Helping Hands Home Assist

08/30/2026

A quick little reference of essential contacts.

08/24/2026

🍂 **COME MEET HELPING HANDS AT KEYANO DAZE!** 🍂

Have you ever thought…

**“I could really use an extra set of hands around here.”**

Come by the **Helping Hands Home Assist** table at Keyano Daze and discover what a **Personalized Home Routine Support Plan** could look like for you or someone you care about.

🏡 **Take a peek through the Care Planning Handbook**
🌿 Explore the services Helping Hands offers
💬 Sit down and chat with Natasha
📝 Discover how we can build support around **your home, your routine and your priorities**

# # # No one-size-fits-all packages.

Maybe you need help every week.
Maybe every couple of weeks.
Maybe seasonally.
Or maybe you just need someone when **life happens.**

**You choose what would make life easier, and together we'll build a plan that fits.**

# # # 🎁 GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!

Give someone the gift of **time, help and a little less stress.**

Helping Hands Home Assist gift certificates will be available right at the table.

**E-transfer preferred • Exact cash gladly accepted**

Come say hello, browse the handbook, ask questions and see what Helping Hands is all about.

**Helping Hands Home Assist**
*Non-Medical Home Support*
**Care that Feels Like Home.**

📞 780-809-5305
📧 [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

**Be Well, Neighbor. — Natasha**

08/21/2026

🍂 Helping Hands Home Assist — Fall Services

🏡 Indoor Fall Reset

Fall deep cleaning and household reset
Baseboards, corners, vents and ceiling fans
Fridge, cupboards and pantry clean-outs
Laundry and bedding changes
Closet shuffle — summer clothes away, winter clothing accessible
Organizing boots, coats, mittens and winter gear
Carpet-cleaning assistance
Decluttering and donation preparation
Kitchen and pantry organization
Preparing guest rooms for holiday visitors

🍁 Yard & Garden Wrap-Up

Leaf raking and collection
Final lawn mowing and trimming
Light yard cleanup
Garden-bed cleanup
Vegetable and herb harvesting
Harvest assistance for fruit and berries
Bringing in pots, decorations and garden supplies
Compost turning and garden cleanup
Preparing outdoor spaces for winter
Greenhouse cleanup and seasonal closing assistance

🌱 Fall Garden & Winter Preparation

Garlic planting assistance
Perennial-bed cleanup
Strawberry and berry-bed preparation
Raspberry cane cleanup/support
Fruit-tree and shrub winter-prep assistance
Putting away hoses and garden equipment
Organizing tools and sheds
Moving or stacking manageable seasonal supplies

🫙 Harvest & Home Preserving Support

Harvesting and carrying produce
Sorting and washing produce
Canning-day kitchen preparation
Jar and preserving-supply organization
Preparing fruits and vegetables
Pantry rotation and organization
Freezer restocking and organization
Cleanup after preserving projects

❄️ Getting the Home Winter Ready

Window and door draft checks
Weather-stripping assistance
Seasonal household safety check
Smoke/CO detector checks and battery changes
Changing hard-to-reach light bulbs
Bringing winter supplies into accessible locations
Garage and entrance organization
Firewood/pellet moving and stacking assistance
Preparing snow shovels and winter equipment
🐾 Pet & Household Seasonal Support
Fall pet-area cleanup
Yard pet-waste cleanup before snowfall
Washing pet bedding
Organizing pet food and supplies
Litter-area refresh
Assistance preparing outdoor pet areas for colder weather

❤️ Life Happens — Fall Support

Fall can also mean back to school, schedule changes, returning to work, recovery, moving, downsizing or simply getting overwhelmed before winter.
Helping Hands can assist with household routines, laundry, organizing, light meal preparation, errands, packing/unpacking and personalized routine-support plans.

🍂 The Fall Message

Summer went fast. Winter won't wait.
You don't have to tackle the entire fall to-do list in one weekend.
Pick the jobs you need help with, and we'll build a fall support plan around your home, your priorities and your schedule.

Helping Hands Home Assist

Non-Medical Home Support

Care that Feels Like Home.

📞 780-809-5305
📧 [email protected]
Be Well, Neighbor. — Natasha

08/16/2026

🍓 **STRAWBERRIES HAVE YOU BENT OVER CROOKED?** 🍓

# # # Don’t break your back for a basket of berries! 😆

They’re red.
They’re ripe.
They’re delicious.

