When someone comes to Alberta with limited income, loses their job, or finds themselves in a tough spot, the first place they turn to is a program called Alberta Works. It's not just one program, but a whole system designed to help people find work, get financial support, and cover their basic needs. At first glance, the name “Alberta Works” can be confusing because it doesn't mean that the program forces people to work or cuts their benefits. In fact, it is the name of a comprehensive social assistance system that includes four separate components, each designed to address different needs. In this guide, we break down what Alberta Works is, how it works, and how a person can take advantage of all of its components.
Understanding what Alberta Works is
Alberta Works is a program administered by Alberta Employment and Immigration (now part of Alberta Supports) that helps unemployed people find and keep jobs, helps employers meet their need for skilled workers, and helps low-income Albertans cover their basic living expenses. Unlike many other social assistance programs that simply provide money and expect people to find work on their own, Alberta Works is designed as an integrated system that combines four different components into one unified whole.
The name “Alberta Works” is somewhat historical. The program was originally called the “Income Support and Employment Program,” but over time, the region renamed it “Alberta Works” to emphasize its focus on helping people transition from unemployment to employment. However, even today, people often refer to the financial assistance component as “Income Support” because that is what it actually does—it provides income support. It is important to understand that “Alberta Works” does not mean that you have to work to receive assistance. It is simply the name of the entire system.
The Four Components of Alberta Works
The first important thing to understand is that Alberta Works consists of four separate components, each with its own purpose, application process, and eligibility requirements. However, they all work together as one system, and often when you apply for one, you are assessed for all four components at the same time.
The first component is Employment and Training Services. This component helps people find jobs, gain skills, and prepare to enter the workforce. It includes programs such as Transition to Employment Services, Workplace Training Program, Integrated Training, Self-Employment Training, and Immigrant Bridging. All of these programs are provided free of charge and are designed to help people develop the skills they need to get a job.
The second component is Income Support. This is financial assistance for people who have very low or no income. This is what most people understand as “government assistance” — money for food, clothing, housing, and other basic needs.
The third component is Health Benefits. This component provides additional health insurance for people receiving Income Support. It includes dental care, prescription drugs, eye exams, diabetic supplies, and emergency services.
The fourth component is Child Support Services. This component helps single parents obtain child support agreements from the other parent. This is a free service that includes assistance with negotiations, establishing court orders, and collecting support payments.
Component 1: Employment and Training Services
The first component of Alberta Works is Employment and Training Services, which is designed to help people find jobs. This is a very important component, as the main goal of Alberta Works is to help people transition from unemployment to work, rather than leaving them on income assistance indefinitely.
Transition to Employment Services is the most commonly used service. This service provides one-on-one assistance to people who are looking for work. A Transition to Employment Services worker helps you assess your skills, determine what kind of job you want, and develop a plan for finding work. They can also help you write a resume, prepare for interviews, and develop job-seeking skills such as how to talk to employers, how to dress for work, and how to behave professionally.
The service also provides job search mailings, referrals to potential employers, help finding short courses that can improve your qualifications, and even equipment you need for work. For example, if you need special boots for a job that requires working outside, or if you need an inexpensive computer for office work, they can help you get it.
The Workplace Training Program is a program where you actually get a job at a real company. Instead of learning in a classroom, you learn on the job. The employer agrees to help you learn the job, and you earn money while you learn. This is a great way to get the real-world experience that many employers are looking for. Usually, after you finish the training program, the employer expects you to stay on the job.
Immigrant Bridging is a special program for people who have immigrated to Canada and have prior skills or experience. If you were an engineer in your home country but your qualifications are not fully recognized in Canada, Immigrant Bridging helps you fill in the gaps in the knowledge or skills you need to work in your profession in Canada.
Self-Employment Training is a program for people who want to start their own business. They receive formal instruction in all aspects of running a business, including business plan development, business consulting, and public speaking.
Integrated Training is a program that combines on-the-job training with classroom and laboratory training. This means that you get both theoretical knowledge in the classroom and practical skills in a real job.
All of these programs are provided completely free of charge. The government pays for everything—training, materials, everything. People just have to show that they are willing to learn and willing to work.
How do you access these services? The first step is to contact your local Alberta Works or Alberta Supports office. You can also check the Employment and Training Services Directory online, which lists all the training and employment service providers in your area. You simply contact them and they will tell you about the programs they offer and how to apply.
Component 2: Income Support
The second component of Alberta Works is Income Support, which provides financial assistance to people who have very low or no income. This is the component most people think of when they hear “welfare” or “social assistance.” Income Support provides money to cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Who is eligible for Income Support?
