What types of social assistance are available to newcomers?

Moving to a new country always comes with challenges, but Calgary has an extensive network of social programs designed specifically to ease the transition.

From basic needs such as housing and food to long-term integration through language, education, and employment, the support system is built on the principle of comprehensive assistance. Below is a detailed overview of all the types of support available to newcomers in Alberta's capital.

Major social service providers

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)

The largest immigrant-serving organization in the Prairies, offering over 95 programs for newcomers. Since 1981, CCIS has supported people from over 70 languages through a multidisciplinary team of 450 staff. Services include:

  • pre-arrival services;
  • airport pick-up and initial orientation;
  • government-assisted refugee resettlement (GAR);
  • employment services, from resume writing to industry training;
  • social integration programs to build community connections.

Centre for Newcomers (CFN)

Located in the Northgate Mall, this organization specializes in vulnerable categories of newcomers. CFN provides:

  • financial support through the Newcomer Emergency Income Gap Project;
  • support for victims of domestic violence;
  • services for LGBTQ+ newcomers;
  • crisis intervention and non-medical mental health counseling;
  • Special services for Afghan refugees
  • Case management for clients with complex needs

Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC)

Since 1977, this organization has served over 10,000 newcomers each year. Main areas of focus:

  • Free language testing and referral through the Calgary Language Assessment and Referral Centre (CLARC);
  • Programs for families with children under 6 years of age;
  • Support for pregnant women and parents with infants (Healthy Start Calgary);
  • Community Initiatives for Immigrant Seniors Program for older immigrants;
  • Educational counseling after language testing.

Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)

The only organization in Calgary that focuses exclusively on immigrant women, offering over 50 programs:

  • settlement and integration services;
  • language training and literacy;
  • employment support and career bridges;
  • Entrepreneurship training
  • Programs against gender-based violence
  • Support for parents, seniors, and youth

Financial assistance

Alberta Income Support

A provincial program for people with insufficient income, available to anyone who meets the criteria:

Eligibility requirements:

  • Reside in Alberta and be 18 years of age or older
  • Be a citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or refugee claimant
  • Be unable to meet basic needs
  • Be willing to apply for other available income programs (e.g., EI)
  • Be willing to develop a plan with a program worker to improve your situation

CUAET: special assistance for Ukrainians

Ukrainians who arrived under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program are eligible for:

Federal one-time assistance:

  • CAD 3,000 for adults (18+ years old);
  • CAD 1,500 for children (under 17 years old).

Alberta provincial assistance:

  • one-time emergency assistance for housing, transportation, food, clothing;
  • monthly financial support for those who cannot meet their basic needs due to significant barriers to employment.

Fair Entry: municipal subsidy program

Application process for Calgary's subsidized programs for low-income residents:

Programs included in Fair Entry:

  • Calgary Transit Low Income Monthly Pass — discounted transit passes;
  • Recreation Fee Assistance — subsidized access to sports and cultural centers;
  • Property Tax Assistance — property tax assistance for homeowners;
  • Seniors Services Home Maintenance — home maintenance services for seniors;
  • Free cat sterilization;
  • Reduced rates for internet, television, and mobile communications.

Income threshold (2025):

  • 1 person: CAD 31,264;
  • 2 people: CAD 38,922;
  • 3 people: CAD 47,851;
  • 4 people: CAD 58,096.

Housing programs

Calgary Housing Company

Administers rental assistance programs on behalf of the city and province:

  • Rent Assistance Benefit (RAB) — long-term assistance for low-income Albertans;
  • Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit (TRAB) — temporary assistance for working Albertans;
  • manages housing for nearly 10,000 households (approximately 27,000 Calgarians).

Specialized support for refugees

CCIS provides settlement services for government-assisted refugees (GAR) through a dedicated team of three people working with the Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre. In 2024:

  • 647 clients (237 families) were settled;
  • 452 properties were viewed;
  • average time to permanent housing was 40 days after arrival;
  • average rent was CAD 2,109 (houses), CAD 1,597 (apartments), and CAD 2,139 (townhouses).

