Alberta Income Support Payment Calculator
Complete guide to calculating your monthly Income Support benefits using official January 2026 rates
The Alberta Income Support Payment Calculator helps individuals and families estimate their monthly financial assistance through the Income Support Program. Benefits are governed by the Income and Employment Supports Act and regulations. This guide uses official rates effective January 1, 2026, including four-digit computer codes used for benefit administration.
Income Support provides core benefits (essential and shelter) plus various supplements for eligible clients assessed as Expected to Work (ETW) or Barriers to Full Employment (BFE).
Understanding Alberta Income Support: Core Benefits
Core benefits consist of two main components that make up your monthly Income Support payment:
Core Essential (Code 1430)
Covers basic living expenses including:
- Food and clothing (including diapers)
- Household needs (furniture, appliances, supplies)
- Personal needs and telephone
- Laundry and transportation
- Vehicle costs and moves within Alberta
Core Shelter
Covers housing costs including:
- Rent and mortgage payments
- Utilities (except electricity in social housing)
- Heating fuel and municipal taxes
- Insurance and condominium fees
- Lot rental and damage deposits
Codes vary by shelter type: Living with Relatives (1134), Social Housing (1115), Private Housing (1130)
Electricity Costs (Code 1201): Clients residing in social housing receive actual electricity costs, not to exceed private housing rates.
Monthly Core Benefits for Expected to Work (ETW)
For clients assessed as Expected to Work, the following rates apply effective January 1, 2026:
| Household Composition |
Core Essential (1430) |
Core Shelter |
Total Core Benefits |
|
|
Living w/ Relatives (1134) |
Social Housing (1115) |
Private Housing (1130) |
Living w/ Relatives |
Social Housing |
Private Housing |
| Single Adult | $479 | $121 | $140 | $381 | $600 | $619 | $860 |
| Single adult, 1 child | $708 | $121 | $245 | $644 | $829 | $953 | $1,352 |
| 2 children | $824 | $121 | $300 | $667 | $945 | $1,124 | $1,491 |
| 3 children | $939 | $121 | $368 | $690 | $1,060 | $1,307 | $1,629 |
| 4 children | $1,054 | $121 | $435 | $713 | $1,175 | $1,489 | $1,767 |
| 5 children | $1,168 | $121 | $504 | $738 | $1,289 | $1,672 | $1,906 |
| 6 children | $1,284 | $121 | $572 | $760 | $1,405 | $1,856 | $2,044 |
| Couple, no children | $773 | $121 | $224 | $515 | $894 | $997 | $1,288 |
| Couple, 1 child | $1,003 | $121 | $302 | $679 | $1,124 | $1,305 | $1,682 |
| 2 children | $1,117 | $121 | $368 | $701 | $1,238 | $1,485 | $1,818 |
| 3 children | $1,233 | $121 | $435 | $712 | $1,354 | $1,668 | $1,945 |
| 4 children | $1,347 | $121 | $504 | $737 | $1,468 | $1,851 | $2,084 |
| 5 children | $1,463 | $121 | $572 | $759 | $1,584 | $2,035 | $2,222 |
| 6 children | $1,577 | $121 | $641 | $783 | $1,698 | $2,218 | $2,360 |
| Each additional child: Add $117 to Core Essential, $26 to Private Housing shelter, $117 to total |
| Each child 18-19 attending high school: Add $238 to Core Essential and total only |
Monthly Core Benefits for Barriers to Full Employment (BFE)
For clients assessed as Barriers to Full Employment, higher rates apply effective January 1, 2026:
| Household Composition |
Core Essential (1430) |
Core Shelter |
Total Core Benefits |
|
|
Living w/ Relatives (1134) |
Social Housing (1115) |
Private Housing (1130) |
Living w/ Relatives |
Social Housing |
Private Housing |
| Single Adult | $619 | $121 | $140 | $381 | $740 | $759 | $1,000 |
| Single adult, 1 child | $849 | $121 | $245 | $644 | $970 | $1,094 | $1,493 |
| 2 children | $963 | $121 | $300 | $667 | $1,084 | $1,263 | $1,630 |
| 3 children | $1,079 | $121 | $368 | $690 | $1,200 | $1,447 | $1,769 |
| 4 children | $1,193 | $121 | $435 | $713 | $1,314 | $1,628 | $1,906 |
| 5 children | $1,309 | $121 | $504 | $738 | $1,430 | $1,813 | $2,047 |
| 6 children | $1,423 | $121 | $572 | $760 | $1,544 | $1,995 | $2,183 |
| Couple, no children | $981 | $121 | $224 | $515 | $1,102 | $1,205 | $1,496 |
| Couple, 1 child | $1,211 | $121 | $302 | $679 | $1,332 | $1,513 | $1,890 |
| 2 children | $1,325 | $121 | $368 | $701 | $1,446 | $1,693 | $2,026 |
| 3 children | $1,441 | $121 | $435 | $712 | $1,562 | $1,876 | $2,153 |
| 4 children | $1,555 | $121 | $504 | $737 | $1,676 | $2,059 | $2,292 |
| 5 children | $1,671 | $121 | $572 | $759 | $1,792 | $2,243 | $2,430 |
| 6 children | $1,785 | $121 | $641 | $783 | $1,906 | $2,426 | $2,568 |
| Each additional child: Add $117 to Core Essential, $26 to Private Housing shelter, $117 to total |
| Each child 18-19 attending high school: Add $238 to Core Essential and total only |
Note on Relatives: "Relative" means an adult who is the parent, step-parent, adoptive grandparent, child, or grandchild of one of the adults in the household.
18-19 Year Olds: Dependants aged 18-19 must be attending high school to be included in the benefit calculation.