And somehow every single one of them is hiding **six inches off the ground!** 😂

When the strawberry patch is ready but your back is saying **“Absolutely not,”** Helping Hands Home Assist can lend an extra set of hands.

🍓 Picking ripe strawberries
🧺 Filling & carrying baskets
🌿 Gently searching underneath those leaves
🍓 Sorting your harvest
🫙 Getting berries ready for freezing, preserving or enjoying fresh
🌿 Light harvest clean-up
💙 Friendly companionship while we work

You planted them.

You waited all summer for them.

**You shouldn't have to leave the good ones behind just because they're way down there!**

Big patch, little patch or one particularly ambitious strawberry bed…

# # # **We’ll get down there and help pick them.** 🍓😆

🏡 **Helping Hands Home Assist**
*Non-Medical Home Support*
**Care That Feels Like Home.**

📍 Swan Hills, Alberta
📞 Call or text **780-809-5305**

🌻 **Harvest Assistance & Companionship**

**Save your back. We'll help with the berries.**

**Be Well, Neighbor. — Natasha**

08/16/2026

❤️🌿 **PRICKLY RASPBERRIES? NO WORRIES — WE’VE GOT THIS!** 🌿❤️

Beautiful berries hiding behind thorny canes?

Long sleeves. Gloves. Berry basket.

**Challenge accepted.** 😆

When the raspberry patch is loaded but picking it feels like an obstacle course, **Helping Hands Home Assist** can lend an extra set of hands.

❤️ Picking ripe raspberries
🌿 Carefully working through prickly canes
🧺 Filling & carrying baskets
❤️ Sorting the harvest
🫙 Getting berries ready for preserving, freezing or enjoying fresh
🌿 Light harvest clean-up
💙 Friendly company while we pick

Whether you've got a few backyard canes or a raspberry patch that's decided to take over the neighbourhood…

# # # **Prickles don't scare us.**

You grew them.
The raspberries ripened.

**Now let's get in there and pick them!** 😆❤️

🏡 **Helping Hands Home Assist**
*Non-Medical Home Support*
**Care That Feels Like Home.**

📍 Swan Hills, Alberta
📞 Call or text **780-809-5305**

🌻 **Harvest Assistance & Companionship — because the best berries sometimes make you work for them.**

**Be Well, Neighbor. — Natasha**

08/16/2026

🍎✨ **APPLE-PICKING COMPANION** ✨🍎

# # # Sometimes the best apple is always the one at the very, very top! 😆

You can see it up there…

🍎 Perfectly ripe.
☀️ Glowing in the sunshine.
✨ Practically sparkling.

**The Golden Apple.**

But enjoying your apple tree shouldn't mean struggling to reach every last piece of fruit—or harvesting alone when you'd rather have some company.

**Helping Hands Home Assist** offers seasonal **Apple-Picking Companionship & Harvest Assistance.**

🍏 Pick together at your own pace
🍎 Help gathering those harder-to-reach apples
🧺 Carrying and filling baskets
🍏 Sorting your harvest
🍎 Bringing apples inside
🧺 Light clean-up when we're finished
💙 And, most importantly, some friendly company while we work

Maybe you have one little backyard tree.

Maybe you have several trees absolutely loaded with fruit.

Or maybe you simply want to head outside, enjoy the sunshine and pick your apples with **someone beside you to chat, laugh and lend a hand.**

There doesn't always have to be a big job to justify asking for company.

Sometimes it's simply:

**“Come pick apples with me.”** 🍎💙

And yes…

**We'll try to get that Golden Apple at the top.** ✨🍎✨

🏡 **Helping Hands Home Assist**
*Non-Medical Home Support*
**Care That Feels Like Home.**

📍 Swan Hills, Alberta
📞 Call or text **780-809-5305**

🌻 **Companionship can happen anywhere—even underneath an apple tree.**

**Be Well, Neighbor. — Natasha**

08/16/2026

🎒✏️ **BACK-TO-SCHOOL ROOM RESET!** 📚🏡

New school year. New routines. Maybe even a fresh new space to start it all in!

**Helping Hands Home Assist** can work alongside young people and their families to get bedrooms, closets and homework spaces organized and ready for the school year.