To be eligible for Income Support, you must meet a set of requirements. The first requirement is age. You must be at least 18 years old. The second requirement is residency. You must live in Alberta. The third requirement is citizenship or immigration status. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylum seeker.
But there are more important requirements, namely financial requirements. First, you need to have a financial need. You must be unable to pay for basic necessities. This means that if you have enough money to buy food, clothing, and housing, you are not eligible for assistance.
Second, your income must not exceed a certain amount. The specific amount depends on the size of your family and your situation, but basically the government says, “If you earn more than we recommend, you cannot receive Income Support.”
Third, your assets must remain below certain limits. Assets are the money you have, investments, your car, and other things of value. The government says that if you have more than a certain amount of money, you must spend that money before you can receive benefits.
Specific asset limits include:
- RRSPs: maximum $5,000 per adult
- Equity in a car: maximum $10,000
- Liquid assets (cash, savings): maximum 3 months of the basic benefit amount
- For example, for a single person, this could be around $1,000-$1,500
Four categories of work capacity:
The government also requires you to fall into one of four categories of work capacity:
First, you are looking for work. This is the most common category. If you are unemployed and actively looking for work, you can receive Income Support.
Second, you are working but not earning enough. This means you have a part-time job or a low-paying job that does not give you enough money to cover all your expenses.
Third, you are unable to work for a short period of time. This may be because you are sick, had a baby, or some other short-term reason.
Fourth, you need help to access training to find work. This means you are willing to learn new things, but you need help to find a course or program.
Fifth, you cannot work due to chronic health problems or other issues. If you have a serious illness, disability, or mental health condition that prevents you from working, you may still be eligible for assistance.
Income Support Amounts
The amount of assistance you receive depends on the size of your family and your situation:
Approximate amounts (2024-2025, adjusted for inflation):
- Single person: up to $1,685 per month
- Single person with a disability: up to $1,974 per month
- Couple: up to $2,112 per month
- Couple with a disability: up to $2,419 per month
- Single mother with one child: up to $2,348 per month
- Additional for each child: depends on age and family structure
These amounts are automatically adjusted each year to keep pace with inflation. This means that if inflation rises, the benefit amounts also rise.
What is included in Income Support
Income Support includes more than just cash payments. It also covers additional expenses such as:
- Childcare assistance
- Special diets (with a doctor's note)
- Utility connection fees
- Work-related expenses
- Unforeseen emergencies
- Costs of escaping domestic violence
- School expenses for children
In addition, Income Support also includes government medical benefits, which we will discuss below.
How to apply for Income Support
The application process is fairly straightforward, although you will need to gather some documents:
Step 1: Contact your local Alberta Works or Alberta Supports office. You can visit in person, call, or go online via the myAlbertaSupports website.
Step 2: Gather your documents. You will need:
- Identification for yourself, your partner, and dependents
- 2 bank statements from 60 days prior to the date of application
- Direct deposit information (how you want to receive your money)
- A medical letter if you are unable to work for medical reasons
- Proof of employment income or other income
- Proof of assets (documents showing value)
- Immigration documents if you immigrated to Canada within the last 10 years
- Documents showing other special needs
Step 3: Apply online or in person.
Applying online through myAlbertaSupports is the fastest way. You simply log in, fill out the form, and submit it. However, once it is received, you must complete the “Next Steps,” which will be sent to you.
If you are unable to apply online, you can visit the police station. There, you will be given an appointment and will speak with your Income Support Worker. They will help you fill out the form and answer any questions.
Step 4: Wait for a decision. The process usually takes 2 weeks, but if you have an emergency, you can receive money in as little as 2 days.
Responsibilities while receiving Income Support
When you receive Income Support, you have certain responsibilities:
First, you must report any changes in your circumstances. If your income changes, if you move, if you get married or divorced, if the size of your family changes, you must report it.
Second, you must attend appointments with your Income Support Worker. This usually happens monthly, and they check how you are doing, whether you are looking for work, and whether you have any problems.
Third, you must follow the rules set out in your application agreement. This means that if you say you will look for work every day, you must do so.
If you do not fulfill these responsibilities, your benefits may be reduced or suspended.
Component 3: Health Benefits
The third component of Alberta Works is Health Benefits, which provides additional health insurance for people receiving Income Support. This is a very important component because many medical services can be very expensive for people with low incomes.
What is included in Health Benefits
Health Benefits includes:
First, dental care. This includes basic services such as tooth extractions, fillings, and dentures. It also includes preventive services such as X-rays, checkups, and cleanings.
