Income Thresholds for Benefits

As of July, 1, 2008, the Alberta government is making adjustments to the Alberta Seniors Benefit program, such as increasing earnings exemptions and income thresholds for eligibility, which are also used for the Special Needs, Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors programs. The new application packages and online information will be updated for the 2008-2009 benefit year that begins on July 1.

Seniors who are on one or more of these programs will have their benefits reassessed based on the new thresholds and their 2007 income. They will receive a letter in July 2008 explaining their eligibility for the new benefit year. Seniors who have questions about the information in the letter can call the Alberta Seniors Information Line. Seniors with incomes below the new income thresholds (below) are in general eligible for assistance from the programs.

Link to External Site Information bulletin – Province adjusts income exemption and thresholds for Alberta Seniors Benefit program

Program 2008–2009 Income Thresholds
(2007–2008 income thresholds are in brackets)
Single Senior Senior Couple
Alberta Seniors Benefit $22,700 ($22,200) $36,900 ($35,900)
Special Needs Assistance for Seniors

$18,300 ($17,900) – receive funding for primary and secondary items
$22,700 ($22,200) – receive funding for primary items only

$28,700 ($27,900) – receive funding for primary and secondary items
$36,900 ($35,900) – receive funding for primary items only
Dental Assistance for Seniors

$21,325 ($21,000) – receive up to maximum coverage
$31,325 ($31,000) – receive partial coverage

$42,650 ($42,000) – receive up to maximum coverage
$62,650 ($62,000) – receive partial coverage
Optical Assistance for Seniors

$21,325 ($21,000) – receive up to $230 of coverage
$31,325 ($31,000) – receive up to $115 of coverage

$42,650 ($42,000) – receive up to $230 of coverage
$62,650 ($62,000) – receive up to $115 of coverage