🛠️ **Need a new desk or bedroom furniture put together?**
Let’s build it.

👕 **Closet overflowing?**
We can sort clothes, find what still fits, organize school outfits and make room for the new season.

🛏️ **What exactly IS living under that bed?** 😆
Let’s pull it out, sort it, clean underneath and create useful storage.

📚 **Homework area become a catch-all?**
We can freshen the desk, organize supplies, create a comfortable study area and help your young person make the space their own.

We can also help with:

✨ Rearranging bedroom furniture
✨ Building desks, shelving & organizers
✨ Closet and dresser resets
✨ Sorting clothing & belongings
✨ Fresh bedding and room tidying
✨ Under-bed organization
✨ School-supply organization
✨ Creating homework & study stations
✨ Establishing simple routines to help keep things manageable

Most importantly, this doesn't have to be someone coming in and **taking over their room.**

Young people can be part of the process—making choices, deciding where things belong, learning organizational skills and taking some ownership of their fresh space, with a little patient encouragement and guidance along the way. 💙

Because sometimes getting ready for school isn't just about buying pencils and backpacks.

Sometimes it's about creating a space that says:

**“I'm ready for a fresh start.”**

🏡 **Helping Hands Home Assist**
*Non-Medical Home Support*
**Care That Feels Like Home.**

📍 Swan Hills, Alberta
📞 Call or text **780-809-5305**

🌻 **Family Support for the routines that make everyday life a little easier.**

**Be Well, Neighbor. — Natasha**

08/16/2026

🧹✨ **LOOK UP! When was the last time your ceiling fan had a good cleaning?** 👀

We clean the floors, wipe the counters and tidy the rooms… but some of those **up-high, out-of-sight places** have a sneaky way of collecting dust! 😆

That’s where **Helping Hands Home Assist** can lend a hand.

🪶 **Let’s tackle those easily overlooked jobs:**

✨ Ceiling fans & light fixtures
✨ Vents & baseboards
✨ Cupboard tops & corners
✨ High shelves
✨ Dust & cobwebs
✨ Those awkward little spots that haven't been reached in a while

Whether you need one troublesome job taken care of or would like these details added to your regular home-support routine, **we can customize the help around your home and your needs.**

No one-size-fits-all package.
No need to wait until you have a whole house to clean.

Sometimes you just need **an extra set of hands for the little things.** 💙

🏡 **Helping Hands Home Assist**
*Non-Medical Home Support*
**Care That Feels Like Home.**

📍 Swan Hills, Alberta
📞 Call or text **780-809-5305**

🌼 **More time for what matters. We’ll handle the little things.**

**Be Well, Neighbor. — Natasha**

08/16/2026

🌿🫛 **HARVEST ASSISTANCE — LET’S GET PICKING!** 🫛🌿

The garden worked hard all summer… now it’s time to bring in the rewards!

When everything seems to ripen at once, **Helping Hands Home Assist** can lend an extra set of hands to help you get your harvest **from the garden to the pantry.**

🥕 **Harvest assistance can include:**
• Picking peas, beans, berries & vegetables
• Digging potatoes & root vegetables
• Gathering herbs
• Sorting & washing produce
• Trimming and prepping
• Canning & preserving preparation
• Pantry organization
• Garden clean-up as the harvest comes in

🌱 **Big garden? Small garden? A harvest that simply got ahead of you? No problem.**

Maybe your knees aren't enjoying all that bending anymore. Maybe your hands get tired. Maybe you're working, raising a family, preserving food, or simply looking at a fence FULL of peas thinking…

**“Who is going to pick all of those?!”** 😆🫛

That's where Helping Hands comes in.

You grew it. **We'll help with the rest.**

💙 **Helping Hands Home Assist**
*Non-Medical Home Support*
**Care That Feels Like Home.**

📍 Swan Hills, Alberta
📞 Call or text **780-809-5305**

🌻 **More time for what matters. We'll help handle the harvest.**

**Be Well, Neighbor. — Natasha**

08/09/2026

# HELPING HANDS HOME ASSIST

# # FUNDING & COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

# # # Alberta & Federal Resources — 2026

**Finding help shouldn't be harder than asking for it.**

This section is designed to help individuals and families find a starting point when money, disability, caregiving, housing, aging or a major life change makes everyday life difficult.

