Alberta Income Support (IS) helps adults who can’t cover food, clothing and shelter pay for the basics, and it comes with health benefits. It is paid on the same day as AISH and ADAP: by direct deposit 4 business days before the 1st, so the money you get late in one month is for the month ahead.
How much you’ll get
Your amount depends on your household, your housing, and which of two groups your worker places you in: Expected to Work, or Barriers to Full Employment (for example, a health problem that limits work).
These are the total monthly core benefits (food and basic needs plus shelter) for people renting in private housing, effective July 2, 2026:
| Household | Expected to Work | Barriers to Full Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Single adult | $860 | $1,000 |
| Single parent, 1 child | $1,355 | $1,495 |
| Single parent, 2 children | $1,495 | $1,635 |
| Couple, no children | $1,288 | $1,496 |
| Couple, 2 children | $1,823 | $2,031 |
The shelter part is lower in social housing or if you live with a relative. A single adult gets $619 (Expected to Work) or $759 (Barriers) in social housing, and $600 or $740 living with a relative. Each child aged 18 or 19 who is still in school adds $238.
Extra “supplementary” benefits can be added for specific needs, such as a special diet ($26 to $132 a month), child care, school expenses ($63 to $208 per child) and emergencies like a damage deposit.
Working while on Income Support
You keep all your wages, and only part of them is counted against your benefit:
- Expected to Work, single: the first $230 of net earnings a month is exempt, plus 25% of the rest.
- Barriers to Full Employment, single: the first $350 is exempt, plus 50% of the rest.
- Couples get half those amounts for each working adult ($115 or $175).
Example 1: You are single, Expected to Work, renting privately, and earn $500 a month. $297.50 is exempt, so $202.50 is counted. Your IS drops to $657.50, and your total income is $1,157.50.
Example 2: Same situation, but in the Barriers group. $425 is exempt and $75 is counted. You get $925 from IS plus your $500 pay, so $1,425 in total.
Who qualifies
- You live in Alberta and are 18 or older.
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee or refugee claimant.
- You can’t pay for your basic needs, and your income is below what IS would pay you.
- Your cash and savings are under the limit, which is generally three times your monthly core benefit.
- You have no more than $5,000 in RRSPs per adult and $10,000 of equity in vehicles.
- You are willing to apply for other income, such as EI, and to follow a plan with your worker.
How to apply
- Create an Alberta.ca account. Staff will ask you to verify it before approval, which you can do with an Alberta driver’s licence or ID card.
- Gather ID for everyone in your household, 60 days of statements for all your bank accounts, and a medical letter if you can’t work for health reasons.
- Apply online. If you can’t, call Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992 to get help or book an in-person appointment.
- Expect a decision in up to 2 weeks. If you need food or shelter now, emergency help can come in as little as 2 days: call 1-866-644-5135, any time.
Once you are on IS, report changes quickly, such as a new job, a move, a new partner or a stay in hospital. Use the Automated Reporting for Clients site or call 1-866-232-0214.
What changed in 2026
- New rate sheet. The Financial Benefits Summary shown above took effect on July 2, 2026.
- A new disability program. The Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) started July 2, 2026. If a disability limits your work, you can apply for AISH and ADAP with one application, and IS can help while you wait.
- The GST/HST credit was renamed. It became the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit in July 2026, with a 25% increase.
Payment late, missing or different?
Direct deposits arrive 4 business days before the 1st. If that day is a weekend or holiday, you are paid the business day before. Cheques are mailed 6 business days before the 1st, so they take longer. Signing up for direct deposit is the simplest way to avoid mail delays.
Common reasons for a missing or smaller payment:
- a renewal form, proof of expenses or other document wasn’t sent in on time
- an unreported change, such as new income or a change of address
- earnings from the month before that reduced your benefit
- a new bank account the program doesn’t know about
Call your caseworker first. For money questions you can also call a Support and Financial Services Coordinator: 1-844-415-4900 in the North Zone (Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray) or 1-855-297-4833 in the South Zone (Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat). The Alberta Supports Contact Centre is 1-877-644-9992, weekdays 7:30 am to 8 pm. If you have no money for food or shelter, call the 24-hour emergency line at 1-866-644-5135.
Watch for scams. The government never asks for fees, gift cards or passwords by text or email. If someone contacts you about your benefits, hang up and call the numbers above yourself.
Other help you might be missing
- Canada Child Benefit: monthly and tax-free for parents.
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit: paid four times a year to lower-income families, with more for working parents.
- Canada Workers Benefit: a tax credit if you have some earnings.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: paid four times a year when you file your taxes.
- AISH or ADAP: if a severe disability limits your work, these pay more than IS.
- Alberta Adult Health Benefit: can keep health coverage going if you leave IS because of work or CPP disability income.
Common questions
How much is Alberta Income Support for a single person?
For a single adult renting privately, $860 a month in the Expected to Work group or $1,000 in the Barriers to Full Employment group, effective July 2, 2026.
When does Income Support pay?
4 business days before the 1st of the month, on the same day as AISH and ADAP. The calendar at the top of this page lists each date.
Can I work and still get Income Support?
Yes. You keep all your wages, and only part is counted. A single person in the Expected to Work group has the first $230 a month exempt, plus 25% of the rest.
How long does an Income Support application take?
Up to 2 weeks. Emergency help for food, shelter or transportation can come in as little as 2 days.
Do I have to file taxes on Income Support?
Filing a tax return each year is how you get the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the Alberta Child and Family Benefit, so it is worth doing even with little or no income.