Are You Leaving Money On The Table? A Guide To Unlocking Thousands in Alberta Seniors Benefits

Ageing in Canada is costly and often seniors are on tight budgets. Many seniors are missing out on valuable Alberta seniors benefits simply because they aren’t aware of them, leading to unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. We created this post to provide a comprehensive guide to all available benefits for seniors living in Alberta, particularly in Calgary.

We are working to make this list exhaustive and keep it updated regularly. If you know of any benefits we missed, please email us at hi@homefree.care to have them added This helps us ensure no senior leaves money on the table.

Let’s dive in!

Alberta Seniors Benefit

The Alberta Seniors Benefit offers monthly financial assistance to low-income seniors. Single seniors may receive up to $3,792 annually if living at home and up to $12,312 in a continuing care home. Senior couples may receive up to $5,687 annually if living at home and up to $16,104 in a continuing care home. To estimate your benefit, use the benefit estimator.

Eligibility requires being 65+, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and living in Alberta for at least three months while receiving Old Age Security (OAS). Single seniors with income under $33,410 or couples with income below $54,640 may qualify.

For more details visit the Alberta Seniors Benefit website.

Alberta Aids to Daily Living

The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program covers up to 75% of the cost for eligible medical equipment and supplies. Seniors may pay up to $500 per year in cost-sharing, but those with low income or on assistance programs can be exempt. The total funding available depends on the type of equipment, which must be approved by an authorized healthcare provider. For example, the Hearing Directory states that AADL will cover up to $1,200 for hearing aids. Other items including mobility aids, home care beds, and oxygen equipment are among those covered.

Eligibility:

You must be an Alberta resident with a valid healthcare card.
A health professional must assess your need for specific equipment (e.g., walkers, hearing aids, oxygen, etc.).
Applicants must not be receiving equivalent benefits through insurance or other government programs.

Disqualification occurs if:

You’re already fully covered by other plans, or
The equipment doesn’t meet AADL’s specific guidelines for need.

For more, visit the AADL’s eligibility webpage.

Home Care Coverage

Alberta provides publicly funded support for seniors, helping them maintain independence through home care. Any Alberta resident with a valid health care card whose needs can be safely met at home may be eligible. The level of funding received depends on an AHS Home Care assessment, which evaluates needs to determine how many hours are awarded. Applicant income and financial standing are not considered in the assessment. Home care funding can be accessed through two programs:

Self Managed Care: Offers $25.65 per awarded hour, giving you flexibility to hire your own senior caregiver. However, you handle payroll, scheduling, taxes, and quarterly reporting to AHS.
Client Directed Home Care: Allows you to choose from approved providers of home care services. HomeFree, or another home care service provider, bills Alberta Blue Cross at $33.61 per hour, managing staffing and reporting.

For more details visit 4 Ways to Maximize Home Care Benefits.

Coverage for Seniors Program

The Coverage for Seniors Program offers premium-free health benefits to Albertans aged 65 or older and their eligible dependents. It’s administered through Alberta Blue Cross, and once you qualify, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) will send you a package detailing your coverage. Key services include:

Prescription drugs: 70% covered, with a $25 max co-pay.
Diabetes supplies: Up to $2,400/year.
Ambulance services: Fully covered.
Chiropractic care: Up to $200/year.
Home nursing care: Up to $200/year.
Psychological services: Up to $300/family.

For more details, visit the Coverage for Seniors website.

Dental and Optical Assistance For Seniors

The Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors program provides financial help for essential dental and vision care. Eligible seniors can receive:

Dental Assistance: Up to $5,000 every 5 years for procedures like cleanings, fillings, and dentures. The coverage is not 100% and covers a portion of the rate specified in the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
Optical Assistance: Up to $230 every 3 years for eyeglasses, but this does not cover eye exams. However, one eye exam per year is fully covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan for seniors.

Eligibility:

Be 65 or older.
Be a resident of Alberta and a Canadian Citizen or have been admitted for permanent residence.
Household income must be below the program’s thresholds:
- Single Senior: Up to $33,410.
- Senior Couple: Up to $66,820.
Be approved for the Alberta Seniors Financial Assistance program.

For more details, visit the Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors website.

Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP)

The Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) provides low-interest home equity loans of up to $40,000 to help seniors make home repairs and adaptations, allowing them to safely age in place. You can apply retroactively for past repairs. Eligible projects include upgrades like walk-in tubs, roof replacements, stair lifts, and more.