Each page explains:

**WHO** may qualify
**WHAT** the program helps with
**HOW MUCH** may be available
**WHERE** to apply
**PHONE NUMBER** for help
**TAXABLE?** Yes or No
**PAY IT BACK?** What you need to know

---

# PAGE 1 — START HERE

# # I Don't Know What I Qualify For

If you are not sure which program you need, start with **Alberta Supports**.

They can help people find programs for:

• Families and children
• Seniors
• People with disabilities
• Low-income households
• Employment and training
• Emergency financial needs
• Housing and rent assistance
• AISH and Income Support
• Child-care assistance
• Community services

**Phone:** 1-877-644-9992
**Hours:** Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
**Website:** https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-supports

Help is available in more than 100 languages.

# # # Emergency Financial Help

If you cannot afford an immediate basic need such as food, temporary shelter or essential transportation:

**24-Hour Emergency Income Support:**
1-866-644-5135

**Website:**
https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance

---

# PAGE 2 — FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

# # Canada Child Benefit — CCB

**WHO?**
Families responsible for a child under 18 who meet Canadian residency requirements.

**WHAT IS IT?**
A monthly federal payment that helps with the cost of raising children.

**HOW MUCH? — July 2026 to June 2027**

Maximum amounts depend on family income.

• Child under 6: up to **$679.75/month**
• Child age 6–17: up to **$573.58/month**

Higher family income reduces the benefit.

**HOW DO I GET IT?**
Apply through the Canada Revenue Agency. Parents should also file their income tax returns every year, even if they have little or no income.

**TAXABLE?** No.

**PAY IT BACK?** Normally no. However, an overpayment can have to be repaid if CRA later determines you received too much.

**WHEN WOULD I LOOK INTO THIS?**
After having a baby, a child begins living with you, custody arrangements change, or you become responsible for a child.

**Phone:** 1-800-387-1193
**Website:**
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit.html

---

# PAGE 3 — ALBERTA FAMILIES

# # Alberta Child and Family Benefit — ACFB

**WHO?**
Lower- and middle-income Alberta families with children under 18.

**WHAT IS IT?**
Tax-free payments to help Alberta families with the cost of raising children.

**HOW MUCH? — July 2026 to June 2027**

Maximum annual base benefit:

• 1 child — **$1,529**
• 2 children — **$2,293**
• 3 children — **$3,057**
• 4+ children — **$3,821**

An additional working component may also be available to eligible working families.

Actual amounts depend on family income and number of children.

**DO I APPLY SEPARATELY?**
Generally no. File your income tax return and qualify for the Canada Child Benefit. CRA determines eligibility.

**TAXABLE?** No.

**PAY IT BACK?** Normally no, unless there is an overpayment or eligibility changes.

**Phone — Alberta benefit questions:**
1-800-959-2809

**Website:**
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-child-and-family-benefit

---

# PAGE 4 — CHILD WITH A DISABILITY

# # Child Disability Benefit — CDB

**WHO?**
Families caring for a child under 18 who has been approved for the **Disability Tax Credit (DTC).**

**WHAT IS IT?**
Extra tax-free money paid with the Canada Child Benefit.

**HOW MUCH? — July 2026 to June 2027**

Up to **$3,480 per year**

or

Up to **$290/month per eligible child**

The actual amount depends on adjusted family net income.

**HOW DO I APPLY?**
The child must first qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Once DTC eligibility is approved, CRA calculates Child Disability Benefit eligibility.

**TAXABLE?** No.

**PAY IT BACK?** Normally no. Overpayments can be recovered.

**WHEN WOULD I LOOK INTO THIS?**
When a child has a severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment that significantly affects everyday functioning.

**Phone — Child Disability Benefit:**
1-800-387-1193

**Phone — Disability Tax Credit:**
1-800-959-8281

**Website:**
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html

---

# PAGE 5 — CHILD DISABILITY SERVICES

# # FSCD — Family Support for Children with Disabilities

**WHO?**
Alberta families caring for an eligible child with a disability.

**WHAT CAN IT HELP WITH?**

Depending on the child's and family's assessed needs, FSCD may help with:

• Respite and support services
• Child-care supports
• Disability-related clothing or footwear
• Counselling
• Some extraordinary disability-related expenses
• Some medical appointment travel costs
• Parking, mileage and accommodation in qualifying circumstances
• Coordination of services and supports

**HOW MUCH?**
There is not one standard monthly payment. Supports are individually assessed and agreed upon with the family.

