The Alberta government is not left behind when it comes to catering to low-income seniors in Canada.
If you’re currently receiving the federally administered Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), you may also be eligible for the Seniors Benefit in Alberta.
By accumulating all these benefits, you will have a steady cash flow to fund your living expenses while on retirement.
In this article, I discuss everything you need to know about the Alberta Seniors Benefit payment dates for 2024.
You will also learn about other related benefits that you may be eligible for as a recipient of the Seniors Benefit.
Alberta Seniors Benefit Payment Dates 2024
Like other income-tested benefits in Canada, the Seniors Benefit payment dates are scheduled from July to June of each year.
The following are the Alberta Seniors Benefit payment dates for 2024:
| Payment Dates | Benefit Months |
| January 25, 2024 | January 2024 |
| February 23, 2024 | February 2024 |
| March 22, 2024 | March 2024 |
| April 24, 2024 | April 2024 |
| May 27, 2024 | May 2024 |
| June 24, 2024 | June 2024 |
| July 25, 2024 | July 2024 |
| August 26, 2024 | August 2024 |
| September 23, 2024 | September 2024 |
| October 25, 2024 | October 2024 |
| November 25, 2024 | November 2024 |
| December 17, 2024 | December 2024 |
You will receive your entitled payment according to the above schedule. However, you can receive the payment faster if you set up a direct deposit.
That said, if you have just clocked 65 years or lived in Alberta for three months, the benefit will be administered to you a month later.
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What is Alberta Seniors Benefit Program?
Alberta Seniors Benefit is one of the Seniors Financial Assistance programs funded and administered by the province of Alberta as financial assistance to eligible Albertan seniors.
Due to the continuous inflation in Canada, both the federal and provincial governments have financial assistance programs for low-income seniors.
The Seniors Benefit program is Alberta’s equivalent to other federal and provincial financial assistance to low-income seniors that are administered monthly.
However, the maximum amount of the program and supplementary benefits vary per individual’s situation.
In the subsequent section, I discuss the eligibility of this benefit followed by the payment dates for 2024.
Who Qualifies For Alberta Seniors Benefit?
The eligibility for the Seniors Benefit is based on two categories which I call “general” and “income” requirements.
Below are the general requirements of the program:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Be an Alberta resident for at least three months
- Reach the age of 65 or older
- Qualify and receive the OAS pension
On the other hand, below are the income requirements for July 2023 to June 2024 period:
- An individual annual income of $31,080 or less
- Combined senior couples’ annual income of $50,720 or less
The major disqualification for the benefit is you or your spouse deferring or delaying your Old Age Security (OAS) benefit.
How Much is the Alberta Seniors Benefit?
There’s no fixed amount on how much you can get from the benefit. The amount you get depends on your previous year’s income, accommodation type, marital/cohabitation status, and OAS eligibility.
However, the maximum benefit may be administered to you if you have no or low non-deductible income depending on your type of accommodation and marital status.
The higher your non-deductible income, the higher the phase-out rate regardless of whether you’re single or a couple. With a high phase-out rate, your benefit will be lower.
That said, below are the 2024 maximum benefits of the Alberta Seniors Benefit program based on accommodation types, marital statuses and phase-out rates.
| Accommodation Type | Single Seniors Maximum Benefit | Couple Seniors Maximum Benefit |
| Homeowner, resident, lodge renter | $3,792 Phase-out rate: 0.1660 on every $1 income | $5,687 Phase-out rate: 0.1663 on every $1 income |
| Long-Term Care Centre or Designated Supportive Living Facility | $12,312 Phase-out rate: N/A | $16,104 Phase-out rate: N/A |
| Other accommodation types | $2,642 Phase-out rate: 0.1158 on every $1 income | $5,282 Phase-out rate: 0.1546 on every $1 income |
How Your Non-Deductible Income is Calculated?
As discussed above, your maximum benefit is determined by your non-deductible income. So the question is, how is your non-deductible income calculated?
The Alberta government calculates your non-deductible income by reviewing Line 15000 of you and your spousal income tax return. It then deducts the following income from you and your personal and spousal total income.
