Financial Assistance

211 Alberta
For help finding resources, call 211 by phone or visit their website.

Alberta Seniors Benefit
Phone: 780-644-9992 ┃Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992
Provides a monthly payment to eligible seniors (up to $3,868/year for single Albertans and $5,801/year for couples) toward essential living expenses. Seniors who receive Old Age Security and have filed taxes will be automatically assessed for the benefit. Applications can also be submitted online, by mail, or fax.

Alberta Supports
Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992
Provides one time support to Albertans facing financial hardships that pose a severe health risk and cannot be managed with current resources or by waiting for regular income. Applicants must show they are facing utility disconnection or arrears and provide utility bills, proof of income, and ID. Albertans can apply by calling, visiting an Alberta Supports Centre, or by contacting their income support worker.

NOTE: In cases where this assistance is accessed more than once, repayment of funds will be required.

AUPE - Member's Benevolent Fund
Phone number: 1-800-232-7284
AUPE members can apply online for one-time emergency support up to $4,000 per request (maximum $8,000 every 10 years). Applications are reviewed monthly. Members must demonstrate financial hardship and submit documents by fax or e-mail two business days before the review. 

Emergency Needs Allowance
Phone: 1-866-644-5135 
Offers one-time financial assistance to eligible individuals who are facing unforeseen emergencies that pose severe health risks and cannot be managed with current resources or by waiting for regular income. Albertans can apply by calling, using their MyAlberta account, visiting an Alberta Supports Centre, or by contacting their income support worker.

NOTE: In cases where this assistance is accessed more than once, repayment of funds will be required.

Veterans Emergency Fund
Phone: 1-866-522-2122
Serving and former Canadian Forces members and their families can apply for grants and loans up to $2,500/year (up to $10,000 in exceptional circumstances) to prevent disconnection of essential utilities. Multiple requests are allowed up to the maximum amount. Apply online or by mail. 

Inn From The Cold
Phone: 403-263-8384
Calgary families with a pregnant mother or children under 18 who are at risk of homelessness can apply for one-time financial assistance to cover late rent, utilities, and other housing-related costs. Referrals can be community-based or self-initiated. Eligibility is determined through a screening process by the Prevention and Diversion Specialist.

Mount Royal Emergency Funding
Phone: 403-440-3303
Current students can apply for a non-repayable emergency bursary to help with urgent, unforeseen financial difficulties. Students must provide documentation of financial hardship.

Rise Calgary - Basic Needs Fund
Phone: 403-204-8280
Calgarians who have been declined by Alberta Works Emergency Assistance may apply for one-time support (subject to available funding) if they. Applicants can access the fund once per year and must provide ID, bank statements, proof of income, and bills. 

Neighbor Aid Centre - Camrose 
Phone: 780-679-3220
One-time financial support for rent arrears, utilities, prescription medications, or emergency housing is available to residents of Camrose and surrounding areas through a Lending Circle model, recipients are expected to repay the funds over time. Applicants must contact the office, complete an intake form, provide documentation, and set up a repayment plan.

Bissell Centre - Community Bridge Program
Phone: 780-423-2285
Provides rapid response support to Edmonton residents facing eviction, utility disconnection, or foreclosure. This one-time assistance program is designed to be a last resort after all other options have been explored. Applicants must be an Edmonton resident who is housed and willing to create a sustainable plan. They must apply online and attend a 90-minute appointment. Requests are reviewed by a committee. 

NeighbourLink Parkland
Phone: 780-960-9669
Residents of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and Parkland County may apply for emergency funding for utility payments on a case-by-case basis. Contact the office directly for assessment.

NOTE: Utility assistance is limited and not the organizations primary focus, applicants should explore all other options before applying.

The Good Neighbour Fund
Phone: 780-486-9215
Albertans living within100 kilometres of Edmonton's downtown can apply online for one time support. Applicants must show they have tried to access other agencies and have not accessed the fund before. Up to 20 applications are considered monthly.

University of Alberta – Bursary and Emergency Fund
Provides bursaries for academic and living expenses, and emergency funding for unexpected financial crises during the academic year. Students can apply based on their specific needs and eligibility criteria. Funding is limited and may close when budgets are exhausted. Contact the registrar using the student support centre website.

Fort McMurray Centre of Hope – Eviction Prevention Program
Phone: 780-215-1622
Fort McMurray residents with a valid eviction or disconnection notice can apply for up to $2,000 every two years. Applicants must call to book an intake appointment and be able to show financial stability after support is received.

Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
Phone: 587-297-9500
Members can access ongoing programs to receive short-term financial assistance. Membership is free; programs may have various eligibility requirements, capacity limits, or waiting lists.

University of Lethbridge Emergency Student Assistance
Phone: 403-329-2222
Students attending the University of Lethbridge who are experiencing personal financial difficulty can apply for short term loans (up to $1,000 per individual, with a total funding cap of $30,000 for the whole program). Students must provide documentation of the financial emergency.