Before applying for Special Needs Assistance for Seniors, you need to complete an application for the Alberta Seniors Benefit program.

The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program is considered funding of last resort to assist seniors who cannot make ends meet and who have no other resources, both informal resources and formal resources.

Informal resources include family, friends, neighbors and any other informal supports. Formal resources include programs and services provided by government, agencies, societies and other organizations.

The provincial and federal governments offer several assistance programs for seniors. You should contact these programs first to see if you are eligible for assistance from them before applying to the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program. These programs include, but are not limited to:

• Federal income security programs:
  • Old Age Security
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • Allowance
  • Allowance for the Survivor
• Medical supplies/hearing aids: Alberta Aids to Daily Living
• Home repair programs:
  • The provincial Residential Access Modification Program (formerly known as the Home Adaptation Program)
  • The federal Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program
  • Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence Program
• Diabetic supplies: ( Alberta Monitoring for Health)
• Home support programs: Home Care

It is particularly important that you are receiving the correct benefits from the Guaranteed Income Supplement program.

For a detailed list of programs for seniors and contact phone numbers, refer to the  Seniors Programs and Service Information Guide. This guide is also available by calling the Seniors Information Line.