**TAXABLE?**
This is primarily a support/service program rather than ordinary employment income. Ask your FSCD worker about the treatment of any particular reimbursement or payment.

**PAY IT BACK?**
Approved services are not ordinarily a loan. Incorrect or unapproved payments can be subject to recovery.

**WHEN WOULD I USE THIS?**
When raising a child with a disability creates additional care, supervision, respite or disability-related costs.

**Start with Alberta Supports:**
1-877-644-9992

**Website:**
https://www.alberta.ca/fscd

---

# PAGE 6 — DISABILITY TAX CREDIT

# # DTC

**WHO?**
A person with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions who meets CRA requirements.

Eligibility is based on **how the condition affects everyday functioning**, not simply the name of the diagnosis.

A medical practitioner must complete their portion of the application.

**WHAT DO YOU GET?**
The DTC is **not a monthly cheque.**

It is a non-refundable tax credit that can reduce income tax owed.

DTC approval can also open the door to other programs including:

• Child Disability Benefit
• Canada Disability Benefit
• Registered Disability Savings Plan
• Other disability-related tax benefits

**TAXABLE?** No. It is a tax credit.

**PAY IT BACK?** No, provided the claim was valid.

**IMPORTANT:**
Approval for AISH, CPP Disability or another disability program does not automatically mean CRA will approve the DTC.

**CRA:** 1-800-959-8281

**Website:**
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html

---

# PAGE 7 — ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

# # Canada Disability Benefit — CDB

**WHO?**

Generally, an eligible person must:

• Be age 18–64
• Meet residency requirements
• Have an approved Disability Tax Credit
• Meet the program's other requirements
• File required income tax returns

**HOW MUCH? — July 2026 to June 2027**

Maximum **$204.20/month**

Actual payments depend on adjusted family net income.

**TAXABLE?** No.

**PAY IT BACK?** Normally no. An overpayment may have to be repaid.

**WHEN WOULD I APPLY?**
An adult under 65 who has DTC approval should check their eligibility even if they already receive another disability benefit.

**Phone:** 1-833-486-3007

**Website:**
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit.html

---

# PAGE 8 — AISH

# # Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped

**WHO?**
Eligible Albertans age 18 or older whose medical condition is likely to remain permanent and is a major factor limiting their ability to earn a living.

Income and assets are also considered.

**WHAT CAN IT PROVIDE?**

• Monthly living allowance
• Health benefits
• Child benefit where applicable
• Certain additional personal benefits

**HOW MUCH?**
AISH rates can change. Check the current AISH rate when applying because income, household circumstances and other benefits can affect what a person receives.

**TAXABLE?**
AISH benefits are generally not taxable income.

**PAY IT BACK?**
AISH is not a loan. However, **overpayments can be collected**.

You must report changes that can affect eligibility or payment amounts.

**WHEN WOULD I APPLY?**
When a long-term or permanent disability substantially limits a person's ability to earn a living.

**Alberta Supports:** 1-877-644-9992

**Website:**
https://www.alberta.ca/aish

**Apply:**
https://www.alberta.ca/aish-how-to-apply

---

# PAGE 9 — DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SUPPORT

# # PDD — Persons with Developmental Disabilities

**WHO?**
Eligible Alberta adults with a developmental disability.

**WHAT DOES IT HELP WITH?**

PDD may fund or arrange supports that help an adult:

• Live at home or in the community
• Develop daily-living skills
• Participate in community life
• Access employment-related supports
• Receive assistance based on assessed needs

**HOW MUCH?**
There is no single monthly amount. Supports are based on the person's assessed needs and service plan.

**IS IT A LOAN?** No.

**WHEN WOULD I USE THIS?**
When an adult with a developmental disability needs ongoing assistance to live as independently as possible.

