Alberta Child Health Benefit
AB Child Health
The Alberta Child Health Benefit provides free health coverage for children in low-income families who are not eligible for other government health benefits. It covers prescription drugs, dental care, eyeglasses, ambulance services, and diabetic supplies for children under 18 (or under 20 if still in high school and living at home).
Useful Tips for Applying
Apply for all eligible children at once. If your income changes during the year, let the program know — you may become eligible or need to update your file. Coverage can be combined with school-based services, so ask your child's school about vision or dental programs too.
Who May Qualify
Your family may qualify if you live in Alberta, are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, have a family income below the program's guidelines, are not receiving health benefits through AISH or Income Support, and have children under 18 (or under 20 if in high school and living at home).
Required Documents
Proof of Alberta residency, Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, your previous year's income information, and details about the children in your household.
How to Apply
Apply online through the Alberta government, by mail, or in person at an Alberta Supports Centre, providing your family income information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is assuming only very young children qualify — coverage extends to age 18, or 20 if the child is in high school. Another is not applying because the parent is employed — eligibility is based on income, not employment status. Families also miss that adults may qualify separately through the Alberta Adult Health Benefit.
Preparing an application?
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
You may also be eligible for…
Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group Coverage
Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group Coverage is a supplementary health insurance plan available to Albertans under 65 who are not covered by employer or other government health plans. It helps pay for services not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, such as prescription drugs, dental, vision, and ambulance services. A Premium Subsidy Program lowers the monthly cost for lower-income households.
View detailsAlberta Adult Health Benefit
The Alberta Adult Health Benefit provides free health coverage for low-income adults and their families who are not eligible for AISH or Income Support. Coverage includes prescription drugs, dental care, optical services, ambulance services, and diabetic supplies, helping people manage ongoing health needs without cost becoming a barrier.
View detailsAlberta Income Support
Alberta Income Support provides financial help to low-income Albertans who are unemployed or underemployed and need help meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. It includes two streams: Expected to Work (ETW) for people expected to find employment, and Barriers to Full Employment (BFE) for people facing challenges that make full employment difficult.
View detailsApplication denied?
If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.
Resources in this area
The Epilepsy Association of Edmonton and Northern Alberta (EAENA)
The Epilepsy Association of Edmonton and Northern Alberta (EAENA) is a registered charity supporting people living with epilepsy and seizure disorders, and their families, throughout Edmonton and Northern Alberta. The organization provides programs, services, information, education, resources, and support related to living with epilepsy — including epilepsy education (Epilepsy 101), support programs for adults and families, information booklets in English and French, school and community education, and resources on driving, employment, and daily life with a neurological condition. EAENA serves children, youth, adults, and seniors affected by epilepsy across Edmonton and Northern Alberta, including communities north of Red Deer such as Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo.
View detailsMcMan Youth, Family & Community Services — Fort McMurray
McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association (Edmonton and North region) provides family support, respite and disability services in Fort McMurray. McMan is a not-for-profit social service agency serving communities across northern Alberta, including Fort McMurray.
View detailsWood Buffalo Housing & Development Corporation
Wood Buffalo Housing & Development Corporation (WBH) is a not-for-profit organization that has provided safe, affordable housing in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo since 2001. It offers programs for every level of housing need, including rent subsidy and community housing, near-market rentals, and seniors housing, including accessible units.
View detailsAccessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.
