Financial Help for Camrose Seniors: Three Alberta Programs Worth Checking

Several Alberta programs may make a meaningful difference for eligible Camrose seniors.

These programs can help with everyday living expenses, residential property taxes and approved dental or optical costs.

Alberta Seniors Benefit

The Alberta Seniors Benefit provides monthly financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors.

Applicants must generally:

• Be at least 65 years old
• Have lived in Alberta for at least three months immediately before applying
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Receive the federal Old Age Security pension
• Meet the program's financial criteria

A single senior with an annual income of $34,770 or less may be eligible.

A senior couple with a combined annual income of $56,820 or less may also be eligible.

These amounts are guidelines rather than guaranteed eligibility limits.

For homeowners, renters and lodge residents whose income used in the calculation is zero, the current maximum annual benefit is:

• $3,946 for a single senior
• $5,918 for a senior couple

That is approximately $329 per month for a single senior and $493 per month for a couple at the maximum benefit level.

The actual payment depends on the applicant's circumstances.

Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program

This program lets eligible Alberta homeowners defer all or part of their residential property taxes through a low-interest home-equity loan from the Government of Alberta.

Applicants must generally:

• Be at least 65 years old
• Own an eligible Alberta residence
• Use it as their primary residence
• Have at least 25% equity in the home

Only one spouse or partner needs to be at least 65.

Eligibility is not based on income.

Monthly payments are not required, but this is a loan. Interest accumulates, a caveat is registered against the property title and the balance must eventually be repaid.

The loan normally becomes due when the home is sold, ownership changes or the home is no longer the borrower's primary residence.

Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors

Alberta also helps eligible low- to moderate-income seniors with approved basic dental and optical services.

Eligible dental services may be covered up to a maximum of $5,000 every five years.

Coverage depends on:

• Income
• Program eligibility
• The approved provincial fee schedule
• The service received

The assistance may not cover the full amount charged by a provider.

Because benefit thresholds and program rules can change, readers should confirm the latest requirements before applying or receiving treatment.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

Some seniors may also qualify for the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Applicants must generally:

• Have no access to private dental insurance
• Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000
• Be Canadian residents for tax purposes
• Have filed the required tax returns

Someone receiving government social dental assistance may still qualify for the federal plan.

When a person qualifies for both plans, the programs may coordinate benefits. This does not guarantee that every expense will be fully covered.

Ask the dental provider about possible out-of-pocket costs before agreeing to treatment.

Where to Get Help in Camrose

Camrose & District FCSS
780-672-0141

Alberta Supports Contact Centre
1-877-644-9992

Simple Takeaway

These programs exist to help.

Check the current requirements, ask what you qualify for and seek assistance when completing an application.