**Alberta Supports:** 1-877-644-9992

**Website:**
https://www.alberta.ca/persons-with-developmental-disabilities-pdd

**Apply:**
https://www.alberta.ca/pdd-how-to-apply

---

# PAGE 10 — LOW INCOME OR JOB LOSS

# # Alberta Income Support

**WHO?**

You may qualify when you:

• Are looking for work
• Are working but do not earn enough
• Temporarily cannot work
• Need training to obtain employment
• Cannot work because of chronic health problems or other circumstances

Income, household circumstances and assets are considered.

**WHAT DOES IT HELP WITH?**

• Food
• Shelter
• Clothing
• Utilities
• Basic living costs
• Certain employment services
• Other approved needs

**HOW MUCH?**
There is no one amount for everyone. Rates depend on household composition, living arrangement, income and circumstances.

**TAXABLE?**
Social assistance itself is generally not taxed like employment earnings, although it can appear on a tax information slip and may affect calculations for some income-tested programs.

**PAY IT BACK?**
Regular properly paid benefits are not a loan. Overpayments may have to be repaid.

**Alberta Supports:** 1-877-644-9992

**Website:**
https://www.alberta.ca/income-support

# # # Emergency Help — 24/7

**1-866-644-5135**

---

# PAGE 11 — EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

# # EI

**WHO?**
Workers who meet EI requirements and experience an eligible interruption or reduction in employment.

Different EI benefits include:

• Regular unemployment benefits
• Sickness benefits
• Maternity benefits
• Parental benefits
• Family caregiver benefits
• Compassionate care benefits

**HOW MUCH?**
Payments depend on the person's insurable earnings, benefit type and individual circumstances.

**TAXABLE?** **YES.**

Income tax is deducted from EI payments.

**PAY IT BACK?**
Normally not simply because you received EI legitimately. Overpayments must be repaid, and certain higher-income recipients may be subject to EI repayment rules.

**WHEN WOULD I LOOK INTO EI?**
Job loss, illness, pregnancy/new baby, or temporarily leaving work to care for a seriously ill or injured family member.

**Service Canada EI:**
1-800-206-7218

**Website:**
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

---

# PAGE 12 — SENIORS

# # CPP, OAS & GIS

# # # CPP — Canada Pension Plan

Retirement income based mainly on a person's contributions to CPP during their working years.

**Taxable?** Yes.

# # # OAS — Old Age Security

Federal pension generally available beginning at age 65 for people who meet Canadian residency requirements.

**Taxable?** Yes.

Higher-income seniors can be subject to the OAS recovery tax.

# # # GIS — Guaranteed Income Supplement

Additional assistance for eligible low-income seniors receiving OAS.

**Taxable?** No.

The amount depends on income and marital status.

**PAY IT BACK?**
These are not ordinary loans. Overpayments can be recovered. OAS can also be subject to its recovery tax at higher incomes.

**Service Canada — CPP/OAS/GIS:**
1-800-277-9914

**Website:**
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions.html

---

# PAGE 13 — ALBERTA SENIORS

# # Alberta Seniors Benefit

**WHO?**
Eligible lower-income Alberta seniors age 65+ who meet residency and OAS requirements.

**WHAT IS IT?**
Financial assistance to help eligible seniors with living expenses.

**HOW MUCH?**
The amount depends on:

• Income
• Marital/partner status
• Living arrangement
• Eligibility for OAS

Use Alberta's Seniors Benefit Estimator or contact Alberta Supports for the current amount.

**TAXABLE?**
Generally not taxable.

**PAY IT BACK?**
It is not a loan. Overpayments or payments made after an eligibility change may be recovered.

**Alberta Supports:**
1-877-644-9992

**Website:**
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-seniors-benefit

---

# PAGE 14 — EXTRA EXPENSES FOR SENIORS

# # Special Needs Assistance for Seniors

**WHO?**
Eligible Alberta seniors with lower income who have qualifying extraordinary expenses.

**WHAT CAN IT HELP WITH?**
Approved health, personal and household-related needs depending on program rules.

**HOW MUCH?**
Assistance depends on the expense, income, eligibility and program maximums.

This is **not automatically a monthly payment.**

**WHEN WOULD I LOOK INTO IT?**
When an eligible senior suddenly has an important expense they cannot reasonably manage on their income.

