Skip to content

Province to launch affordability payment portal today

Eligible Albertans can access the portal starting at 9 a.m.
31601813_web1_230117-RDA-Affordability-portal-Smith_1

The Government of Alberta will launch its new affordability payment portal Wednesday.

At 9 a.m., eligible Alberta parents and seniors can apply to receive six $100 payments each month over the next six months.

Families with household incomes below $180,000 are eligible to receive $100 per month for six months for each dependent child under 18. Seniors 65 or older who have household incomes below $180,000 and do not receive the Alberta Seniors Benefit can also apply for monthly payments.

Anyone who cannot easily go online can apply in person through any registry agent or Alberta Supports to receive support in 50 locations and over 100 languages during regular business hours.

“Eligible seniors and parents can apply for $600 in affordability payments over six months to help offset inflationary pressures,” said Matt Jones, Minister of Affordability and Utilities.

“Eligible households can apply for affordability payments for each child under 18 and each senior 65 and up which will help to keep Alberta affordable.”

To apply, eligible parents and seniors must have a confirmed or pending Verified Account, which allows Albertans to prove who they are online without paper documents or face-to-face visits.

Albertans will use the log-in information from their Verified Account to sign in and complete their online application. Applicants will be asked a series of questions to verify their eligibility, as well as banking information so that payments can be deposited directly into their bank account. Applicants without bank accounts can also select to receive their payments by mailed cheques.

“Over the last two months, we have been hard at work implementing the largest affordability support measures in Canada. The online portal that we have developed is easy-to-use, fast, safe, and secure,” said Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation.

“I have every confidence in this system. It is the right approach to help Albertans get the support they need and get it quickly.”

Applications will be accepted any time between January 18 and June 30, 2023. Once the application process is completed, most Albertans will receive payments at the end of that month. The exact timing will vary.

In-person, online and call-in supports are also available for those who have difficulty applying online or need extra assistance.

“Affordability is a top-of-mind issue for Alberta families and individuals, especially those living on fixed incomes. Today’s inflation has brought uncertainty to seniors and those living with disabilities,” added Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.

“For these Albertans, an additional $600 is more food on the table and more assurance to know that they will be able to meet their basic needs.”