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.
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 is Calgary's central program for accessing subsidized city services. Most Fair Entry programs have an annual renewal cycle.
Key details:
Contact methods:
In addition to annual contact, you must update your application whenever there are changes:
Important: Failure to notify in a timely manner may result in a delay or cancellation of the subsidy.
Recipient responsibilities:
Contacts for reporting changes:
AISH operates on a change reporting system rather than fixed renewal periods:
Important: Failure to report changes may result in overpayment or underpayment of benefits.
Program | Frequency of renewal | Deadline | Consequences of missing the deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Fair Entry | Annually | Up to 30 days before expiry | Loss of access to subsidized services |
Calgary Housing | Annual contact | 12 months | Removal from waiting list |
RAB | Annual review | 3 months before expiry | Cancellation of subsidy |
Income Support | Upon change | Immediately | Overpayment/underpayment, possible cancellation |
AISH | Upon change | Immediately | Overpayment/underpayment, possible cancellation |
Federal benefits | Annually | April 30 (taxes) | Suspension of payments |
Fair Entry:
Calgary Housing Company:
Alberta Supports:
Canada Revenue Agency:
Calgary 211:
Immigrant Services Calgary and other organizations:
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.