SHARP
Low-interest home equity loans, plus limited forgiveable grants for the lowest-income seniors, to help Alberta seniors repair, adapt, and improve their homes so they can stay safe and independent.
Loans are repaid when the home is sold. You can borrow up to $40,000, and up to $5,000 may be forgiveable for the lowest-income seniors.
Alberta seniors 65 and over who own their home and meet the income thresholds.
Proof of income, proof of home ownership, repair estimates, and the application form.
Apply online through Alberta Seniors and Housing, or submit a paper application with estimates and income verification.
Confusing this with RAMP, which is for accessibility modifications for people with mobility disabilities of any age. Not realizing that the lowest-income applicants receive a forgiveable portion.
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
Alberta 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 detailsAlberta Disability Assistance Program
ADAP is Alberta's disability income program for Albertans 18+ whose severe disability significantly impedes employment (continuously or episodically) but does not prevent it. Launched July 2026, it provides a $1,740/month core financial benefit, health and personal benefits, and higher employment-income exemptions than AISH. AISH clients who transitioned to ADAP in July 2026 receive a $200 monthly transition benefit that keeps their financial benefit equal to their existing AISH amount until December 31, 2027. There is one combined application for AISH and ADAP. For full eligibility, income rules, working on ADAP, and the AISH-to-ADAP transition, see our ADAP guide.
View detailsSpecial Needs Assistance for 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.
View detailsFree disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.
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.
National
Plan Institute is a Canadian non-profit and registered charity that helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. Its free national Disability Planning Helpline offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Benefit, wills and trusts, and future and financial planning. Plan Institute also offers free webinars and online courses on the RDSP, DTC, and building personal support networks. The helpline is free, confidential, and available across Canada by phone, email, and online request form.
Languages: English, Interpretation in ASL and other languages on request
National
The GAIN Program (Guidance & Assistance in Navigating Disability Support) is a free service offered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC). VLRC's Disability Benefit Navigators provide one-to-one support to help people with disabilities understand and apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), and other federal, provincial and territorial credits and benefits, including help with appeals. Although operated by VLRC, the GAIN Program assists people with all disabilities, not only vision loss.
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.
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 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 (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.
