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Provincial Program · Alberta

Special Needs Assistance for Seniors

SNA Seniors

A cash benefit that helps low-income Alberta seniors with the cost of assistive devices and personal supports not covered by other programs, such as walkers, hearing aids, and some medical supplies.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

The maximum monthly benefit is $115 (2026). Keep all your receipts. The benefit is income-tested.

Who May Qualify

Alberta seniors 65 and over who receive the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (or the Alberta Seniors Benefit) and whose income is below the threshold.

Required Documents

Receipts for eligible expenses, proof of income, and the application form.

How to Apply

Apply online through the Alberta Seniors and Housing portal, or submit the Special Needs Assistance application by mail with your receipts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not keeping receipts. Applying for expenses that are already covered by AADL or other programs — those are excluded.

Preparing an application?

The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.

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Need help from a real person?

Free disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.

Government-funded navigation service

Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD)

Alberta, AB

VAD is a provincial non-profit organization that supports individuals with disabilities in Alberta through advocacy, public education, and resources. It works with individuals, organizations, government, schools, and businesses to promote accessibility and inclusion for Albertans with disabilities.

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Indigenous Disability Canada / BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)

National

Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization providing cross-disability support and navigation services to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) peoples in Canada with disabilities. It delivers the National Indigenous Navigation Services to help Indigenous persons with disabilities access the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and other federal, provincial and territorial disability benefits.

Languages: English, French

Government-funded navigation service

Disability Alliance Canada

National

Disability Alliance Canada is a national cross-disability non-profit that provides free one-on-one support to help people navigate federal disability programs, including the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (CPP-D), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). They also offer educational guides, training and workshops, and help with applications, reconsiderations, and appeals.

Languages: English, French

Application denied?

If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.

Read the Appeals Guide

Resources in this area

Healthcare

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.

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Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (Autism RMWB)

The Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (Autism RMWB) is a local, community-based organization in Fort McMurray that creates an inclusive community through programs supporting autistic individuals and all those living with neurodiversity and disabilities, and supports their families across their lifespan. This is the local Wood Buffalo organization and is distinct from the national Autism Society Canada.

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Healthcare

Taproot Community Support Services

Taproot Community Support Services (formerly WJS Canada) is a CARF-accredited, employee-owned Canadian social services organization providing a range of disability and community support services, including supports for people with diverse abilities, family and community supports, specialized mental health and trauma services, acquired brain injury (ABI) services, Family Resource Centres, and Indigenous culturally-based programs (Spirit of Our Youth). Taproot operates in communities across Alberta, including Fort McMurray.

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Accessible 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.

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