***THIS PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED***
Updated 6 April 2020
But wait, there's more...
The Alberta government is now reviewing failed, glitchy and unsuccessful applications to reevaluate them, and thousands more Albertans are said to be potentially receiving acceptance, and funds, even past the program closure deadline.
Alberta Emergency Isolation Fund
Alberta is now making immediate payments of $1,146 to eligible individuals by Interac e-transfer within 24-48 hours. Workers, including self-employed, are eligible if they are experiencing a total or significant loss of income, and meet the other criteria.
The criteria are very specific. Mainly, you must be directed to self-isolate, or be the sole caregiver of someone in isolation and have no other source of pay or compensation. The online application starts with a series of automated questions to answer and it will tell you whether you qualify.
Go directly now to see if you qualify:
Summary follows.
Will you qualify?
To be eligible, you must reside in Alberta and have been working immediately before you were advised to self-isolate.
The key is that your loss of income must be due to:
being diagnosed with COVID-19
been directed by health authorities to self-isolate within the last 14 days
being the sole caregiver of a dependent who is in self-isolation due to COVID-19.
The questionnaire to begin the application covers those who were told by Health Link (811) to self-isolate AND those who use the online COVID screening tool for self-assessment on the AHS website which tells them to self-isolate.
If in doubt, take the self-assessment tool:
You will not qualify if:
your loss of income is not a result of self-isolation (e.g. your workplace closed)
you can work from home
you currently receive other forms of income support or employer benefits while self-isolated, such as workplace sick leave benefits or federal employment insurance (EI) benefits
you are at home caring for a dependent who is home for a reason other than self-isolation
How to apply online
To apply online you need:
a personal email
a MyAlberta Digital ID – (if you do not have this, you can get it when you apply using your driver’s licence or Alberta ID card)
a bank account at a bank that offers Interac e-transfers
a valid Alberta driver’s licence or identification card
the start date of your self-isolation or when you started to take care of a loved one due to COVID-19, and
your Alberta Personal Health Number
Start here: :
Phone line
Unfortunately, the number posted on the province’s website to get phone help with your application does not work. We will wait until we have a correct number before posting it.
Spread the word!
Share this program widely on social media, and help get these funds into the hands of all who qualify. We understand this program will be open only until the end of March.
Please consider your neighbours. Do you know anyone who qualifies for this? Let them know! Perhaps you can help them apply, especially if you have more Internet skills.
Just another way to “Stay In – Help Out!”
In the coming days, we will be posting information on some bill payments that can be deferred, and the federal benefits announced March 25th.
