Programs for unpaid caregivers in Alberta

Service Canada’s published EI caregiving hub describing family caregiver benefits for critically ill adults or children and compassionate care benefits for end-of-life support, with separate medical certificate rules.

Up to 15 weeks of EI income replacement when you provide care or support to a critically ill or injured adult.

Up to 35 weeks of EI income replacement when you care for a critically ill or injured child under 18.

Up to 26 weeks of EI income replacement when you care for or support someone with a serious medical condition and significant risk of death within 26 weeks.

Non-refundable federal tax credit for supporting an infirm spouse or dependant.

Tax-free monthly VAC (Veterans Affairs Canada) payment for unpaid caregivers of veterans with a severe, service-related disability and a disability benefit.

Official Alberta Health Services page describing how home care works, caregiver roles in the care plan, and links to further AHS navigation material.

Monthly taxable pension from age 65 for long-term residents and citizens, with a 10% increase from age 75.

Tax-free monthly top-up for low-income seniors who receive Old Age Security.

Monthly tax-free benefit for people aged 60 to 64 whose spouse or partner receives GIS and full OAS.

Monthly tax-free benefit for widowed people aged 60 to 64 with low income.

Monthly CPP disability pension for contributors under age 65 with severe and prolonged disability.

Monthly payment for children of a CPP disabled or deceased contributor.

Tax-free monthly payment added to CCB (Canada Child Benefit) for children under 18 who are approved for the DTC (Disability Tax Credit).

Non-refundable federal credit for qualifying renovations that improve accessibility or reduce risk of harm in a principal residence for a senior or a DTC-eligible person.

Refundable federal tax credit for qualifying renovations that create a self-contained secondary suite for a senior or a DTC-eligible adult in your home.

Unused disability tax credit may transfer to a spouse or other supporting person (line 31800).

Federal non-refundable tax credit for people with a severe and prolonged impairment certified on Form T2201.

Registered savings plan for people approved for the Disability Tax Credit, with federal matching grants and income-tested bonds.

Monthly or ongoing survivor benefits may apply under the *Pension Act* and the newer **Pension for Life** framework (e.g., Income Replacement Benefit for eligible survivors), depending on the veteran’s VAC file.

Non-refundable federal credit for eligible medical expenses above the threshold based on net income (and family member rules on Schedule 5).

Monthly Alberta disability income support plus health benefits for eligible adults 18 to 64.

Monthly Alberta disability income support for adults whose disability significantly restricts but does not permanently prevent employment — launching July 1, 2026 alongside a reformed AISH stream.

Monthly support for Albertans with very low income to cover basic living and shelter costs.

Monthly Alberta top-up for low-income seniors receiving OAS. Apply through the combined Seniors Financial Assistance application.

Extra monthly amount on an eligible Alberta assistance case when a physician/nurse practitioner confirms a qualifying special diet.

Services and supports for Alberta families raising a child under 18 with a disability.

Alberta funds individualized living, community participation, and employment supports for adults with a developmental disability after PDD eligibility review.

Alberta does not run a separate autism-only cheque program like Saskatchewan's ASD-IF. Autism supports for children under 18 are usually accessed through Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) after assessment.

Financial help for eligible seniors toward approved appliances and health or personal supports, applied through Seniors Financial Assistance.

Low-interest home-equity loans for eligible Alberta seniors to fund essential home repairs or adaptations, subject to income, equity, and property rules on alberta.ca.

Public drug coverage for eligible Alberta seniors (typically starting the month after you turn 65) with cost-sharing on many prescriptions and separate rules for diabetes supplies. Enrol through the combined Seniors Financial Assistance application.

Coverage for select dental and optical services for income-eligible Alberta seniors after enrolling in Seniors Financial Assistance and pre-authorization steps.

Defer payment of your residential property tax through a low-interest provincial loan if you qualify as a senior homeowner with enough equity.

Provincial program for medically required equipment and supplies after an AADL authorizer assessment.

Optional supplementary health and drug coverage for eligible Alberta residents under 65 who are not covered by a group plan, with income-based premiums and published copayment rules.

In-kind health coverage for eligible low-income Alberta adults and children.