Guide to Services for Lower-Income Albertans Emergency Phone Numbers After-hours emergency shelter, food or medical needs If you need emergency help after normal business hours, the Alberta Works Contact Centre can help. You can get information and help with essential food, shelter, transportation or medical needs, when you cannot wait until the next working day. You will be given enough help to meet your needs until offices are open again. In Edmonton: (780) 644-5135 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-866-644-5135 After-hours children's services 24-hour Child Protection Line in Calgary: (403) 297-2995 Child Protection Line in Edmonton: daytime (780) 422-2001 evenings (780) 427-3390 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline, Toll-free across Alberta: Kids Help Phone (support to young people 24-hours a day, 365 days a year): 1-800-668-6868 To Find a food bank in your area In Edmonton: (780) 488-9719 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-866-251-2326 Page 0 - Emergency Phone Numbers - www.gov.ab.ca Welcome The Government of Alberta has many programs to help lower-income Albertans. This guide can help you find out what's available. Programs are listed in seven groups: Work and Work Skills, Financial, Housing, Legal Assistance, Health Expenses, Families with Children, and People with Disabilities. For each program, you will find an outline of what it does and where to go for information. At the side of the page you will also find a list of other programs that may help you. At the end of the guide you will find information on how to get documents you may need to apply for help, a list of useful phone numbers and key services. Some programs listed in this guide are for everyone. Some programs are for people with an income below a set level or for people in certain situations. To find out if you can get help from a program, contact that program in one of the ways shown. If you can't find the program you are looking for, contact Service Alberta: Call 310-0000 toll-free across Alberta. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and have a TTY, call 1-800-232-7215 toll-free across Alberta or (780) 427-9999 in Edmonton. Go to the website at www.gov.ab.ca . Page 1 - 310-0000 toll-free - Welcome Welcome continued This guide is up-to-date as of March 2005. Programs may change. If a phone number or website address does not work, contact Service Alberta for help. To get more copies of the Guide to Services for Lower-Income Albertans, phone 1-866-644-5135 (toll free) or (780) 644-5135 in Edmonton, E-Mail: iscc@gov.ab.ca The guide is also online at www.gov.ab.ca/servicealberta/LowerIncomeGuide . Did you know that the federal government has an online benefit finder? Visit www.canadabenefits.gc.ca . Free Internet services are available at your local library, Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre. To find a centre near you, look in your phone book or call the Career Information Hotline at (780) 422-4266 in Edmonton or 1-800-661-3753 across Alberta. Page 2 - Welcome - www.gov.ab.ca Table of Contents Work and Work Skills ................................4 Looking for Work.....................................4 Help with Training Costs ........................... 6 Financial .......................................... 8 Help to Meet Basic Needs............................ 8 Help with Utility Costs ............................10 Benefits for Seniors................................11 Loans and Grants for Post-Secondary Students............................ 12 Income Tax Credits for Families.................... 15 Help Managing Your Debts .......................... 16 Housing ............................................18 Low-Cost Housing................................... 18 Renters’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities ....................... 19 Homeless Shelters.................................. 20 Women’s Shelters .................................. 22 Legal Assistance ...................................25 Health Expenses ................................... 27 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Premiums...................................... 27 Dental Care, Eyeglasses and Basic Health Services for Children....................... 28 Drug Coverage for Seniors.......................... 29 Medical Supply and Equipment Costs................. 30 Help for Diabetics................................. 32 Families with Children .............................33 Finding Child Care ................................ 33 Help with the Costs of Child Care.................. 34 Support to Care for Someone Else’s Child ...................................... 36 Paying a Child’s School Fees ...................... 37 Collecting Child Support .......................... 38 People with Disabilities ...........................39 Financial Help for Severely Disabled Adults........................... 39 Supports for Employment ........................... 41 Help for People with Developmental Disabilities ........................ 43 Supports for People with Brain Injuries ............................... 44 Children with Disabilities......................... 45 Changes to Your Home .............................. 48 Finding the Documents You Need .....................49 Birth Certificate Personal Health Number Social Insurance Number Alberta Student Number Notice of Assessment (income tax information) Useful Phone Numbers ...............................52 Key Services .......................................56 Feedback ...........................................57 Page 3 - 310-0000 toll-free - Table of Contents Looking for Work If you are looking for work, you can find out about job openings by phone and online. Call Canada-Alberta JOBS toll-free at 1-800-727-2925 or (780) 917-4899 in Edmonton or go to the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/employment/main.asp . ALIS also has tips, videos and many free publications that can help you with your job search. You can learn about different types of jobs and how much they pay, how to look for work on the Internet and how to prepare for a job interview. Go to www.alis.gov.ab.ca . Alberta Works Employment and Training Services has people and information to help you plan a career, explore training options and look for a job. You can also learn what jobs are in demand and what skills you need for those jobs. For more information, contact Alberta Human Resources and Employment: Call the Career Information Hotline: In Edmonton: (780) 422-4266. Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-661-3753. Deaf and hard of hearing: (780) 422-5283 in Edmonton. 1-800-232-7215 toll-free for message relay service. Page 4 - Work and Work Skills - www.gov.ab.ca Looking for Work continued Visit an Alberta Service Centre, Canada-Alberta Service Centre or Youth Connections Office. Call the Career Information Hotline or go to www.gov.ab.ca/hre/ets/contact/index.asp for a Service Centre or www.gov.ab.ca/hre/youth connections/ycoffices for a Youth Connections Office near you. Go to the Alberta Human Resources and Employment website at www.gov.ab.ca/hre/ets or the ALIS website at www.alis.gov.ab.ca . Get a copy of the Job Seeker's Handbook, Job Smart: Tips for staying employed and other free resources at an Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre. Or order copies at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/careershop or by calling the Learning Resources Centre at (780) 427-5775 in Edmonton or 310-0000 then (780) 427-5775 across Alberta. Page 5 - Work and Work Skills - 310-0000 toll-free Help with Training Costs Are you having trouble finding or keeping a job because you don't have the education, training or skills wanted by employers? Alberta Works Employment and Training Services can help you get academic upgrading, take English as a Second Language courses or get the job skills needed to find and keep a job. You may be able to get help to study full- or part-time. If you qualify, Alberta Works covers the cost of your tuition, books and supplies. While studying full-time in an approved program, you may also get Income Support to cover basic costs of living and health coverage for you and your family. You must: - have a