Second, prescription drugs. If your doctor prescribes medication, Health Benefits will cover the cost if the medication is on the approved list.
Third, eye exams and glasses. For adults, this is one eye exam and one pair of glasses every two years. For children under 18, this is one eye exam and one pair of glasses every year.
Fourth, ambulance services. If you need an ambulance to the nearest hospital, this is covered.
Fifth, diabetic supplies. If you have diabetes, necessary supplies such as test strips and needles are covered.
Sixth, essential non-prescription medicines. This includes things such as prenatal vitamins for pregnant women and children's vitamins.
How it works
When you are approved for Income Support, you will be issued with a Health Benefits Card. This card can be used at any dentist, pharmacist, or optician who agrees to accept Health Benefits. Simply show them your card and they will talk to the program about coverage.
It is important to know that if you have other health insurance (for example, through your employer), you must use that insurance first. Health Benefits will only cover the remainder if the other insurance did not cover everything.
Component 4: Child Support Services
The fourth component of Alberta Works is Child Support Services, which helps single parents get child support from the other parent. This is often an overlooked component, but it is very important for single-parent families.
Who is eligible
You are automatically eligible for Child Support Services if you receive Income Support. If you have a low income but do not receive Income Support, you may still be eligible for these services.
How it works
When you contact Child Support Services, they do several things:
First, they gather information from both parents. They talk to you about your situation and talk to the other parent about their situation.
Second, if needed, they can help find the other parent. If you don't know where the other parent lives, Child Support Services can help find them.
Third, they help determine paternity if needed. If the father denies that he is the father, a paternity order can be approved.
Fourth, they help negotiate child support terms. This can be an agreement that both parents sign voluntarily, or it can be a court order.
Fifth, they register the agreement or order with the Maintenance Enforcement Program, which actually collects the money from the paying parent.
The process usually takes only a few appointments with a Child Support Services worker.
How to apply for Alberta Works
Online application through myAlbertaSupports
The fastest way to apply is online through myAlbertaSupports. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Go to the myAlbertaSupports homepage. The address is myalbertsupports.alberta.ca.
Step 2: Click “Apply Online.”
Step 3: Sign in or create an Alberta.ca account. It's totally free and takes just a few minutes.
Step 4: Select the services or benefits you want to apply for. If you haven't done a “Find Supports” session before, you can apply for one service at a time.
Step 5: Add household members. Enter information about your partners and dependents.
Step 6: Answer the questions. Complete the application form and answer all the questions.
Step 7: Review your answers. Review everything again before submitting.
Step 8: Submit your application. Click “Submit.”
Step 9: Complete the “Next Steps.” This is very important. After you submit, you will be given instructions on what to do next. You must complete these steps, or your application will not be considered.
Step 10: Log in to view Next Steps. To find Next Steps:
- Log in to your account
- Click “My Applications”
- Under “Submitted Applications,” click “Next Steps” for each application
In-person application
If you are unable to apply online, you can visit the police. To do so:
Step 1: Contact your local Alberta Works or Alberta Supports office. Call or visit in person.
Step 2: Make an appointment. Some offices require an appointment.
Step 3: Bring all your documents. Bring your ID, bank statements, and other documents.
Step 4: Talk to an Income Support Worker. They will help you fill out the form and answer your questions.
Step 5: Get a copy of your application. Keep a copy for your records.
Contact information and where to get help
If you have questions about Alberta Works or need help with your application, there are several ways to get in touch:
Alberta Supports Contact Centre:
- Edmonton: 780-644-5135
- Toll-free: 1-855-644-5135
- Hours: 24 hours (but it is best to call during business hours for complex questions)
Online:
- myAlbertaSupports: myalbertsupports.alberta.ca
- Alberta.ca: alberta.ca
- Employment Alberta: employment.alberta.ca
In person:
- Local Alberta Works or Alberta Supports Centre office
- Make an appointment before you go
Conclusion: Alberta Works as a comprehensive system
Alberta Works is not just a single assistance program. It is a comprehensive system designed to help people every step of the way from unemployment to employment. From providing free training through Employment and Training Services to providing financial assistance through Income Support, to providing health insurance through Health Benefits, to helping single parents through Child Support Services, the system covers all aspects.
The most important thing to remember is that Alberta Works is designed to help people, but it is also designed to help people find work and become independent. The government understands that the road from unemployment to work is not always easy, so they have provided a comprehensive support system.
If you are unemployed, have a low income, or need assistance, don't hesitate to contact Alberta Works. This system is designed specifically to help people like you.