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$50M FUND

Applications open for Albertans needing emergency isolation support

Mar 25, 2020 | 9:20 AM

Applications are now open after the provincial government recently announced $50 million in financial support for self-isolating Albertans with no other source of income.

Working Alberta adults who have experienced total or significant loss of income as a result of having to self-isolate or care for a dependent who is self-isolating can apply for emergency isolation support payments if:

• They have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

• They are caring for a dependent who is self-isolating.

• They have otherwise been directed by health authorities to self-isolate.

• They are not receiving compensation from any other source.

The application, along with full eligibility criteria, is available at alberta.ca.

“Once their eligibility has been confirmed, Albertans will be asked to create a verified MyAlberta Digital ID, which is required to complete the application,” the province says in a release.

“As part of the verification process, information from the applicant’s Alberta driver’s licence or ID card is used to confirm their identity by matching the information on the card to the government’s motor vehicles database. Once their identity is confirmed, Albertans can complete the emergency isolation support application.”

Qualifying applicants will receive a one-time payment of $1,146 through Interac e-Transfer.

Albertans who require assistance with the application can call the Service Alberta Contact Centre at 310-4455 between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Starting in April, the federal government will expand Employment Insurance benefits to provide ongoing support to Canadians who are losing income as a result of self-isolation for COVID-19. The payment from the Government of Alberta is meant to provide emergency funds until financial supports from the Government of Canada are available.