need for academic upgrading or training to find and keep a job, - show financial need, and - be in an approved program and make passing grades. You also may get training and financial help if you are an apprentice or are on, or can go on, Employment Insurance. See also: Help to Meet Basic Needs, page 8 Loans and Grants for Post-Secondary Students, page 12 Supports for Employment, page 41 Page 6 - Work and Work Skills - www.gov.ab.ca Help with Training Costs continued For more information: Visit the school in your community where you would like to take training or an Alberta Service Centre, Canada-Alberta Service Centre or Youth Connections Office. Call the Career Information Hotline at (780) 422-4266 in Edmonton or 1-800-661-3753 toll-free across Alberta or go to www.gov.ab.ca/ hre/ets/contact/index.asp for a Service Centre or www.gov.ab.ca/hre/youthconnections/ycoffices for a Youth Connections Office near you. Go to the Alberta Human Resources and Employment website at www.gov.ab.ca/hre/albertaworks or the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website at www.alis.gov.ab.ca . Get a copy of Training for Work, the Education and Training Planner and other free resources at an Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre. Or order copies at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/careershop or by calling the Learning Resources Centre at (780) 427-5775 in Edmonton or 310-0000 then (780) 427-5775 toll-free across Alberta. Did you know that there is a magazine to help women get ready to enter the world of work for the first time or after some stops and starts? Get copies of Woman Today at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/careershop or by calling the Learning Resources Centre at (780) 427-5775 in Edmonton or 310-0000 then (780) 427-5775 toll-free across Alberta. Page 7 - Work and Work Skills - 310-0000 toll-free Help to Meet Basic Needs If you need help to meet your basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter, you may be able to get financial help and health benefits through Alberta Works. You will receive Income Support only if you have no other way of providing for yourself and your family. You may qualify for Income Support if you: - have difficulty working because of chronic mental or physical health problems, - are not able to work in the short term because of temporary illness or family care responsibilities, - are looking for work or working and need short-term help, or - need academic upgrading or training to get a job. The amount of money you get depends on your situation, including the number of children in your family, how soon you can return to work and any special needs you may have. Health benefits include coverage for the cost of prescrip- tion drugs, eyeglasses, dental work, emergency ambulance services and essential diabetic supplies. In some cases, people who leave Income Support can continue to get health benefits through the Alberta Adult Health Benefit. If you have First Nations or Inuit status, you may be eligible to get health benefits from the Government of Canada. You can obtain more information online at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnihb/nihb/ or by calling the See also: Looking for Work, page 4 Help with Training Costs, page 6 Benefits for Seniors, page 11 Financial Help for Severely Disabled Adults, page 39 Page 8 - Financial - www.gov.ab.ca Help to Meet Basic Needs continued Non-Insured Health Benefits program at (780) 495-2694 in Edmonton or 1-800-232-7301 toll-free. If you are a single parent or in a blended family and are getting Income Support or the Alberta Adult Health Benefit, Child Support Services can help you arrange child support with the other parent or get court orders for Maintenance Enforcement Program (see page 38). You must apply for Income Support in person at an Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre. For more information, contact Alberta Human Resources and Employment: Call the Alberta Works Contact Centre: In Edmonton: (780) 644-5135. Toll-free across Alberta: 1-866-644-5135. Visit an Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre. Call 310-0000 toll-free or go to www.gov.ab.ca/hre/ets/contact/index.asp for a location near you. Go to www.gov.ab.ca/hre/albertaworks . Did you know that Credit Counselling Services of Alberta has a free guide to budgeting called Stretch Your Dollars: Budgeting basics? You can get a copy online at www.creditcounselling.com . Or order a copy at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/careershop or by calling the Learning Resources Centre at (780) 427-5775 in Edmonton or 310-0000 then (780) 427-5775 toll-free across Alberta. See also: Low-Cost Housing, page 18 Dental Care, Eyeglasses and Basic Health Services for Children, page 28 Help with the Costs of Child Care, page 34 Collecting Child Support, page 38 Loans and Grants for Post-Secondary Students, page 12 Looking for Work, page 4 Help with Training Costs, page 6 Benefits for Seniors, page 11 Financial Help for Severely Disabled Adults, page 39 Page 9 - Financial - 310-0000 toll-free Help with Utility Costs If you have received a disconnection notice from your gas or power company and are not able to pay your overdue utility bill, Alberta Human Resources and Employment may provide emergency help. You must: - have received a disconnection notice, and have no other way of paying your bill and no arrange- ments can be made with the utility company, and - not be able to get help from any other program. You will be asked to provide full information on your finances. For more information: - If you are not getting Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) or Alberta Works Income Support benefits, you must apply for the help in person at an Alberta Service Centre or Canada- Alberta Service Centre. For the address of the office closest to you, call the Alberta Works Contact Centre: In Edmonton: (780) 644-5135. Toll-free across Alberta: 1-866-644-5135. - If you are getting AISH or Alberta Works Income Support benefits, contact your worker. See also: Help to Meet Basic Needs, page 8 Benefits for Seniors, page 11 Page 10 - Financial - www.gov.ab.ca Benefits for Seniors If you are a senior, you may get help from income-based programs provided by Alberta Seniors and Community Supports. The programs may give you: - cash benefits, and/or - exemption from health insurance premiums, and/or - help with one-time extraordinary expenses such as medical, optical and dental expenses, and essential minor home repairs. Along with these programs, housing services are also available through Alberta Seniors and Community Supports. For more information, contact Alberta Seniors and Community Supports: Call the Seniors Information Line: In Edmonton: (780) 427-7876. Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-642-3853. Go to www.seniors.gov.ab.ca . Call the Seniors Information Line to get a copy of the Seniors Programs and Services Information Guide. See also: Drug Coverage for Seniors, page 29 Page 11 - 310-0000 toll-free - Financial Loans and Grants for Post-Secondary Students If you need financial help to attend a post-secondary institution, the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada both provide student loans and grants. Loans Both the federal and provincial governments sponsor loans to qualifying students. This is an extra source of funding for many students on top of student savings and expected parental contributions. You don't have to make any payments on student loans while you're in school, but they do have to be repaid when you finish. Loans are awarded based on several criteria, including financial need. The Alberta Student Loan Relief Program offers two separate benefits at two points in your studies that are awarded automatically. To be eligible, you must have had more than $5,000 in an academic year (or $2,500 in a semester) in Alberta Student Loans or combined Alberta and Canada Student Loans. The program does not repay federal government student loans. Grants Both the federal and provincial governments give grants and bursaries in addition to loans. Grants keep your student loans from becoming unmanageable and they usually don't have to be repaid. However, you may be