Child Support Services

Child support payments make a big difference to families with low-incomes. Through Child Support Services, Alberta Works helps single parents and parents of blended families get the legal agreements or court orders they need to obtain child support.

Income Support, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Alberta Adult Health Benefit (AAHB) Recipients

Cooperation with Child Support Services is mandatory for some AISH clients and all single parents or parents of blended families who are receiving Income Support or the Alberta Adult Health Benefit.

Once Child Support Services receives a referral, the worker gathers information from the applicant and the other parent if possible. If necessary, the worker assists with establishing paternity and in locating the other parent. The worker then attempts to negotiate an agreement with the other parent to provide child support or proceeds to court to obtain an order.

Agreements and applications for orders are prepared in accordance with established government child support guidelines. Workers also register applicable agreements and orders with the Maintenance Enforcement Program which enforces, collects and disburses support payments.

Child Support Services can continue to help a parent obtain child support after financial/health benefits stop.

Other Low-Income Albertans

When provision of Child Support Services to other Albertans with low-incomes will not reduce or delay services to applicants receiving Income Support, AISH or AAHB, Child Support Services may also be provided to other Albertans with low-incomes. In these situations, services may be provided when there is no existing support order, there is a potential for support payments, and when the applicant meets the income eligibility criteria. Income eligibility is based on the gross income from all sources within the household unit and varies according to the number of persons in the family as shown in the following table:

Family Unit	Maximum Gross  Yearly Income
2 Persons	$14,600
3 Persons	$18,300
4 Persons	$20,400
5 Persons	$23,100
6 Persons	$25,200
7 Persons	$27,300