Alberta Senior Credits & Benefits (2025)

Alberta Seniors Benefit

The Alberta Seniors Benefit is a monthly, income-tested cash benefit for low- and moderate-income Alberta seniors.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age 65 or older.
• Legal resident of Alberta and Canada for at least 3 months before applying.
• Receive (or be eligible for) Old Age Security (OAS).
• Annual income below program thresholds (see below; based on line 23600 of your tax return minus OAS and GIS received).

Income Thresholds and Benefit Rates (2025)

• Benefit decreases gradually as income rises; phased out entirely above the max income threshold.
• Income tested annually based on most recent tax return (line 23600 minus OAS/GIS received).

How to Apply

1. Submit the Alberta Seniors Benefit Application (form and guide available from Alberta.ca or Service Alberta offices).
2. Include proof of age, residency, and income (tax return copy, OAS/GIS info).
3. Renew automatically each year if you file your taxes on time and remain eligible.

Tip: File your tax return every year to avoid benefit interruption.

Alberta Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program

The Alberta Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program lets eligible seniors defer all or part of their municipal property taxes, paying them later (with low interest) when the home is sold.

Eligibility

• Age 65 or older (only one spouse must qualify).
• Own or have a life lease interest in your primary residence in Alberta.
• At least 25% equity in the home.
• All property taxes up to date at time of application.

Application and Repayment

1. Apply using the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Application (from Alberta.ca).
2. The province pays your property taxes directly to the municipality; you repay when you sell your home or earlier if you choose (interest applies, typically 2–3% per year).
3. No income test; only home equity and age matter.

Comparison: Alberta’s program is more flexible than most other provinces—no maximum income, and you can defer any portion of taxes. Similar programs exist in BC, Ontario, and Manitoba with different rules.

Alberta Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors

Dental Assistance

• Coverage for basic dental services (exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures) up to $5,000 every 5 years (amount is reviewed annually).
• Income-tested: maximum coverage for low/moderate-income; partial for incomes above threshold; phased out at higher incomes (same thresholds as Alberta Seniors Benefit).
• Application: Complete the Seniors Financial Assistance Application and have your dentist submit claim forms directly to the program.
• Keep receipts and a copy of all dental work claims for your records.

Optical Assistance

• Covers up to $230 every 3 years for prescription eyeglasses/contact lenses for eligible seniors.
• Same application process and income thresholds as dental.

Additional Supports for Senior Renters

Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP)

• Low-interest home equity loans (not grants) to help seniors make necessary home repairs, accessibility upgrades, or energy efficiency improvements.
• Eligibility: Alberta resident, age 65+, minimum 25% home equity, property taxes up to date.
• Maximum loan: $40,000 per household.
• Repayment due when home sold, transferred, or earlier if desired.
• Apply using SHARP application from Alberta.ca.

Seniors' Rent Supplement Programs

• Income-based rent subsidies for low-income seniors who rent in the private market.
• Contact your local housing management body or Alberta Supports for application guidance.

How to Claim Alberta Senior Credits on Your Tax Return

• Most Alberta senior credits are not claimed directly on your tax return—they are issued as monthly payments (Seniors Benefit), reimbursements (dental/optical), or direct subsidies (rent supplement).
• Always file your tax return on time each year (federal T1 and Alberta provincial forms), as eligibility is income-tested annually.
• Keep all receipts, benefit statements, and correspondence for at least 6 years.
• For property tax deferral and SHARP, apply directly to the Alberta government—not through your tax return.
• Dental and optical claims are processed through your provider or the program directly, not via your return.

Payments: Seniors Benefit and rent supplements are paid by direct deposit or cheque; dental/optical are reimbursed or paid directly to the provider; property tax deferral and SHARP are handled via loan agreements with the government.