required to repay grants if you withdraw from or do not complete your studies. Page 12 - Financial - www.gov.ab.ca Loans and Grants for Post-Secondary Students continued Here is a list of some grants: - Alberta Opportunities Bursaries for first or second year students. - Maintenance Grants for students with special circumstances, such as single parents. Canada Study Grants for students with special circum- stances, such as students with permanent disabilities or dependants. Part-Time Study If you cannot study full-time, you may still be able to get help through part-time loans, grants and bursaries. Rules for each grant may be different, but you must apply at least six to eight weeks before the start of your course(s), show financial need, use the funding to meet allowed costs and pass your course(s). Scholarships and Bursaries Scholarships are usually awarded for good grades or in recognition of other achievements. Bursaries are usually awarded based on financial need although your accomplish- ments may be considered. They do not have to be repaid. Scholarships up to $1,600 do not affect the amount of your student loan. Apply for as many scholarships and bursaries as you can. Go to the financial aid office at your school to find out more. Alberta Works If you have a low income and need training or academic upgrading to get a job, you may be able to get help to study full- or part-time through Alberta Works. See Help with Training Costs, page 6 . Page 13 - Financial - 310-0000 toll-free Loans and Grants for Post-Secondary Students continued For more information: Call the Student Funding Contact Centre: In Edmonton: (780) 427-3722. Toll-free across Canada: 1-800-222-6485. Student funding advisors are available 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. Go to http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/hotline/hote- ques.asp and contact the Student Funding Contact Centre using the secure e-Contact e-mail service. Visit any Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre. Call (780) 422-4266 in Edmonton or 1-800-661-3753 toll-free across Alberta, or go to www.gov.ab.ca/hre/ets/contact/index.asp to find a location near you. Or visit http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/learning/main.asp Write: Student's Finance Box 2800 Station Main Edmonton, AB T5J 4R4 Get a copy of Money 101: Budgeting basics for further education and other free resources at an Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre. Or order a copy at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/ careershop or by calling the Learning Resources Centre at (780) 427-5775 in Edmonton or 310-0000 then (780) 427-5775 toll-free across Alberta. See also: Looking for Work, page 4 Help with Training Costs, page 6 Page 14 - Financial - www.gov.ab.ca Income Tax Credits for Families If you are a lower-income family with children under age 18, and one or both parents work, you may be able to get the Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit. The tax credit gives your family a payment twice a year, in July and January, depending on your income. You do not need to apply. The information you provide for the Canada Child Tax Benefit and on your and your spouse's income tax return is used to decide if you are able to get the credit. For more information, contact Alberta Finance: Call 1-800-959-2809 toll-free. Go to www.finance.gov.ab.ca/business/tax_rebates then select Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit from the right-hand menu. Did you know that even if you have no income, or don't earn enough to pay taxes, filing a return could help you? Some program benefits are provided automatically based on your return. Other programs require a Notice of Assessment before you can get benefits. So, file a return every year! If you need help to file a return call the Canada Revenue Agency toll-free at 1-800-959-8281. Page 15 - Financial - 310-0000 toll-free Help Managing Your Debts If you are in debt and are having trouble paying it down, Credit Counselling Services of Alberta can help. Credit Counselling Services of Alberta provides: - a free telephone information line - free workshops on debt management - information on credit and debt issues - a repayment plan - help finding other agencies and services. For more information, contact Credit Counselling Services of Alberta: Call 1-888-294-0076 toll-free. Write, visit or call: Calgary: Credit Counselling Services of Alberta Suite 225, Sunrise Square 60211th Ave SW Calgary AB T2R 1J8 (403) 265-2201 Edmonton: Credit Counselling Services of Alberta Suite 440, Sun Life Place 1012399 Street Edmonton AB T5J 3H1 (780) 423-5265 Page 16 - Financial - www.gov.ab.ca Help Managing Your Debts continued Go to www.creditcounselling.com . Get a copy of Stretch Your Dollars: Budgeting basics at www.creditcounselling.com . Or order a copy at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/careershop or by calling the Learning Resources Centre at (780) 427-5775 in Edmonton or 310-0000 then (780) 427-5775 toll-free across Alberta. Debt problems can mean calls from bill collectors. Bill collectors must follow the rules when trying to collect consumer debts. The rules include when the collector can call and whom they can call. For more information, contact Alberta Government Services: Call the Consumer Information Centre: In Edmonton: (780) 427-4088. Toll-free across Alberta: 1-877-427-4088. Get a copy of the tipsheet Dealing With Bill Collection Agencies at www.gov.ab.ca/gs/pdf/billcoll.pdf . Did you know that any bank branch that has tellers must cash a Government of Canada cheque for free? Also, in most cases, if you apply in person, a bank must open a personal account for you. Give the bank your name, date of birth, address (if any), occupation (if any), show acceptable identification, and agree to let the bank check your information. For more information, contact the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada at 1-866-461-3222 or online at www.fcac.gc.ca/eng/consumers/rights/ Select Opening a Bank Account from the drop down menu. Page 17 - Financial - 310-0000 toll-free Low-Cost Housing Alberta Seniors and Community Supports funds local housing groups to provide low-cost housing to lower-income families and people with special needs through Family and Special Purpose Housing. For more information, contact Alberta Seniors and Community Supports: Call: In Edmonton: (780) 422-0122. In Calgary: (403) 297-7453. Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then either (780) 422-0122 or (403) 297-7453. Write: Calgary Alberta Seniors and Community Supports Housing Services Division 301, 7015 MacLeod Trail S Calgary AB T2H 2K6 Write: Edmonton Alberta Seniors and Community Supports Housing Services Division P. O. Box 3100 Edmonton AB T5J 4W3 Go to www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/housing/ family_special/social_housing . If you click on Management Bodies Search, you can find housing groups in your area. See also: Benefits for Seniors, page 11 Page 18 - Housing - www.gov.ab.ca Renters' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities If you are renting, both you and your landlord have legal rights and responsibilities. For more information, contact Alberta Government Services: Call the Consumer Information Centre: In Edmonton: (780) 427-4088. Toll-free across Alberta: 1-877-427-4088. Get a copy of the tipsheet Information for Landlords and Tenants at www.gov.ab.ca/gs/pdf/tipsheet/RTATipsheet.pdf . Page 19 - Housing - 310-0000 toll-free Homeless Shelters If you need emergency shelter, contact one of the following agencies. Calgary Calgary Drop In Centre Society Riverfront (main location): 4234 Avenue SE Centre 110: 11011 Avenue SE (403) 266-3600 The Mustard Seed (Calgary) Street Ministry Society 10211 Avenue SE (403) 269-1319 The Salvation Army of Canada Booth Centre: 6317 Avenue SE (403) 262-6188 Centre of Hope: 4209 Avenue SE Men: (403) 410-1184 Women: (403) 410-1126 Young Women's Christian Association of Calgary (YWCA) Mary Dover House: 3205 Avenue SE (403) 294-7343 Edmonton Hope Mission (for women) 9908106 Avenue (780) 422-2018 Herb Jamieson Centre (for men) 10014105 A Avenue (780) 429-3470 Your phone book may also list additional