The Alberta government has announced a new one-time payment for residents of the province. Under the Alberta Energy Rebate program, nearly 3.4 million people will be eligible to receive $100.
Applications will open on July 1, 2026. The government explains that this will allow it to return a portion of the additional revenue generated by high energy prices directly to the province’s residents.
The money is not tied to specific expenses. It can be used for fuel, groceries, rent, utility bills, or other everyday needs.
Who Is Eligible for the Payment
To participate in the program, applicants must meet several conditions:
- reside in Alberta;
- be at least 18 years old;
- file a 2025 tax return;
- have a household income of no more than $225,000 per year.
Each adult who meets the program’s requirements is eligible to receive $100.
For example, married couples or common-law partners who meet the criteria will be eligible to receive a total of $200.
How Households Will Be Defined
For this program, a household is defined as:
- a single individual;
- two people who are married or in a civil partnership.
However, adults who live at the same address but are not spouses or partners will be considered separate households.
This applies, in particular, to:
- roommates;
- adult children living with their parents;
- other adult family members living at the same address.
Each of them will need to submit a separate application.
Who Does Not Need to Apply
Some Alberta residents are scheduled to be registered automatically.
People who receive the following do not need to apply separately:
- Alberta Seniors Benefit;
- AISH;
- Alberta Disability Assistance Program;
- Income Support.
Payments will be automatically processed for them if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
When registration opens
The online portal for submitting applications is scheduled to go live on July 1, 2026.
Applications can be submitted until September 30, 2026.
The government notes that registration will take place through a secure online portal. Therefore, personal and banking information should only be entered on the official Alberta government website, not in forms or messages from third parties.
Is the payment taxable?
The Alberta Energy Rebate is not taxable.
The $100 received will not need to be reported as income on your tax return to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Additionally, the payment should not affect the amount of—or eligibility for—AISH, Income Support, the Alberta Seniors Benefit, or other specified assistance programs.
Why was this program introduced?
The Alberta government explains the decision by noting that high oil and fuel prices affect more than just drivers. They can also drive up costs for groceries, delivery, utilities, and other everyday necessities.
Instead of a temporary fuel tax reduction, the province decided to pay the money directly to residents. This means that support will be available not only to drivers but also to people who use public transportation, work remotely, or do not own a car at all.