Supplements to Core Benefits
Eligible clients may receive additional monthly supplements:
| Supplement |
Code |
Description |
Rate |
| Earnings Replacement Benefit |
1731 |
ETW households where all adults temporarily unable to work/train |
$102 per household |
| Handicap Benefit |
1501 |
Adults assessed as severely handicapped under AISH Act |
$208 |
| Personal Needs Supplement |
1422 |
BFE adults residing in ETW households |
$93 |
| High School Incentive |
1420 |
16-19 year old parents attending high school (legal guardians) |
See Special Groups |
Special Diet Allowances (Code 1701)
Monthly rates for clients with specific medical dietary needs:
- Low Sodium: $26
- Low Cholesterol/Low Fat: $26 (not both)
- Low/High Potassium: $26 (not both)
- High Calcium: $26
- High Fibre: $26
- High Protein: $26
- Pregnancy: $32
- Breast Feeding: $37 (up to 12 months)
- High Calorie (2500+): $44
- AIDS/HIV or Hepatitis C: $44 (not both)
- Diabetic or Heart Healthy: $48 (not both)
- Milk Free: $63
- Lactose-Free: $26 (not both)
- Celiac or Gluten Free: $95 (not both)
- Renal Failure/Insufficiency: $132
- Infant Formula: Difference up to $238
Earnings Exemption – How Working Affects Your Benefits
Income Support recipients can increase their total monthly income by working. You keep all your wages, and only a portion of earnings are taken into account when calculating benefits:
ETW and BFE Earnings Exemption:
- Single parents: First $230 of net employment income exempt, plus 25% of any amount over $230
- Couples: First $115 of net employment income exempt, plus 25% of any amount over $115 (for each working adult)
- Singles: First $230 of net employment income exempt, plus 25% of any amount over $230
- Dependent children attending school: 100% of net employment income exempt
- Dependent children not attending school: First $350 exempt, plus 25% of any amount over $350
Other Important Rates
Core Essential – Food Only (Code 1430)
- Household unit with one adult: $171
- Household unit with two adults: $164 per adult
- Children: $99 per child
Comforts Allowance (Code 1405)
For individuals in Type A continuing care homes and active treatment hospitals: $373
Children's School Expenses (Code 1802)
- Age 4-5 or kindergarten: $63
- Age 6-11 or grades 1-6: $121
- Age 12+ or grades 7-12: $208
Emergency Allowances
- Replacement clothes: $253 per adult, $190 per child
- Food - travel: $15 per adult, $10 per child per day
- Damage Deposit: Up to $414 (singles/couples), up to $1,177 (families with children)
- Funeral expenses: Up to $4,601 plus additional costs
Sample Alberta Income Support Payment Calculations
Example 1: Single Adult, Private Housing (ETW)
Situation: Single adult, Expected to Work, renting privately
Core Essential: $479
Core Shelter (Private): $381
Total Core Benefits: $860/month
Example 2: Single Parent with 2 Children, Private Housing (BFE)
Situation: Single parent, 2 children under 18, Barriers to Full Employment, renting privately
Core Essential: $963
Core Shelter (Private): $667
Total Core Benefits: $1,630/month
Example 3: Couple with 1 Child, Living with Relatives (ETW)
Situation: Couple with 1 child, Expected to Work, living with relatives
Core Essential: $1,003
Core Shelter (Living with Relatives): $121
Total Core Benefits: $1,124/month
Example 4: Single Adult with Special Diet (Diabetic)
Situation: Single adult, Private Housing, BFE, diabetic dietary needs
Core Benefits (Single BFE, Private): $1,000
Special Diet (Diabetic): $48
Total Monthly Payment: $1,048/month
Health Benefits (Code 1900s)
People eligible for Income Support also receive health benefits for themselves and their dependants, unless they receive coverage through the federal government or full employer coverage. Income Support health benefits cover:
- Basic dental care
- Eye exams and glasses
- Prescriptions
- Essential diabetic supplies
- Emergency ambulance services
Alberta Adult Health Benefit (AAHB): People leaving Income Support (ETW and BFE with employment income) may receive benefits through AAHB for themselves and dependants. AAHB also available to pregnant women with limited income and households with high ongoing prescription drug costs.
Alberta Child Health Benefit: Other families with limited income may apply for health benefit coverage for their children.
Other Resources Available to Income Support Clients
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Paid monthly July to June based on previous year's income
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB): Paid quarterly based on annual income and number of dependants
- Canada Workers Benefit (CWB): Paid quarterly beginning in April based on previous year's income
Important Notes:
- This Alberta Income Support Payment Calculator uses official rates effective January 1, 2026.
- Four-digit computer codes are listed for benefit administration reference.
- Eligibility and amounts paid are governed by the Income and Employment Supports Act and regulations.
- Rates are subject to change – see the Income Support online policy manual for updates.
- Actual payments may vary based on individual circumstances, income, and shelter costs.
- For exact calculations, contact your local Alberta Supports Centre or call the Income Support Contact Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alberta Income Support Payment Calculator
Because surprises aren't fun when bills are due. This tool shows you exactly what to expect — ETW vs BFE rates, shelter amounts, and child additions — so you can budget before you even apply.
Yes, 100% free. No sign-ups, no hidden fees, no personal data collected. Just select your situation and see your estimated monthly benefits in seconds.
Albertans applying for Income Support (Alberta Works), caseworkers, social service agencies, and anyone helping a client or family member figure out potential benefit amounts before the paperwork starts.
You stop wondering and start planning. Know if you'll qualify for BFE vs ETW, how working affects your cheque, and whether you can afford rent — before you submit a single form.
Yes — it follows Alberta's official Income Support rate tables, including ETW vs BFE differences, shelter codes (1130, 1115, 1134), and earnings exemptions. Use it confidently for real-world budgeting.
