Eligible Albertans will be able to apply for affordability payments starting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Applications for Alberta’s “affordability payments” open Jan. 18

Jan 17, 2023 | 1:37 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Eligible Albertans will soon be able to apply to receive $600 from the provincial government.

The online application portal for the province’s affordability payments opens at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Families with household incomes below $180,000 are eligible to receive $100 per month for six months for each dependent child under the age of 18.

Minister of Children’s Services Mickey Amery says he knows that inflation is forcing families to make decisions they should not have to make.

“These affordability payments will make a difference for parents and caregivers across Alberta who are struggling to keep up with rising costs,” says Amery. “My hope is that by reducing some of the financial pressure on parents and caregivers, our youngest Albertans can focus on kid’s stuff, not their parents’ bills.”

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Seniors who are 65 year old or older who have household incomes below $180,000 and do not receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit can also apply.

In order to apply online, you must have a confirmed or pending MyAlberta Digital ID Verified Account.

Anyone who cannot easily access the internet can apply in person through any registry agent or Alberta Supports to receive assistance in 50 locations and over 100 languages.

However, Minister of Technology and Innovation Nate Glubish says the government has tried to make the process of applying as easy as possible.

“The online portal that we have developed is easy-to-use, fast, safe, and secure. I have every confidence in this system. It is the right approach to help Albertans get the support they need and get it quickly,” says Glubish.

Applications can be submitted until June 30, 2023.

For assistance with applications, Albertans can:

• Call the Verified Account support line at 1-844-643-2789
• Call the Affordability Action Plan Information Line at 1-844-644-9955.
• Visit any registry agent or Alberta Supports centre in person to receive support in 50 locations and more than 100 languages at no charge. During the application period, Alberta Supports is providing extended hours from:
  • 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday
  • 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Albertans who receive benefits through Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Income Support, Alberta Seniors Benefit, or services through the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program are automatically registered and should receive their first payments on January 31, 2023.

READ MORE: Eligible Albertans can apply for $100 monthly payments starting January 18