shelters. Look in the community services section. Page 20 - Housing - www.gov.ab.ca Homeless Shelters continued Urban Manor 9524104 Avenue (780) 425-5901 Women's Emergency Accommodation Centre (WEAC) (780) 423-5302 Fort McMurray Fort McMurray Family Crisis Centre Society Unity House (780) 743-4698 Fort McMurray Salvation Army 9919 MacDonald Avenue (780) 743-4135 Lethbridge Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre 8022nd A Avenue N (403) 327-1031 Lethbridge Native Women's Transition Home Society (403) 329-6506 Medicine Hat Medicine Hat Salvation Army Salvation Army Family Support Centre 7378 Street SE (403) 526-9699 Red Deer Central Alberta Housing Society Central Alberta People's Place Homeless Shelter 600254 Avenue (403) 342-4722 Page 21 - Housing - 310-0000 toll-free Women's Shelters Many communities have emergency shelters and transition houses for abused women and their children. If you are in a family violence emergency, call 911 or contact your local police, RCMP or tribal police. Brooks Brooks and District Women's Safe Shelter Society: (403) 793-2232 Calgary Calgary Native Women's Shelter (24 hour): (403) 531-1972 Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter (24 hour): (403) 234-7233 (SAFE); TTY call (403) 262-2768 Community Crisis Centre: 1-877-934-6634 toll-free Discovery House (24 hour): (403) 277-0718 Eagle Women's Shelter: (403) 933-3370 Kerby Centre Elder Abuse (24 hour): (403) 705-3250 YWCA Sheriff King Family Violence Prevention Centre (24 hour): (403) 266-0707 Camrose Brigantia Place: (780) 672-1035 Cold Lake Crisis Centre and Help Line: (780) 594-3353 Edmonton Lurana Shelter (24 hour): (780) 424-5875 WIN House (24 hour): (780) 479-0058 Page 22 - Housing - www.gov.ab.ca Women's Shelters continued Fairview Crossroads Shelter for Women With or Without Children: (780) 835-2120 Fort McMurray Unity House: (780) 743-1190 Grande Cache Transition House: (780) 827-3776 Grande Prairie Odyssey House Women's Shelter: (780) 532-2672 High Level Safe Home: (780) 926-3899 or 1-888-926-0301 toll-free Hinton Yellowhead Emergency Shelter: (780) 865-4359 or 1-800-661-0937 toll-free Lac La Biche Crisis Centre and Help Line: (780) 623-3100 Lethbridge Harbour House Women's Emergency Shelter: (403) 320-1881 Lloydminster Lloydminster Interval Home (Women's Shelter): (780) 875-0966 Medicine Hat Phoenix Safe House: (403) 529-1091 or 1-800-661-7949 toll-free Medicine Hat Women's Shelter: (403) 529-1091 Peace River Peace River Regional Women's Shelter toll-free help line: 1-877-624-3466 Page 23 - Housing - 310-0000 toll-free Women's Shelters continued Pincher Creek Pincher Creek Women's Emergency Shelter Association toll-free: 1-888-354-4868 Red Deer Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter: (403) 346-5643 Rocky Mountain House Mountain Rose Women's Shelter (Crisis Line): (403) 845-4141 Sherwood Park A Safe Place Women's Shelter (24 hour): (780) 464-7233 St. Paul Crisis Centre and Help Line: (780) 645-5195 Taber Taber and District Safe Haven Women's Shelter: (403) 223-0483 Whitecourt Wellspring Family Resource Centre: 1-800-467-4049 toll-free For more information: Look in the community services section of your phone book. Go to the Alberta Children's Services website at www.child.gov.ab.ca/whatwedo/familyviolence and click on Women's Shelters on the left-hand menu. See also: Legal Assistance, page 25 Help to Meet Basic Needs, page 8 Page 24 - www.gov.ab.ca - Housing Legal Assistance Do you have a legal problem, but don't know where to get help or can't pay for a lawyer? There are several services in the community that may help you. The Legal Aid Society of Alberta provides lawyers at reduced cost. The lawyers can help with criminal and some civil and family law problems. The program will look at your income and what you own to see if you can get help from them. For more information, call 310-0000 toll-free across Alberta and ask to be connected to a Legal Aid office near you, or go to www.legalaid.ab.ca . The Lawyer Referral Service can give you the name of a lawyer who will discuss your situation for a minimal fee. If you want the lawyer to represent you, it will cost more. For more information, call 1-800-661-1095 toll-free across Alberta or (403) 228-1722 in Calgary. You may also get legal information and help through Student Legal Services of Edmonton or Student Legal Assistance of Calgary. In Edmonton, call (780) 492- 2226. In Calgary, call (403) 220-6637. Calgary Legal Guidance can provide legal information and assistance. Help is available on a case-by-case basis. For more information, call (403) 234-9266. In Edmonton, contact the Edmonton Centre for Equal Justice at (780) 702-1725 or visit their website at www.ecej.ca . Page 25 - Legal Assistance - 310-0000 toll-free Legal Assistance continued The Dial-A-Law service provides recorded information on 170 topics, in five languages. Call 1-800-332-1091 toll-free across Alberta. In Calgary, call (403) 234-9022. If you are an Aboriginal person, Native Counselling Services of Alberta can give you information about court procedures, your rights and responsibilities and Legal Aid and other help. For more information, call (780) 423-2141 or go to www.ncsa.ca . If you have been charged with a crime, the Alberta Justice website has information on legal resources and court procedures. Go to www.justice.gov.ab.ca/publications, click on 2000, and look for the title You've been charged with a crime: What you need to know. Alberta Justice has a book on family violence, Victims of Family Violence Information and Rights. To get a copy, go to www.justice.gov.ab.ca/publications, click on 2000 and look for the title. There is also a Victim of Sexual Assault: Information Guide at the same website. Click on 1999 and look for the title. Did you know that if you have suffered physical or emotional injury as a direct result of a violent crime you may be eligible for a one-time financial benefit? The amount is based on the severity of your injuries. More infor- mation is available on the Solicitor General's website at www.solgen.gov.ab.ca/victim/default.aspx or by phoning (780) 427-7217. See also: Help Managing Your Debts, page 16 Collecting Child Support, page 38 Page 26 - Legal Assistance - www.gov.ab.ca Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Premiums As of October 1, 2004, all seniors in Alberta are exempt from paying health insurance premiums. If you are under age 65 and have a low income or financial problems, there are two programs that may help you. Under the Premium Subsidy Program, your monthly premiums are lowered. The amount your premium is lowered depends on your taxable family income. Under the Waiver of Premiums Program, you can have your health care insurance premiums eliminated for up to six months if you are in financial trouble. The waiver is based on your average family income for the three months before you apply. For more information, contact Alberta Health and Wellness: Call the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan: In Edmonton: (780) 427-1432. Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 427-1432. Visit: Edmonton: 10025 Jasper Avenue, Telus Plaza North Tower Calgary: Main Floor, 7277 Avenue SW Write: Alberta Health and Wellness P.O. Box 1360 Station Main Edmonton AB T5J 2N3 Go to www.health.gov.ab.ca/ahcip/faq/ assistance.html . You can get forms for the programs by clicking on Forms on the left-hand menu. See also: Benefits for Seniors, page 11 Dental Care, Eyeglasses and Basic Health Services for Children, page 28 Drug Coverage for Seniors, page 29 Medical Supply and Equipment Costs, page 30 Page 27 - Health Expenses - 310-0000 toll-free Dental Care, Eyeglasses and Basic Health Services for Children Under the Alberta Child Health Benefit, children in lower-income families get free health benefits. Coverage includes: - dental care - eyeglasses - prescription drugs - ambulance services emergency trips to the nearest hospital - basic diabetic supplies injection supplies, testing strips, lancets and penlets. Parents must apply to receive the Alberta Child Health Benefit for their children. There is no cost to enrol. This Alberta Works program looks at the number of children in your family and your family's income to decide if your children are eligible. For more information or to get an application form, contact Alberta Human Resources and Employment: Call 1-877-4 MY KIDS (1-877-469-5437). Write: Alberta Child Health Benefit P.O. Box 2222 Edmonton AB T5H 5H3 Go to www.gov.ab.ca/hre/achb . E-mail achb@gov.ab.ca . See also: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Premiums, page 27 Medical Supply and Equipment Costs, page 30 Help with the Costs of Child Care, page 34 Page 28 - Health Expenses - www.gov.ab.ca Drug Coverage for Seniors If you are a senior 65 years of age or older, you may get help with the costs of prescription drugs for you and your dependants under the Coverage for Seniors plan. You must live in Alberta and be registered with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. You must also submit a proof of age to either Alberta Health and Wellness or Alberta Seniors and Community Supports. For more information, contact Alberta Health and Wellness: Call the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan: In Edmonton: (780) 427-1432. Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 427-1432. Visit: Edmonton: 10025 Jasper Avenue, Telus Plaza North Tower Calgary: Main Floor, 7277 Avenue SW Write: Alberta Health and Wellness P.O. Box 1360 Station Main Edmonton AB T5J 2N3 Go to www.health.gov.ab.ca/ahcip/prescription/ seniors.html . See also: Benefit for Seniors, page 11 Medical Supply and Equipment Costs, page 30 Help for Diabetics, page 32 Page 29 - Health Expenses - 310-0000 toll-free Medical Supply and Equipment Costs If you need help to pay for basic medical supplies and equipment in your home or a home-like setting, the Alberta Aids to Daily Living program may help. You must: - have a disability that will last at least six months, have a chronic illness or be terminally ill, - be an Alberta resident, and - have a valid Alberta Personal Health Care number. You must see a health professional in your regional health authority who will decide what equipment and supplies you need. You may have to pay 25 per cent of the costs of the supplies and equipment, up to $500 each benefit year (July 1 to June 30). You do not pay this if you are getting help from Alberta Works Income Support or Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, or if your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan premiums have been lowered through other programs. See also: Help to Meet Basic Needs, page 8 Benefits for Seniors, page 11 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Premiums, page 27 Dental Care, Eyeglasses and Basic Health Services for Children, page 28 Financial Help for Severely Disabled Adults, page 39 Page 30 - Health Expenses - www.gov.ab.ca Medical Supply and Equipment Costs continued For more information: Call your regional health authority. Check your phone book, call Service Alberta or go to www.health.gov.ab.ca/regions/map_lookup.htm to get the phone number. Call Alberta Aids to Daily Living: In Edmonton: (780) 427-0731. Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 427-0731. Write: Alberta Aids to Daily Living 2nd Floor, South Tower, 10030107 Street Edmonton AB T5J 3E4 Did you know that the federal government has an online benefit finder? Visit www.canadabenefits.gc.ca . Free Internet services are available at your local library, Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre. To find a centre near you, look in your phone book or call the Career Information Hotline at (780) 422-4266 in Edmonton or 1-800-661-3753 across Alberta. Page 31 - Health Expenses - 310-0000 toll-free Help for Diabetics If you have diabetes and do not have any private insurance to help you pay for supplies, the Alberta Monitoring for Health Program may be able to help. The program helps with the costs of diabetic supplies including blood glucose strips, needles, syringes, lancets and tubing. You must: - be living in Alberta, - have a low income and be receiving an Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan premium subsidy, - have no private insurance for diabetic supplies, and - manage your diabetes through diet, oral medications or insulin therapy. The amount of help you get depends on how you manage your diabetes. For more information, contact Alberta Monitoring for Health: Call: In Edmonton: (780) 423-2634. Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-267-7532. Write: Alberta Monitoring for Health Program Suite 1020, Royal Bank Building 10117 Jasper Avenue Edmonton AB T5J 1W8 Go to www.diabetes.ca/Section_Regional/ alberta_amfh.asp . A fact sheet and registration form are available on the website. See also: Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Premiums, page 27 Benefits for Seniors, page 11 Page 32 - Health Expenses - www.gov.ab.ca Finding Child Care If you need help in finding child care while you work, look for work or go to school, Alberta Children's Services can help. Alberta Children's Services can give you information on the types of child care located in your community and on support for children with special needs. For more information, contact Alberta Children's Services: Call 310-0000 toll-free and ask to be connected to a Child and Family Services Authority near you. Go to www.child.gov.ab.ca . Click on the Child Care and Day Care Staff Qualifications section on the left-hand side to look up day care centres and family day homes in your area and get information on how to find quality child care. Get copies of the booklets Choosing a Day Care Centre: A Guide for Parents and Choosing a Family Day Home: A Guide for Parents from your Child and Family Services Authority. Did you know that Alberta Children's Services has a brochure with tips for raising young children? Look for Sure Steps online at www.child.gov.ab.ca . Click on Early Childhood Development Sure Steps then on Sure Steps Publications, or call (780) 427-4801 in Edmonton or 310-0000 then (780) 427-4801 toll-free across Alberta. See also: Help with the Costs of Child Care, page 34 Children with Disabilities, page 45 Page 33 - Families with Children - 310-0000 toll-free Help with the Costs of Child Care If you need help to pay for child care, you can apply for a Child Care Subsidy. The Child Care Subsidy application form is available online at www.child.gov.ab.ca . Your child must be under seven years old or not yet in Grade 1. You may also get help if you or your child has a medical, physical, psychological or other special need. The amount of help you get depends on your family income, the number of children you have and how many hours of child care you need each month. Some municipalities may also provide subsidies for out- of-school care for school-age children. Your local Child and Family Services Authority will have information on the municipalities in your area that provide out-of-school care subsidies. If you live in a rural area and do not have access to traditional child care, or you work non-traditional hours, you may be able to get help from the Kin Child Care Funding Program. The program helps with costs when you pay a blood relative, who does not live with you, to care for your child. Your child must be under seven years old or not yet in Grade 1. You must need more than 50 hours of child care while you look for work or go to school or a training program. Page 34 - Families with Children - www.gov.ab.ca Help with the Costs of Child Care continued You may also be able to get help if you or your child has special needs. The amount of help you get is based on your income and the size of your family. Your income tax records and information from your employer are used to decide if you can get help. For more information, contact Alberta Children's Services: Call 310-0000 toll-free and ask to be connected to a Child and Family Services Authority near you. Go to www.child.gov.ab.ca . Click on Child Care Subsidy Application Online. See also: Help wto Meet Basic Needs, page 8 Dental Care, Eyglasses and Basic Health Services for Children, page 28 Finding Child Care, page 33 Page 35 - Families with Children - 310-0000 toll-free Support to Care for Someone Else's Child The Child Financial Support Program (which will be called the Child and Youth Support Program starting in November 2004) provides financial