Overview
If you are facing an unexpected emergency, you can apply for emergency financial assistance through the Emergency Needs Allowance program.
You can get help when:
- a situation is caused by unforeseeable circumstances beyond your control, and
- it presents a severe health risk, and
- you cannot access other resources or wait until your next pay-cheque or Income Support benefit cheque.
Eligibility
You can apply for the Emergency Needs Allowance if:
- you are a current Income Support client, or
- you are an Albertan earning an income, but you do not have enough money to cover this one-time, short-term emergency that will last no longer than a month, and
- you meet the Income Support program eligibility requirements
How to apply
Currently receiving Income Support or AISH
If you are currently receiving Income Support or AISH benefits, call your designated centre.
- Contact Income Support
- Contact AISH
- If you do not know your contact centre, call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992.
Outside of regular business hours, the Income Support Contact Centre will assess eligibility for the following benefits over the phone:
- Food – you may pre-apply online and then phone the Income Support Contact Centre
- Transportation – you may pre-apply online and then phone the Income Support Contact Centre
- Temporary shelter
- Medication
- Medical supplies – you may pre-apply online and then phone the Income Support Contact Centre
- All other emergency benefits must be accessed through your designated centre.
Contact the Income Support Contact Centre.
Not currently receiving Income support or AISH
The Income Support Contact Centre will assess eligibility for the following benefits over the phone:
- Food – you may pre-apply online and then phone the Income Support Contact Centre
- Transportation – you may pre-apply online and then phone the Income Support Contact Centre
- Temporary shelter
- Medication
- Medical supplies – you may pre-apply online and then phone the Income Support Contact Centre
For all other emergency benefits, apply here. Indicate on your application, that you are in an emergency situation. If you are unable to apply online, call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre 1-877-644-9992 (Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 8:00 pm).
Contact
Connect with the Income Support Contact Centre:
Hours: Open 24 hours every day
Phone: 1-866-644-5135
Email: [email protected] – Please allow 2-3 business days for a reply.