If you are retiring in 2020, what do you need to sign up for? We all seem to know that applying for our Canada Pension and Old Age Security is required. These two pension plans are recognized and that one should apply 10 – 11 months ahead of our 65th birthday. However, what many tend to forget about is the Seniors Financial Assistance (SFA) application for the province of Alberta.
This should be applied for within six months of one’s 65th birthday. Depending on one’s income for the previous year’s income tax, the SFA provides a Seniors Benefit (monthly income), Special Needs Assistance, Dental/Optical support and if living in one’s own home the opportunity to apply for 2 loan programs (with simple interest) for Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) and the Property Tax Deferral Program to enable one to stay in their own home for a longer time period.
How to apply for Seniors Financial Assistance
Step 1: Read the information booklet “https://open.alberta.ca/publications/6758057” \t “_blank” Seniors Financial Assistance information booklet
Step 2: Complete the application package
“https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/sh-sfa-application-form.pdf” \t “_blank” Seniors Financial Assistance application form (PDF, 887 KB)
Optional income forms are available to help you complete your application: “https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/sh-asb-income-estimate-form.pdf” \t “_blank” Income estimate form (PDF, 120 KB) – the use of this form is limited to the Alberta Seniors Benefit program. Complete the form if you have experienced a decrease in income compared to your most recent tax return and are applying to the program for the first time or have previously applied but have never received benefits. For more information, see How Your Benefit is Determined – First Time Exception section above). “https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/sh-asb-income-information-form.pdf” \t “_blank” Income information form (PDF, 175 KB) – complete this form if you have not filed your income tax return for the previous calendar year.
Optional forms are available to help you complete “https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/sh-asb-direct-deposit-form.pdf” \t “_blank” Direct deposit request (PDF, 94 KB)
“https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/sh-asb-certificate-incapability.pdf” \t “_blank” Undertaking to Administer Benefits and Certificate of Incapability (PDF, 125 KB)
“https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/sh-asb-authorization-representative.pdf” \t “_blank” Authorization of Representative (PDF, 200 KB)
Step 3: Include supporting documents with your application
Date of birth validation must be submitted for you and your spouse/partner (if applicable). Attach a photocopy of one of the following documents:
• Canadian birth or baptismal certificate
• Canada Entry Documents
• Canadian Citizenship Document
• Permanent Resident Card
• Passport
You are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit. Attach a pre-printed cheque from your bank/financial institution with your: name, current address, bank account number.
Make sure to write “VOID” across the cheque or You may also complete a “https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/sh-asb-direct-deposit-form.pdf” \t “_blank” direct deposit form (PDF, 94 KB)
Step 4: Apply
Use one of the following options to send your completed application and supporting documents:
Online: “https://seniors-housing.alberta.ca/submit-documents/” \t “_blank” Submit documents online
• Fax: to 780-422-5954
• Mail to: Alberta Seniors and Housing, Seniors Financial Assistance, PO Box 3100, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4W3
If you need help completing an application, visit an “https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-supports.aspx” Alberta Supports Centre.
After you apply
Alberta Seniors and Housing will send you a letter explaining your benefit eligibility once your application is reviewed.
Update your information
Keeping your information up-to-date helps ensure that you receive your benefits.
If any of the following information changes, contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at “tel:+18776449992” 1-877-644-9992 (please have your Personal Health Care card available when calling):
• you move to a new address
• your marital status changes
• your annual income changes
• your eligibility for the Government of Canada Old Age Security pension changes
When you notify the department in writing please ensure your full name (please print), address, telephone number and Personal Health Care number are clearly marked on your document. [Source: “https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-seniors-benefit.aspx#sa-benefit” https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-seniors-benefit.aspx#sa-benefit ]
This is such an important application to make before one turns 65, so that your support will come to you the month after your 65th birthday. Processing takes time, so one does not wish to put it in too late or retirement may not be an option as early as one wishes – if counting on this support.
Seniors Outreach is pleased to assist you with the application process or at least be a sounding board/reviewer of your application before you put it in to Alberta Seniors and Housing. Our Staff is available to help – please call for an appointment: 403-443-2555 or in the Carbon/area call 1-888-443-2555 Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
REMINDERS:
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 - Potluck at the CommUnity Drop-In Centre in Three Hills at 12:00 p.m.; Drop-In Centre Meeting at 1:00 p.m.
Community Bus on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week 1:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Three Hills
Upcoming Bus Trips:
• Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Open Rehearsals: Friday, February 14, 2020& Friday, February 28, 2020. Call to book your tickets and place on the bus.
Red Deer Bus Trips are usually the third Wednesday of the month (depending upon numbers booked).
In conjunction with the Delburne FCSS, a bus trip on Saturday, February 29, 2020. “The PRICE IS RIGHT” at the Grey Eagle Casino, Calgary. Call Seniors Outreach to book your spot/pay for your ticket (and luncheon buffet) before the trip. The earlier the booking, the better the seating. Limited seats are available. Call Early!
