Income Support in Alberta: A Complete Guide to Documents and Application in Calgary
Income Support is Alberta's primary social assistance program, providing financial support to residents who do not have sufficient resources to meet their basic needs. To apply for this assistance in Calgary, you must compile a comprehensive package of documents.
Basic document requirements
Before applying for Income Support, applicants must prepare the following documents:
Required documents:
- Identification documents for the applicant, spouse/partner, and all dependents
- 2 bank statements from the 60 days prior to the application date
- Direct deposit information (bank details)
- Medical certificate – if the person is unable to work for medical reasons
Detailed list of documents by category
1. Documents proving identity
Primary identification
The following documents are required for the applicant and all family members:
- Birth certificate (original or copy)
- Alberta driver's license or Alberta Government Identification Card
- Canadian passport or other travel documents
- Permanent resident card for permanent residents
- Canadian citizenship certificate
Immigration documents (if applicable):
- Immigration documents
- Landing document
- Notice of decision
- Refugee or asylum seeker status documents
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
A Social Insurance Number is mandatory for all applicants:
Acceptable forms of SIN:
- Plastic SIN card (if not expired)
- Confirmation of SIN letter
- Federal document containing your SIN
Important: Without a SIN card, you cannot work, have a bank account, receive government health insurance, or financial assistance.
2. Documents proving your status of residence
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Proof of residence in Alberta
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Alberta driver's license or Alberta Government Identification Card
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Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, telephone, cable TV) dated within the last 30 days
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Any government document with your name and current address dated within the last 30 days
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Signed lease agreement
Alberta Health Card
Acceptable forms:
- Valid health card without photo with name and address
- Valid health card with photo, name, and address
- Medical Care Plan (MCP) number
- Valid emergency/dental services card
3. Financial documents
Banking information
Required banking documents:
- 2 bank statements for the 60 days prior to the application date for all accounts
- Bank profile or statement showing all accounts, assets, and lines of credit
- Statements for all open accounts and any closed accounts within the last 60 days
- Direct deposit information (bank name, branch number, account number)
Income documents
For all family members 18 years of age and older:
Employment income:
- Pay stubs for the last 3 months
- Employer reference
- Record of Employment (for the last 60 days)
- Employment contract or job offer
Government benefits:
- Employment Insurance (EI) statements
- CPP, OAS, GIS
- WCB
- First Nations assistance
Other sources:
- Alimony
- Rental income
- Private pensions
- Student loans/grants
- Investments
Tax documents
- Notice of Assessment for the last year
- Tax return for the last year
- Proof of Income Statement from CRA
4. Asset documents
Real estate
- Title documents
- Mortgage statements
- Property tax
- Land lease agreement
Vehicles
- Registration
- Purchase price and date
- Loan documents
Investments and savings
- RRSP, RDSP, TFSA
- GIC, mutual/trust funds
- Life insurance with cash value
5. Medical documents
- Medical certificate
- Detailed health report
- Documents regarding chronic/temporary conditions
Categories:
- ETW – temporary problems < 6 months
- BFE – serious/permanent > 6 months
6. Documents about family status
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates of children
- Guardianship/adoption
- Court orders for child support
7. Documents about living conditions
- Rental agreement
- Mortgage statements
- Utility bills
- Eviction/disconnection notices
- Police report (if applicable)
8. Special documents
For children:
- Birth certificates
- Medical records
- School documents
- Child care information
For new immigrants:
- Canadian Immigrant Visa
- Confirmation of PR
- Work/Study Permit
- Refugee documents
Alberta Supports Centers in Calgary
6 centers where you can submit your documents:
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Calgary Central – Lancore 1021-10 Ave SW Tel: 403-297-2094
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Calgary North – One Executive Place 1816 Crowchild Trail NW Tel: 403-297-7200
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Calgary South – Heritage Square 8500 Macleod Trail SE Tel: 403-297-2020
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Calgary East – Westland 2752 Sunridge Way NE Tel: 403-297-1907
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Calgary South – Fisher Park 6712 Fisher Street SE
Astropsychologist
Tel: 1-877-644-9992
- Calgary East – Marlborough 515 Marlborough Way NE Tel: 403-297-7570
🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Contact information
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Alberta Supports Contact Centre: 📞 1-877-644-9992 🕒 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Mon–Fri) 📧 [email protected]
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24/7 Income Support Emergency: 📞 1-866-644-5135 📧 [email protected]
Application process
Online application:
- Gather your documents in digital format
- Complete the application at alberta.ca
- Upload your documents
- Submit electronically
In-person application:
- Make an appointment at the center
- Bring all your documents
- Complete the application with a staff member
Processing time:
- Standard — up to 2 weeks
- Urgent — up to 2 days
Additional programs in Calgary
Fair Entry Program
Subsidies for people with low incomes.
Documents:
- Proof of residence (driver's license, bills)
- Proof of income (AISH, Income Support, CRA, etc.)
Services:
- Transit Pass
- Recreation Assistance
- Tax Assistance
- Seniors Home Maintenance
- Low-Cost Internet
- Parking Permit
Important tips
- Gather your documents in advance
- Check that they are up to date
- Make copies
- Organize your documents by category
Special situations
If you do not have a bank account:
- Open an account or contact a bank employee
If you have a language barrier:
- Request an interpreter through the Contact Center
If you have a disability:
- Ask for special assistance at the center
Documents that are not accepted
- Bank statements only
- Pay stubs without confirmation
- Immigration documents as income
- T4 without Notice of Assessment
Support for Ukrainians
- Contact: 📞 1-877-644-9992 / 780-644-9992 (Edmonton)
- Information available in Ukrainian
Conclusion
Obtaining Income Support in Calgary requires a complete set of documents. Preparation is the key to a quick and successful outcome. Proper organization ensures access to all benefits and speeds up the application process.