Eligibility:

Seniors 65+ with a household income of $75,000 or less.
Be a resident of Alberta and a Canadian Citizen or have been admitted for permanent residence.
Must have at least 25% equity in their primary residence.

SHARP registers a caveat on the home’s land title, and there are no monthly payments. The loan is repaid when the home is sold or no longer your primary residence.

For more details and current interest rates visit Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP).

Senior Property Tax Deferral Program

The Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program allows Alberta seniors to defer all or part of their property taxes, including the education tax portion, through a low-interest loan from the Government of Alberta. If you qualify, the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program will pay your residential property taxes directly to your municipality on your behalf.

Eligibility:

Be 65+ (only one spouse needs to meet this requirement).
Be a resident of Alberta and a Canadian Citizen or have been admitted for permanent residence
Must have at least 25% equity in their primary residence.

Eligible properties include residential homes, mobile homes, and residential portions of farmland or commercial property. Outstanding taxes from previous years can still be deferred if equity requirements are met.

The Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program registers a caveat on the home’s land title, and there are no monthly payments. The loan is repaid when the home is sold or no longer your primary residence.

For more details and current interest rates visit the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program website.

Special Needs Assistance for Seniors

The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program is designed to help low-income seniors in Alberta afford essential items and services that support their daily living, health, and home maintenance. The goal is to improve the quality of life for seniors by providing financial assistance in three main categories:

Appliances and furniture (e.g., refrigerators, beds).
Health supports (e.g., CPAP machines, diabetic supplies).
Personal supports (e.g., housekeeping, respite care).

The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program offers up to $5,643 per year, with funding amounts varying based on the eligible item. The eligibility requirements for the program are

Eligibility

Must be 65 or older.
Be a resident of Alberta and a Canadian Citizen or have been admitted for permanent residence
Household income must be below the program’s thresholds:
- Single Senior: Up to $29,010 for primary and secondary items; $29,011 – $33,410 for primary items only.
- Senior Couple: Up to $46,441 for primary and secondary items; $46,441 – $54,640 for primary items only.
Must submit a Seniors Financial Assistance application.

For more details, visit the Special Needs Assistance page.

Palliative Care Coverage Program

The Palliative Coverage Program in Alberta helps relieve the financial burden for families by covering costs related to end-of-life care at home or in a hospice. Administered by Alberta Blue Cross, the program covers:

Prescription medications (fully covered if listed in the Alberta Drug Benefit List or Palliative Care Supplement).
Diabetes supplies (up to $2,400 annually for test strips, syringes, and lancets).
Ambulance services for medical transport.

Eligibility requires a terminal diagnosis and registration with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

For more details, visit the Palliative Care Health Benefits website.

Calgary Seniors Benefits

Seniors Transit Pass

The Calgary Seniors Transit Pass makes it easier for seniors to stay active and connected. If you’re 65 or older, you can choose between two options:

The Regular Seniors Annual Transit Pass costs $154.50 per year. It’s ideal for those who want unlimited access to Calgary Transit.
For seniors on a tighter budget, the Low-Income Seniors Pass is available for just $31.00 per year, making transportation affordable and stress-free.

These passes help ensure seniors stay mobile and independent, whether it’s visiting family, shopping, or staying engaged in the community.

For more details visit Calgary Seniors Annual Transit Pass

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle WAV Calgary

The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Program in Calgary offers taxis that are equipped to accommodate passengers with wheelchairs. These vehicles ensure accessible and convenient transportation for people with mobility challenges. The service is billed at regular taxi metered rates and can be booked directly through participating Calgary taxi companies.

For more details, visit the official page Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Calgary.

Seniors Services Home Maintenance

The Seniors Services Home Maintenance Program in Calgary helps seniors aged 65+ with tasks like:

Light housekeeping: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning kitchens/washrooms.
Grass cutting: Front/back lawns and property-associated medians.
Snow removal: Primary entryways, driveways, wheelchair ramps, and public sidewalks.

The program supports seniors who are unable to manage these tasks independently and to qualify, seniors must be eligible for the provincial Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program.

For more details, visit Seniors Services Home Maintenance

It’s our hope that seniors ageing in Canada, particularly Alberta, will embrace these benefits to maintain their independence and quality of life. While many plan for retirement, the unexpected costs of home care services and senior living often go overlooked. Our goal is to ensure seniors can fully enjoy their golden years with the support they deserve. By staying informed and taking advantage of these programs, seniors can live life on their own terms.

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