**PAY IT BACK?**
Approved assistance is not normally a loan. Incorrect or ineligible payments may be recovered.

**Alberta Supports:**
1-877-644-9992

**Website:**
https://www.alberta.ca/seniors-special-needs-assistance

---

# PAGE 15 — CHILD CARE COSTS

# # Alberta Child Care Subsidy

**WHO?**
Eligible families with children in full-time kindergarten through Grade 6 using qualifying licensed child care.

**WHAT DOES IT DO?**
Helps reduce eligible child-care costs.

**HOW MUCH?**
The subsidy varies depending on:

• Family income
• Type of child-care program
• Child's age/school situation
• Number of hours in care

**TAXABLE?**
It is assistance toward child-care costs rather than ordinary employment income.

**PAY IT BACK?**
Normally no when correctly received. Incorrect subsidy payments can be reassessed.

**Child Care Subsidy / Alberta Supports:**
1-877-644-9992

**Childcare Connect:**
1-844-644-5165

**Website:**
https://www.alberta.ca/child-care-subsidy-program

---

# PAGE 16 — RENT & HOUSING HELP

# # Alberta Rent Assistance

**WHO?**
Lower-income Albertans who meet program requirements and need help making rent affordable.

Programs differ depending on location, household income and circumstances.

**WHAT DOES IT HELP WITH?**
Rent costs.

**HOW MUCH?**
There is no one Alberta-wide amount. Assistance is calculated using household size, income, location and the particular housing program.

**WHERE DO I APPLY?**
Use Alberta's Find Housing tool to identify the housing provider serving your area.

**PAY IT BACK?**
Rent assistance is generally a benefit rather than a loan. Eligibility must continue to be maintained.

**Alberta Supports:**
1-877-644-9992

**Website:**
https://www.alberta.ca/rent-assistance

---

# PAGE 17 — THE MONEY QUESTIONS

# # Will This Affect My Taxes?

This is one of the most important questions to ask before accepting or planning around a benefit.

# # # NON-TAXABLE

The money itself generally does not increase taxable income.

Examples include:

• Canada Child Benefit
• Child Disability Benefit
• Canada Disability Benefit
• Guaranteed Income Supplement

# # # TAXABLE

The benefit is included in taxable income.

Examples include:

• Employment Insurance
• CPP
• CPP Disability
• Old Age Security

# # # INCOME-TESTED

This is different from being taxable.

A program may be completely **tax-free but still use your family income to decide how much you receive.**

# # # DO I HAVE TO PAY BENEFITS BACK?

Usually, properly received benefits are **not loans**.

But repayment can happen when:

• You were overpaid
• Income information changed
• Marital status changed
• Custody changed
• Someone moved in or out
• Eligibility ended
• Income was not reported correctly
• The government received new information after payment

# # # BEST RULE

**Never assume that “non-taxable” means it cannot affect another program.**

When receiving more than one benefit, ask:

**“Will receiving this benefit affect any of my other provincial or federal benefits?”**

Keep copies of applications, approval letters, receipts and notices.

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# PAGE 18 — LIFE HAPPENS

# # When Should I Start Looking for Help?

Don't wait until everything has fallen apart.

Look into available resources when:

• A baby is born
• You become a single parent
• Custody changes
• A child receives a diagnosis
• A family member develops a disability
• You become a caregiver
• Someone loses their job
• Work hours are reduced
• Illness prevents someone from working
• A family member is hospitalized
• Someone turns 18 and children's disability services are ending
• Someone approaches age 65
• Rent becomes difficult to afford
• An unexpected essential expense occurs
• A spouse or partner dies
• A household separates
• An older adult is struggling to remain independent

**You do not need to know the name of the program before asking for help.**

# # # Alberta Supports

**1-877-644-9992**
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-supports

# # # Service Canada

**1-800-O-CANADA**
**1-800-622-6232**
https://www.canada.ca

# # # Canada Revenue Agency — Individual Tax Questions

**1-800-959-8281**
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html

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# IMPORTANT RESOURCE NOTICE

**Helping Hands Home Assist provides this resource guide for general community information.**

HHHA does not determine eligibility, approve government funding or provide legal, accounting or tax advice.

Program amounts, income limits, eligibility requirements and tax rules can change.

Always confirm current information directly with the Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, Canada Revenue Agency or the organization administering the program before making financial decisions.

**Resource information reviewed: 2026**

Helping you find and apply for family and social supports.