help and medical benefits to help you care for a child that is not yours. You may get help if the child's parents or legal guardians can't provide care themselves. The amount of financial help you get depends on how old the child is and what money the child gets from other sources. You may also get help with the costs of dental care, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, ambulance services or diabetic supplies for the child. These are provided through the Alberta Child Health Benefit. For more information, contact Alberta Children's Services: Call 310-0000 toll-free and ask to be connected to a Child and Family Services Authority near you. Go to www.child.gov.ab.ca . Click on Child Financial Support Program (after November 1, 2004, the Child and Youth Support Program) on the left-hand menu. See also: Dental Care, Eyglasses and Basic Health Services for Children, page 28 Page 36 - Families with Children - www.gov.ab.ca Paying a Child's School Fees If you have a child going to a public or separate school and can't pay school fees, you may be able to have these fees lowered or eliminated, or have a payment schedule set up. In cases of financial hardship, schools have the authority to waive these fees. Ask about your school board's policy at your child's school. Talk to the school principal about the help you may be able to get. The School Act allows school boards to collect fees for some items including instructional supplies and materials, alternative programs, copies of student records, early childhood services and transportation fees. Fees may also be charged for supplies and materials such as locker rentals, pens, pencils, and exercise books, provided for the student's personal use. For more information, contact Alberta Education: Call: In Edmonton: (780) 427-7219. Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 427-7219. To find your school board, go to www.education.gov.ab.ca/ei/maps . Page 37 - Families with Children - 310-0000 toll-free Collecting Child Support The Maintenance Enforcement Program can help you collect money owed to you under child support or spousal maintenance court orders. There is no guarantee everything you are owed will be collected, but every possible effort will be made. In most cases, the program collects the support you are owed and then pays it to you. The program can only help with the court orders you already have. It cannot change any orders--only the courts can do that. It also cannot give you legal advice or represent you in any legal matter. For more information, contact Alberta Justice: Call the MEP Info Line: In Edmonton: (780) 422-5555. Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 422-5555. You can get recorded information anytime. People can take your calls from 8 to 11 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays. Write: Maintenance Enforcement Program 7th Floor, J.E. Brownlee Building 1036597 Street Edmonton AB T5J 3W7 Go to www.justice.gov.ab.ca/mep . See also: Legal Assistance, page 25 Page 38 - Families with Children - www.gov.ab.ca Financial Help for Severely Disabled Adults If you have a permanent disability that prevents you from earning a living, you may be able to get financial help and health benefits from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program (AISH). AISH helps eligible Alberta residents aged 18 to 64. Your income and your spouse or partner's income and what you own are used to decide how much help you receive. AISH: - provides a monthly payment - gives you a health benefits card, which covers prescription drugs, eyeglasses, eye exams, dental work, emergency ambulance services and essential diabetic supplies for you and your family - covers Alberta Health Care Insurance premiums and Alberta Aids to Daily Living co-payments. In some situations, people who leave AISH can continue to get health benefits through the Alberta Adult Health Benefit. If you are a single parent or in a blended family, Child Support Services can negotiate child support agreements with the other parent or get court orders for support. Agreements and orders are registered with the Maintenance Enforcement Program (see page 38). You can continue to get help from Child Support Services when you leave AISH. Page 39 - People with Disabilities - 310-0000 toll-free Financial Help for Severely Disabled Adults continued For more information: Call 310-0000 toll-free across Alberta to be connected to the AISH office nearest you. Or call the AISH contact centre: In Edmonton: (780) 644-5135. Toll-free across Alberta: 1-866-644-5135. Go to www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/aish . Get a copy of the booklet AISH: A Guide from your local Alberta Seniors and Community Supports office or online at www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/aish . See also: Help to Meet Basic Needs, page 8 Medical Supply and Equipment Costs, page 30 Page 40 - People with Disabilities - www.gov.ab.ca Supports for Employment If you are disabled, you may be able to get Disability Related Employment Supports through Alberta Works. You must live in Alberta and be looking for work, taking training or studying at a post-secondary institution. The program provides three types of support: - job search supports, like a sign language interpreter or a rented laptop to load assistive software to take to job interviews - workplace supports, such as technical aids, a job coach, a job mediator, or mentors. Employers can also receive help with the cost of workplace changes. - education supports, such as technical aids, sign language interpreters, tutors, note-takers, readers and student assistants. See also: Looking for Work, page 4 Help with Training Costs, page 6 Loans and Grants for Post-Secondary Students, page 12 Page 41 - People with Disabilities - 310-0000 toll-free Supports for Employment continued For more information, contact Alberta Human Resources and Employment: Call the Career Information Hotline: In Edmonton: (780) 422-4266. Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-661-3753. Deaf and hard of hearing: (780) 422-5283 in Edmonton; 1-800-232-7215 toll-free for message relay service. Visit an Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre. Call 310-0000 toll-free to find a centre near you or go to www.gov.ab.ca/hre/ets/ contact/index.asp to find the location nearest you. Go to www.gov.ab.ca/hre/dres . Get a copy of the booklet Employment Series for Persons with Disabilities: Tips for job seekers and other free resources at an Alberta Service Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre. Or order a copy at www.alis.gov.ab.ca/careershop or by calling the Learning Resources Centre at (780) 427-5775 in Edmonton or 310-0000 then (780) 427-5775 toll-free across Alberta. Did you know Deaf or hard of hearing? If you have a TTY, you can reach Alberta government offices by calling (780) 427-9999 in Edmonton or 1-800-232-7215 across Alberta. Page 42 - People with Disabilities - www.gov.ab.ca Help for People with Developmental Disabilities If you or an adult member of your family has a developmental disability, the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program can help you. PDD helps adults with developmental disabilities. It can help them live independently, in their own communities. These people, and their families or guardians, may get: - direct service and community living supports - work supports - community access supports - specialized supports. The help provided depends on what each person needs. Regional Community Boards provide services. For more information, contact PDD: Call 310-0000 toll-free and ask for a PDD Community Board near you. Go to www.pdd.org . See also: Financial Help for Severely Disabled Adults, page 39 Supports for Employment, page 41 Page 43 - People with Disabilities - 310-0000 toll-free Supports for People with Brain Injuries If you or an adult member of your family has a brain injury, you can get help through the Alberta Brain Injury Initiative. The initiative helps adults with brain injuries and their families find supports and services from different programs and community groups. For more information, contact the Alberta Brain Injury Initiative: Call the Brain Injury Message Line: In Edmonton: (780) 415-2747. Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 415-2747. Write: Alberta Brain Injury Initiative P. O. Box 476 Edmonton AB T5J 2K1 Go to www.cd.gov.ab.ca/helping_albertans/bii . You can get a Brain Injury Survival Guide from the brain injury service co-ordinator in your region and on the website. To find a service co-ordinator near you, call the Brain Injury Message Line. See also: Financial Help for Severely Disabled Adults, page 39 Supports for Employment, page 41 Page 44 - People with Disabilities - www.gov.ab.ca Children with Disabilities Many government departments provide support for children with disabilities. To find out what supports and services are available, call the toll-free Child Disability Resource Link at 1-866-346-4661. If you have a child with a disability, the Family Support for Children with Disabilities program can help both you and your child by providing information and support as well as help with the costs for some of the disability-related services your child needs. Eligibility for the program is not based on your income. The program is voluntary and you always maintain your parental/guardian responsibilities to care for and make decisions for your child. The program works with you to identify the kinds of sup- ports and services you and your child need and helps you find and coordinate services in your community. The types of supports and services include things like: - Family support services - information, referrals, help to coordinate disability services, counselling, costs for disability-related clothing and footwear, respite services and help with the costs to attend disability-related medical appointments - Child-focused services - respite services, disability- related child care expenses, aides services, health costs related to your child's disability that are not covered by any other program or health insurance plan, specialized services for children with severe disabilities and help and support to arrange out-of- home living arrangements for your child, if needed. See also: Dental Care, Eyeglasses and Basic Health Service for Children, page 28 Medical Supply and Equipment Costs, page 30 Changes to Your Home, page 48 Page 45 - People with Disabilities - 310-0000 toll-free Children with Disabilities continued For more information: Call 310-0000 toll-free and ask to be connected to a Child and Family Services Authority near you, or call the Child Disability Resource Link at 1-866-346-4661. Go to www.child.gov.ab.ca/whatwedo/disabilities . If you need support with child care: - The Inclusive Child Care program helps with child care for children with special needs. Child care can be provided in day-care centres, approved family day homes and nursery schools. The program may train child care staff, provide special programs or provide funds for more staff. For more information: Call 310-0000 toll-free and ask to be connected to a Child and Family Services Authority near you. If you need help with the costs of medical equipment and supplies: - The Alberta Aids to Daily Living program may be able to help you pay for medical equipment and supplies, such as wheelchairs, respiratory equipment and hearing aids. See page 30. - The Alberta Child Health Benefit may be able to help you pay for eyeglasses and prescription drugs or other health needs. See page 28. Page 46 - People with Disabilities - www.gov.ab.ca Children with Disabilities continued If your child is school age: - School boards must provide special education programs for students with special needs. Contact your school board or school principal for information. A list of school boards is on the Alberta Education website at www.education.gov.ab.ca/ei/maps . - Under the Student Health Initiative, school boards and regional health authorities work together to provide support services to students with special health needs. These include audiology, clinical nursing, emotional or behavioural supports, speech- language therapy and physical, occupational and respiratory therapy. Contact your school board or school principal for information. Get a copy of The Learning Team: A Handbook for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Find it online at www.education.gov.ab.ca/educationguide/ spec-ed/partners or purchase it from the Learning Resources Centre. Call (780) 427-2767 in Edmonton, or 310-0000 then (780) 427-2767 toll-free across Alberta. If your child is about to turn 18: Guides to help you move from children's to adult services can be found on the Alberta Children's Services website. Go to www.child.gov.ab.ca/whatwedo/disabilities then click on Publications on the left-hand menu. Look for PDD Central Alberta Community Board: A Parents' Guide to Transition and PDD Edmonton Community Board: Guides for Family and Guardians. Page 47 - People with Disabilities - 310-0000 toll-free Changes to Your Home If you or a member of your family use a wheelchair and you need to make changes to your home, the Home Adaptation Program can help. The program is available to people who: - are Canadian or live in Canada, - have low to moderate incomes, and - use a wheelchair or have a severe disability that will require them to use a wheelchair in the future. The program helps pay for the costs of permanent changes that make it easier for wheelchair users to enter, leave or move around inside their homes. Funds are given to home owners, renters with permission from their landlords, and landlords. For more information, contact the Home Adaptation Program: Call: In Edmonton: (780) 427-5760. Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 427-5760. Write: Home Adaptation Program Alberta Seniors and Community Supports Housing Services Division P. O. Box 927 Edmonton AB T5J 2L8 Go to www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/housing/ family_special/supportive_housing/index.asp . See also: Benefits for Seniors, page 11 Medical Supply and Equipment Costs, page 30 Page 48 - People with Disabilities - www.gov.ab.ca Finding the Documents You Need For some programs, you may need your birth certificate, Personal Health Number, Social Insurance Number, Alberta Student Number or Notice of Assessment for income taxes. If you don't have these documents, here's how you can get them. Birth Certificate For people born in Alberta, you can apply for a birth certificate at your local registry agent office (see License and Registry Services in the yellow pages). There is a $20 fee for this service. Alberta registry agent offices also charge an additional service fee. To apply, you will need to give: - your full name, - the full name and your relationship to the person you need the certificate for, - the date and place of birth of the person you need the certificate for, - the sex of that person, - full names of both parents of the person, including the mother's maiden name, - the place of birth of the parents, and - the type and number of certificates needed. More information about ordering birth certificates is online at www.gov.ab.ca/gs/information/ vs/births/certificates.cfm . Page 49 - Finding the Documents You Need - 310-0000 toll-free Finding the Documents You Need continued For people not born in Alberta, contact the government of the province or country where you were born. Go to www.health.gov.sk.ca/ps_vital_stats_ directory.html to find information on contacts in other provinces or territories or in the United States. Personal Health Number Call the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan: In Edmonton: (780) 427-1432. Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 427-1432. Visit: In Edmonton: 10025 Jasper Avenue, Telus Plaza North Tower In Calgary: Main Floor, 7277 Ave SW Write: Alberta Health and Wellness P.O. Box 1360, Station Main Edmonton AB T5J 2N3 Social Insurance Number Call the Government of Canada toll-free at 1-800-206-7218. Go to the Government of Canada website at www.canada.gc.ca/cdns/wallet/wallet_e.html and scroll down to Social Insurance Number (SIN) Card. Alberta Student Number If you have gone to school in Alberta recently, your Alberta Student Number will be on your report cards or transcripts. Information is also available online at www.education.gov.ab.ca/education/ studentservices/ASNLookup . Page 50 - Finding the Documents You Need - www.gov.ab.ca Finding the Documents You Need continued Notice of Assessment (income tax information) Contact the Canada Revenue Agency: Call 1-800-959-8281 toll-free. TTY call 1-800-665-0354. Write or visit: Calgary Canada Revenue Agency Harry Hays Building 2204 Avenue SE Calgary AB T2G 0L1 Edmonton Canada Revenue Agency Suite 10, Canada Place 9700 Jasper Avenue Edmonton AB T5J 4C8 Lethbridge Canada Revenue Agency P.O. Box 3009 Station Main Lethbridge AB T1J 4A9 In person: 200, 4197 Street South Red Deer Canada Revenue Agency 499649 Avenue Red Deer AB T4N 6X2 Page 51 - Finding the Documents You Need - 310-0000 toll-free Useful Phone Numbers Did you know Deaf or hard of hearing? If you have a TTY, you can reach Alberta government offices by calling (780) 427-9999 in Edmonton or 1-800-232-7215 across Alberta. After-hours children's services: 24-hour Child Protection Line in Calgary: (403) 297-2995 Child Protection Line in Edmonton: daytime (780) 422-2001; evenings (780) 427-3390 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline, toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-387-KIDS (1-800-387-5437) Kids Help Phone (support to young people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year): 1-800-668-6868 After-hours emergency shelter, food or transportation: In Edmonton: (780) 644-5135 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-866-644-5135 Alberta Aids to Daily Living Edmonton: (780) 427-0731 Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 427-0731 Alberta Child Health Benefit Edmonton: (780) 427-6848 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-877-469-5437 (1-877 4 MY KIDS) Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-959-2809 Page 52 - Useful Phone Numbers - www.gov.ab.ca Useful Phone Numbers continued Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan Edmonton: (780) 427-1432 Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 427-1432 Alberta Monitoring for Health Edmonton: (780) 423-2634 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-267-7532 Alberta Works Contact Centre Edmonton: (780) 644-5135 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-866-644-5135 Brain Injury Message Line Edmonton: (780) 415-2747 Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 415-2747 Calgary Legal Guidance (403) 234-9266 Canada-Alberta JOBS Edmonton: (780) 917-4899 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-727-2925 Canada Revenue Agency Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-959-8281 TTY toll-free: 1-800-665-0354 Career Information Hotline Edmonton: (780) 422-4266 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-661-3753 Deaf and hard of hearing: (780) 422-5283 in Edmonton; 1-800-232-7215 toll-free for message relay service. Child Disability Resource Link Toll-free across Alberta: 1-866-346-4661 Page 53 - Useful Phone Numbers - 310-0000 toll-free Useful Phone Numbers continued Consumer Information Centre Edmonton: (780) 427-4088 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-877-427-4088 Credit Counselling Services of Alberta Toll-free across Alberta: 1-888-294-0076 Dial-A-Law Calgary: (403) 234-9022 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-332-1091 Edmonton Centre for Equal Justice (780) 702-1725 Government of Alberta Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 TTY toll-free: 1-800-232-7215 Government of Canada Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) TTY toll-free: 1-800-465-7735 Home Adaptation Program Edmonton: (780) 427-5760 Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 427-5760 Lawyer Referral Service Calgary: (403) 228-1722 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-661-1095 Learning Resources Centre Edmonton: (780) 427-5775 or (780) 427-2767 Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 427-5775 or (780) 427-2767 Legal Aid Society of Alberta Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 and ask to be connected to a Legal Aid office near you Page 54 - Useful Phone Numbers - www.gov.ab.ca Useful Phone Numbers continued Low-Cost Housing Edmonton: (780) 422-0122 Calgary: (403) 297-7453 Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then either (780) 422-0122 or (403) 297-7453 Maintenance Enforcement Program MEP Info Line Edmonton: (780) 422-5555 Toll-free across Alberta: 310-0000 then (780) 422-5555 Native Counselling Services of Alberta (780) 423-2141 Seniors Information Line Edmonton: (780) 427-7876 Toll-free across Alberta: 1-800-642-3853 Student Funding Contact Centre Edmonton: (780) 427-3722 Toll-free across Canada: 1-800-222-6485 Student Legal Assistance (Calgary) (403) 220-6637 Student Legal Services (Edmonton) (780) 492-2226 Page 55 - Useful Phone Numbers - 310-0000 toll-free Key Services Alberta Aids to Daily Living ....................... 30 Alberta Brain Injury Initiative .................... 44 Alberta Family Employment Tax Credit ......................................... 15 Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) ......... 4 Alberta Monitoring for Health Program .............. 32 Alberta Works ....................................... 6 Alberta Adult Health Benefit......................... 8 Alberta Child Health Benefit........................ 28 Child Support Services .............................. 9 Employment and Training Services ................. 4, 6 Income Support ...................................... 8 Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH).................................. 39 Benefits for Seniors................................ 11 Calgary Legal Guidance ............................. 25 Canada-Alberta JOBS ................................. 4 Child Care Subsidy ................................. 34 Child Financial Support Program (Child and Youth Support Program)................... 36 Credit Counselling Services of Alberta ............. 16 Dial-A-Law ......................................... 26 Disability Related Employment Supports.............. 41 Drug Coverage for Seniors .......................... 29 Edmonton Centre for Equal Justice .................. 25 Family and Special Purpose Housing.................. 18 Family Support for Children with Disabilities ...... 45 Home Adaptation Program............................. 48 Homeless Shelters .................................. 20 Inclusive Child Care ............................... 46 Kin Child Care Funding Program...................... 34 Lawyer Referral Service............................. 25 Legal Aid .......................................... 25 Maintenance Enforcement Program .................... 38 Native Counselling Services......................... 26 Persons with Developmental Disabilities ............ 43 Premium Subsidy Program............................. 27 Student Health Initiative .......................... 47 Student Legal Assistance (Calgary) ................. 25 Student Legal Services (Edmonton)................... 25 Student Loans and Grants ........................... 12 Student Loan Relief Program......................... 12 Waiver of Premiums Program ......................... 27 Women’s Shelters ................................... 22 Page 56 - Key Services - www.gov.ab.ca We'd like to hear from you... Feedback Guide to Services for Lower-Income Albertans Did you find this guide useful? If so, why? If not, why not? How could we make the guide better? How (or where) did you get your copy of this guide? Please return this form to Alberta Human Resources and Employment Communications 9th Floor Labour Building, 1080899 Avenue Edmonton AB T5K 0G5 Fax: 780-427-5988 Or, e-mail your comments to ahre.communications@gov.ab.ca Guide to Services for Lower-Income Albertans Copies of this guide can be ordered by calling 1-866-644-5135 (toll free) or (780) 644-5135 in Edmonton, E-Mail iscc@gov.ab.ca. This guide is available online at www.gov.ab.ca/ servicealberta/LowerIncomeGuide . To contact an Alberta government office: You can phone any Alberta government number toll-free by calling 310-0000 and then entering the number you need. TTY Deaf Relay Only dial 1-800-232-7215. For provincewide free access from a cell phone, enter *310 (for Rogers Wireless) or #310 (for Telus and Bell). August 2004 NCN0938 ISBN # 0-7785-3356-5