Benefit (Alberta.ca)
3. Emergency Housing & Homelessness Support
Emergency housing programs support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, unsafe housing, or immediate housing loss.
- Emergency shelters and short-term accommodation
- Transitional and supportive housing
- Housing outreach and stabilization services
👉 Find emergency housing support: 211 Alberta (Housing & Emergency Help)
📊 Income & Eligibility Notes
Housing assistance eligibility in Alberta is based on income, household size, and local availability. Program rules, benefit amounts, and wait times vary by program and location.
- Income limits differ by housing and rental assistance program
- Some programs prioritize seniors, families, or urgent housing needs
- Waitlists may apply for long-term or subsidized housing
🧾 Documents You May Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Alberta residency
- Proof of income or benefit statements
- Information for household members
📝 How to Apply
1. Subsidized & Affordable Housing
- Apply through your local housing authority or Alberta Housing partner
👉 Start here: Find Subsidized Housing (Alberta.ca)
2. Emergency Housing Help
- Contact 211 Alberta for urgent or emergency housing needs
☎ Helpful Housing Contacts
Contacts Directory
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211 Alberta (housing & emergency support)
Visit 211 AlbertaFind emergency shelters, rent help, and local housing resources. -
Alberta Housing
Visit Alberta HousingOfficial housing programs and information.
Child & Family Benefits in Alberta
Alberta families may qualify for child and family financial benefits that help reduce the cost of raising children. These supports include federal and provincial benefits and are mainly based on income and family size.
📋 Child & Family Benefit Programs in Alberta
Alberta families may qualify for child and family financial benefits that help reduce the cost of raising children. These programs are delivered through a combination of federal and provincial benefits and are primarily based on household income and family size.
Child and family benefits are designed to support parents and caregivers with everyday expenses while helping improve financial stability for households with children.
👨👩👧 Who May Qualify
- You live in Alberta
- You are the parent or primary caregiver of a child under age 18
- You are responsible for the child’s daily care and upbringing
- You and your spouse or partner file income taxes (if applicable)
- You meet residency and income requirements
📊 How Benefits Are Calculated
Child and family benefits in Alberta are calculated using family net income reported on your income tax return. Benefits are reassessed each year after taxes are filed.
- Payments are typically issued monthly
- Benefit amounts may change if income or family size changes
- Some provincial benefits are combined with federal payments
💵 Main Child & Family Benefits in Alberta
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB) — a monthly federal payment for eligible families to help with the cost of raising children
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB) — a provincial benefit paid quarterly to eligible low- and moderate-income families
- Additional supplements for children with disabilities (if eligible)
Official resources Official
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Canada Child Benefit (Official CRA Page)
Overview, eligibility, and how to apply for the CCB.
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CRA My Account
Manage benefits and report changes (address, custody, marital status, etc.).
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CRA Child & Family Benefits Contact
Official contact options for child and family benefits.
🧾 How to Apply
1) Apply through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Apply online using your CRA account: Canada Child Benefit (Official CRA Page)
- New parents can apply when registering a birth through provincial birth registration
- Paper applications are available if online access is not possible
2) File your income tax return every year
- Tax filing is required to receive and continue benefits
- Both parents or partners must file if applicable
3) Manage or update your benefits
- Use CRA My Account to report changes (address, custody, marital status, or number of children): CRA My Account
📞 Help & Support
- Dial 2-1-1 for local family, childcare, and financial support services in Alberta
- CRA child benefits enquiries: CRA Child & Family Benefits Contact
Frequently Asked Questions (Alberta)
Tap a question to expand the answer.
1What child and family benefit programs are available in Alberta?
Families in Alberta may qualify for benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB). Additional supports may be available depending on income, family size, and individual circumstances.
2Who is eligible for child and family benefits in Alberta?
Eligibility usually depends on living in Alberta, being the parent or primary caregiver of a child under age 18, and meeting income and residency requirements. Annual tax filing is typically required.
3Do I need to file taxes to receive child benefits in Alberta?
Yes. Child and family benefits are generally calculated using information from your income tax return. If you have a spouse or partner, both may need to file taxes.
4What is the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)?
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a federal monthly payment that helps eligible families with the cost of raising children. The amount is based on family income and number of children and is administered by the CRA.
5What is the Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)?
The ACFB is a provincial benefit paid quarterly to eligible low- and moderate-income families. It is usually delivered alongside federal child benefits.
6How do I apply for child and family benefits in Alberta?
Most child and family benefits are administered through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Applications can be completed online, during birth registration, or using paper forms.
7How often are child benefit payments made?
The Canada Child Benefit is paid monthly. The Alberta Child and Family Benefit is typically paid quarterly. Payment timing may vary depending on tax filing and verification.
8What documents are usually required to apply?
Requirements may include identification, proof of residency, child information, and immigration or residency documents if applicable.
9What should I do if my family situation changes?
Changes such as income, address, custody, marital status, or banking details should be reported promptly. Updates are usually handled through your CRA account.
10Does OBenefitFinder process or approve benefit applications?
No. OBenefitFinder does not determine eligibility, process applications, or issue payments. We provide informational guidance only. Always apply through official government websites.
🌍 Explore Benefit Programs in Other Provinces
Looking for benefits outside Alberta? Explore official government benefit programs and assistance available in other Canadian provinces.
Each guide links to trusted, official government resources and application pages.