Food security

Calgary Food Bank

Provides emergency food assistance through a hamper system:

  • hampers can be obtained every 10 days (previously every 14 days);
  • balanced food package for 10 days;
  • Special hampers for people with chronic kidney disease, celiac disease, pregnant women, and children;
  • Additional milk for low-income families with children and teenagers;
  • Online ordering and pickup by others via QR code.

Culturally appropriate food

Umoja Community Mosaic provides more than 850 families of African newcomers with culturally appropriate food, including cassava flour for people from Central and East Africa.

Health care

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)

All new residents of Alberta are eligible for provincial health insurance:

Eligibility requirements:

  • Residence in Alberta with the intention to stay for at least 183 days per year

  • Citizenship, permanent resident status, or temporary resident status with a work/study permit

  • Proof of identity, Alberta residency, and legal right to stay in Canada.

  • Processing time: 2-3 weeks, card sent by mail.

  • Waiting period: for migrants from other provinces — coverage begins on the first day of the third month after establishing residency.

Specialized medical support

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) helps Albertans with long-term disabilities, chronic illnesses, or terminal illnesses by covering basic medical equipment and aids for independent living.

Language training

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

Free English courses through:

  • Centre for Newcomers (Northgate Mall and Village Square);
  • CCIS (several locations throughout the city);
  • Calgary Immigrant Women's Association;
  • The Immigrant Education Society (TIES);
  • Calgary Public Library (conversation groups and skills improvement programs).

French

Immigrant Services Calgary provides free French language testing and referrals to CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada) programs.

Programs for families and children

Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)

Free program for children under 6 and their parents:

  • personalized plans that include important community resources;
  • access to health care, social services, and recreational programs;
  • support for pregnant women and parents with infants through Healthy Start Calgary.

Daycare

  • TIES Little Beginnings — affordable, high-quality childcare for children aged 0-6;
  • free childcare while attending LINC courses at TIES.

Specialized support

For people with disabilities

CCIS is implementing a new Mindfulness-Based Employment Support program for newcomers with disabilities, which includes:

  • personalized training and support;
  • a holistic approach to employment;
  • resilience building and preparation for success in the workplace.

Cross Disability Support Services (CDSS)

For adults with disabilities aged 18+ who are citizens or permanent residents:

  • navigation support to access services;
  • referral to skills-based training and mentoring;
  • assistance in accessing income, disability, and other community resources.

How to access services

Single points of entry

Gateway Calgary — a new collaborative approach that acts as a personal guide for newcomers:

  • standardized assessment of client needs;
  • personalized planning and referrals;
  • coordination between organizations for maximum effectiveness.

Calgary Public Library — Newcomers Desk

Free consultations in partnership with ISC, CCIS, and La Cité des Rocheuses:

Central Library:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (CCIS);
  • Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ISC);
  • Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (La Cité des Rocheuses — in French).

211 Alberta

Alberta's 24-hour information service and online database of social services with information available in over 80 languages.

Features for different categories of newcomers

Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR)

  • Full support package through CCIS, including housing, medical assistance, access to services
  • Resettlement Assistance Program as proof of income for Fair Entry

Privately sponsored refugees

  • Access to language training and some integration programs
  • Support through sponsors and community organizations

Permanent residents

  • Full access to all federal and provincial programs
  • Eligibility for Income Support after a three-month residency period

Temporary residents

  • Limited access to some programs depending on the type of permit
  • CUAET holders have extended support rights

Conclusion

Calgary offers one of the most comprehensive social support systems for newcomers to Canada. From basic needs to long-term integration, a network of organizations provides ongoing support at all stages of the adjustment process. The key to successfully utilizing these resources is to contact service providers early, understand your rights and needs, and actively participate in the integration process. With the right support, newcomers can not only meet their immediate needs but also build a solid foundation for a successful life in Alberta.