Navigating Alberta’s COVID-19 Support Programs
The Alberta government will provide immediate financial relief to Alberta’s families and vulnerable populations.
Albertans should be focused on their health and not worry about whether they can pay their bills so we have put a number of options in place for those struggling financially.
This will be a temporary program for working adult Albertans who must self-isolate because they meet the Government of Alberta’s published criteria for self-isolation, including persons who are the sole care-giver for a dependent who must self-isolate because they meet the public health criteria, and who will not have another source of pay or compensation while they are self-isolated.
A one-time payment of $1,146 will be distributed to bridge the gap until the federal emergency payments begin in April.
We expect the program to be available through a simple online application next week and that funds will be deposited in the accounts of eligible recipients beginning at that time.
More information on how to apply will be available next week.
Residential customers can defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for the next 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off, regardless of the service provider.
Call your utility provider directly to arrange for a 90-day deferral on all payments.
Student loans repayment deferral
We are implementing a six-month, interest free, moratorium on Alberta student loan payments for all Albertans in the process of repaying these loans.
Alberta Student Loan repayments will be paused for 6 months, beginning March 30, 2020.
Interest will not accrue during this period. This mirrors the approach of the Canada Student Loans Program.
Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
Borrowers may continue making payments during this period if they choose and this will not affect their eligibility to receive the benefit.
Banks and credit unions
ATB financial customers
Personal banking customers can apply for a deferral on their ATB loans, lines of credit and mortgages for up to 6 months.
Alberta Credit Unions
Credit union members will have access to a variety of programs and solutions designed to ease difficulties with loan payments and short-term cash flow.
Contact your credit union to work out a plan for your personal situation