How often do I need to renew my application for social assistance?

The answer to the question of how often you need to update your social assistance application in Calgary depends on the type of program you have applied for. The social assistance system in Calgary includes programs at various levels—federal, provincial, and municipal—each with its own requirements for updating information. Understanding these requirements is critical to maintaining your eligibility for assistance and avoiding overpayments or interruptions in payments.

General principle for updating social programs

All social assistance programs in Calgary operate on an active notification basis — recipients are responsible for reporting changes in their circumstances. This means that your responsibility is not limited to periodic updates, but includes immediate notification of any significant changes.

Fair Entry — Calgary municipal program

Standard update: annually

Fair Entry is Calgary's central program for accessing subsidized city services. Most Fair Entry programs have an annual renewal cycle.

Key details:

• Fair Entry approvals are valid for one year from the date of approval.
• You can submit a new application up to 30 days before your approval expires.
• If your approval expires on November 30, 2025, you can submit a new application starting October 31, 2025.

Exception: Seniors Services Home Maintenance

• If this is the only program you applied for through Fair Entry, no renewal is required.
• Your status remains active as long as you continue to meet the criteria for the provincial Special Needs Assistance (SNA) for Seniors program.
• There is no need to renew your Fair Entry status annually.

Fair Entry application processing

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• In-person applications: processed on the day of submission (up to 1+ hour wait).
• Online/mail/fax: up to 10 business days.
• The Fair Entry website displays the current application processing date.

Calgary Housing Company — housing programs

Contacting the waiting list: annually

• Eligible households must contact the company at least once every 12 months to remain active on the waiting list.

Contact methods:

• Through the applicant's online portal (most effective)
• By email: [email protected]
• By phone: (587) 390-1200

Updates when changes occur

In addition to annual contact, you must update your application whenever there are changes:

• Changes in household composition (birth of a child, move of a family member)
• Changes in income or assets
• Change of contact information
• Move to a new address
• Change in rent
• Addition or removal of pets
• Change in location preferences

Regulatory changes in 2023

• In 2023, Calgary Housing Company announced that applications would need to be updated due to changes in the Social Housing Accommodation Regulation (SHAR).
• The changes took effect on July 1, 2023.
• Applicants who have not updated their applications may have their priority reduced and their application delayed.

Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) — Provincial Program

Annual Review

• RAB requires an annual review to continue eligibility for assistance.
• Calgary Housing Company sends an annual review form 3 months before the end of the RAB agreement.
• After the review, the subsidy amount is revised based on the new information.
• If the recipient does not meet the criteria, the subsidy is canceled.

Mandatory notifications within 30 days

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• Changes to contact information
• Change of address or intention to move
• Someone moving in or out of the home
• All changes in income
• Changes in market rent

Important: Failure to notify in a timely manner may result in a delay or cancellation of the subsidy.

Income Support Alberta — provincial program

Ongoing monitoring and reporting

• Income Support does not have a fixed update schedule, but requires immediate notification of changes.

Recipient responsibilities:

• Report changes in finances, health, or housing situation
• Cooperate with your Income Support worker
• Be prepared to apply for other income programs if you are eligible

Contacts for reporting changes:

• Your personal social worker
• Alberta Supports Contact Centre: 1-877-644-9992
• 24-hour emergency centre: 1-866-644-5135

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)

Change reporting system

AISH operates on a change reporting system rather than fixed renewal periods:

• Changes in family status
• Medical conditions
• Contact information
• Number of children/dependents
• Children who have turned 18
• Ability to work or attend school
• Start, end, or change of employment
• Changes in income
• Changes in assets
• Eligibility for medical or personal benefits

Important: Failure to report changes may result in overpayment or underpayment of benefits.

Federal programs

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Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST Credit

• Federal programs are automatically updated based on your annual tax return.
• You must file a tax return by April 30 each year.
• The CRA automatically reviews your eligibility for benefits and adjusts your payments based on your income from the previous year.
• No separate applications are required for renewal.

Time frames and deadlines

Strategies for effective update management

1. Create an update calendar

• Write down the expiration dates of all benefits
• Set reminders 60–90 days before expiration
• Keep a list of program contact information

2. Document changes

• Record all changes in income, address, and family composition
• Keep copies of forms and important documents
• Keep a log of phone calls/visits

3. Use online resources

• Calgary Housing Applicant Portal (24/7)
• Fair Entry online
• MyAlberta for Income Support

4. Proactive communication

• Initiate contact without reminders
• Use multiple communication channels
• Confirm receipt of messages

Consequences of not updating

Financial consequences

• Overpayments: May be required to be repaid, deducted from future payments.
• Underpayments: Possibility of losing part of the assistance.

Administrative consequences

• Loss of benefits: Blocking or removal from lists, suspension of payments.
• Lower priority: In housing programs.

Special circumstances and exceptions

• Temporary absence: Notify Calgary Housing if you will be away for an extended period of time.
• Emergencies: Emergency Contact Alberta Works — 1-866-644-5135.
• Medical circumstances: For AISH, changes in status must be reported immediately with new documentation provided if possible.

Resources and support

Fair Entry:

AM Goldsmith

• Phone: 311
• Online: calgary.ca/fairentry
• Fax: 403-268-2596

Calgary Housing Company:

• Phone: (587) 390-1200
• Email: [email protected]
• Online portal: via the CHC website

Alberta Supports:

• Main center: 1-877-644-9992
• Emergency: 1-866-644-5135
• Email: [email protected]

Canada Revenue Agency:

• 1-800-387-1193
• canada.ca/en/revenue-agency

Calgary 211:

• Free multilingual service available 24/7

Immigrant Services Calgary and other organizations:

• Help with forms, advice, multilingual support

Recommendations for successful management

1. Set a regular schedule

• Check all programs monthly, track changes, and update your calendar.
• Check your contact information and documents quarterly.

2. Prepare in advance

• 90 days before renewal — prepare documents, check eligibility criteria.

3. Document everything

• For each program: a folder with copies of applications/renewals, letters, call records.

4. Be proactive

• Don't wait for reminders; keep track of deadlines yourself.

The social assistance system in Calgary is structured and manageable if you follow responsible renewal principles. Making changes on time protects your right to assistance and prevents payment issues.