- Old Age Security pension
- GIS and Allowance
- CPP Death Benefit
- Social Assistance payments
- Spousal/partner’s total income tax return
- Employment Income/Other employment expenses
- Registered Pension Plan deduction
- Heroes’ Compensation Act lump-sum payment
- Registered Retirement Savings Plan deduction
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) income
- Pension amount
Based on the above deductions, the government will determine your eligibility and the amount you’re entitled to.
Alberta Seniors Benefit Increase For 2024
With increasing costs of living across every part of the country, the Alberta government is taking measures to ease the inflationary impacts for Albertans.
Part of the efforts includes a 6% increase to the Alberta Seniors Benefit program. This increase took effect on December 19, 2022, under the January 2023 payment.
Although the 6% increase is insignificant amidst the current costs of living in Alberta, it’s more than nothing.
Alberta Seniors Benefit recipients also received a $100 monthly increase for up to six months in 2023 towards offsetting the increasing cost of living in Alberta.
As part of the annual increase, the Alberta government slightly increased the Seniors Benefit rates in January 2024.
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How to Apply for the Alberta Seniors Benefit
There are three ways of applying for the benefit — online, by fax or email.
All you need to apply for the benefit online is to navigate to the program application section through your MyAlberta Seniors account.
The major requirement for applying for the Seniors Benefit is an individual (if applicable, plus spousal/partner) birth validation. You will also need to submit a copy of any of the following:
- Canadian birth certificate
- Canadian Citizenship Document/ Permanent Resident Card
- A valid Alberta identification card
- A valid Canadian driver’s license
- Passport
- Canada Entry Documents
In addition, the government will require you to attach one or more of the following supporting documents to your application:
- Income information form
- Undertaking to Administer Benefits and Certificate of Incapability form
- Authorization of Representative form
- Income estimate form
For fast payment delivery, the government recommends that you fill out and submit a direct deposit request form.
That said, you can also apply for the benefit by fax or mail by filling out and submitting the Seniors Financial Assistance application form to:
780-422-5954
Alberta Seniors and Housing
Seniors Financial Assistance
PO Box 3100
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3
In addition, you can attach any supporting documents to your fax or mail application.
Subsequently, Alberta Seniors and Housing will notify you about your qualifications.
Once you are eligible, you will start receiving the benefit not until a month after you die or relocate to another location outside Alberta.
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What Benefits are Available for Seniors in Alberta?
Besides the Seniors Benefit, seniors in Alberta may also qualify for the following provincial financial assistance programs.
1. Supplementary Accommodation Benefit
Regardless of whether you’re eligible for an OAS pension, if you live and pay accommodation fees per month in a supportive living facility or designated long-term care, you can qualify for the Alberta Supplementary Accommodation Benefit.
You will receive the benefit monthly together with the Seniors Benefit. The amount you get depends on the following factors:
- Your (if applicable, plus spouse/partner) total annual income
- The maximum fee determined by Alberta Health for a supportive living facility or a designated long-term care
- Having a $357 average disposable income per month
Click here to learn more about the supplementary accommodation benefit.
2. Special Needs Assistance for Seniors
If you need personal support or certain appliances due to your health condition, you will qualify for the Alberta Special Needs Assistance for Seniors benefit.
The maximum amount you get depends on your marital status, income and accommodation type. However, you can get up to $5,643 each year.
That said, the income eligibility for this program is the same as the Seniors Benefit program discussed above.
Click here to learn more about the special needs assistance for seniors.
3. Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors
This benefit is administered to low-medium-income Alberta seniors looking for basic dental and optional services.
The following is the breakdown of the maximum you can receive annually under this program
| Maximum Amount | Description |
| $5,000 per every 5-year | Coverage for selected dental services and processes |
| $230 per every 3-year | Coverage for selected optical services |
It’s essential to know that once you miss the benefit, you can’t roll it over to the next year.
Click here to learn more about the dental and optical assistance for seniors.
4. Coverage for Seniors
If you have a covered medical condition, you can get several benefits under this program.
The following are the current medical services and their maximum amount.
| Medical Service | Maximum Amount | Coverage For |
| Prescription drugs | $25 | The cost of co-payment of prescription drugs listed by the Alberta Drug Benefit List |
| Home nursing care | $200 per year | Physician-certified home nursing care by a registered or licensed nurse |
| Diabetes supplies | $2,400 per year | Diabetes-related expenses such as needles, syringes, test trips among others |
| Chiropractic services | $200 per individual annually | The cost of visiting a licensed Alberta practitioner for chiropractic services |
| Clinical psychological services | $60 per one service visit and $300 per family annually | Mental or emotional illness treatment by a registered chartered psychologist |
| Ambulance services | Variable | Coverage for a complete ambulance service bill |
Click here to learn more about coverage for seniors.
5. Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program
If you want to partially or completely defer your annual residential property taxes, the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program got you covered
You will get a low-interest home equity loan of 7.20% (reviewed every April and October) to deter your annual residential property taxes once you have an average home equity of 25%.
The Alberta government will handle the payment of your residential property taxes when you’re approved for the program.
Click here to learn more about seniors property tax deferral program.
6. Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program
Are you looking to fund your primary residence renovation, repair or adaptation? The Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) could be your best option.
This program offers a maximum low-interest home equity loan of $40,000 for single and couple seniors like you. The current interest is 7.20% (reviewed every April and October).
All you need is to have a total annual income of $75,000 or less and a minimum of 25% home equity to qualify for this program.
Click here to learn more seniors home adaptation and repair program.
Extra Benefits For Alberta Seniors in 2024
Besides the above supplementary benefits, you may also be eligible for federally funded financial assistance programs for seniors in Canada.
Let’s take an overview of the major federal benefits below:
1. Canada Pension Plan
CPP or Canada Pension Plan is a federally funded financial assistance administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to eligible seniors.
The benefit is paid monthly and is taxable according to your tax bracket.
Below are the factors that determine how much CPP benefit you will get.
- The age you start receiving the benefit (you can start by age 60 but delaying it after the age of 65 will increase your benefit).
- Your average income while working
- The amount you have contributed and how long you have been contributing to the program.
Click here to learn more about the Canada Pension Plan.
2. Old Age Security
If you’re 65 years or older, you can also qualify for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.
The interesting part is that this monthly program comes with the following supplementary benefits:
- Guaranteed income supplement
- Survivor allowance
- GIC recipient’s spouse/partner allowance
In the end, the amount of OAS benefit you get depends on your previous year’s annual income and the number of years you have been in Canada after the age of 18.
Click here to learn more about Old Age Security pension.
Final Thoughts on Alberta Seniors Benefit Payment Dates
That’s everything you need to know about the Alberta Seniors Benefit payment dates for 2024.
If you meet the eligibility, ensure you apply right away to offset a portfolio of your living costs in Alberta.
In addition, you should update the government about major changes in your life as regards marital status, annual income, and residential address among other changes. This will give you access to the maximum benefit you deserve.
As you can see, there are several other provincial and federal government benefits you may be eligible for once you qualify for the Seniors Benefit.
Ensure you apply for as many government benefits to increase your retirement cash flow.
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FAQs on Alberta Seniors Benefit
Is Alberta Seniors Benefit taxable income?
No! The Alberta Seniors Benefit is a non-taxable income administered to low-income seniors in the province of Alberta
What day does Alberta Seniors Benefit come out?
The benefit comes out on the first of each July and ends at the end of June of the subsequent year.
What is the maximum Alberta Seniors Benefit?
The maximum amount varies depending on your accommodation type and non-deductible income.
However, for the 2024 payment period, the maximum amount is $12,312 for single seniors or $16,104 for couples living in a long-term care centre or designated supportive living facility.
Are there changes to Alberta Seniors Benefits?
Yes. The Alberta government increased the seniors benefit by 6% in 2022 due to inflation. However, the eligibility, payment structure and calculation remain the same.
Does Alberta Seniors Benefit affect GIS?
The Alberta Seniors Benefit doesn’t affect GIS. You can receive both benefits so far you need the eligibility.
However, the Seniors Benefit has relatively higher income eligibility compared to GIS. This means that you can qualify for the Seniors Benefit without qualifying for the GIS.
What benefits do I get at age 65 in Alberta?
You can get Alberta Seniors Benefit and other Seniors Financial Assistance programs when you get to age 65 in Alberta. These include:
- Coverage for Seniors
- Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors
- Special Needs Assistance for Seniors
- Supplementary Accommodation Benefit
- Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program
- Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program
For more information about the benefits you will get at age 65 in Alberta, click here.
What benefits do I get at age 65 in Canada?
The major benefits you will get at age 65 in Canada are the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
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