Special Needs Assistance for Seniors (SNA)
This helps low-income Alberta seniors pay for certain things like appliances, furniture, and some home help such as housekeeping and yard work. It is not money for rent. The most you can get is $5,872 in a benefit year. For example, a fridge is covered up to $824 and housekeeping up to $1,412 a year. Most appliances are paid for only once in your life.
What you get
Up to $5,872
Who it's for
You qualify if you are a low-income Alberta senior.
This takes you to the official website
Depends on your household size and income.
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I found your housing support program and I want to check if I can apply. Can you tell me the current rules, documents needed, and the next step?”
Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- You qualify if you are a low-income Alberta senior
- Usually that means a single senior earning $34,770 or less a year, or a senior couple earning $56,820 or less a year
- Above $30,371 single or $48,621 couple, only basic items are covered
What to do next
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The fine print
More details about the money
Maximum total assistance is $5,872 per benefit year. Example item caps: housekeeping and yard maintenance up to $1,412/benefit year; fridge $824; stove $824; bed $590; washer $590; dryer $473; washer/dryer relocation $942 (lifetime); home cleanup (hoarding) $1,726 (lifetime). Most appliances/furniture are funded only once in a lifetime. The benefit year runs July 1 to June 30.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
Low-income Alberta seniors who meet the income test - generally single seniors with annual income of $34,770 or less, or senior couples with combined annual income of $56,820 or less. (Above $30,371 single / $48,621 couple, only 'primary' items are covered.) Typically must be in the Seniors Financial Assistance system.
Good to know
Verified exactly against alberta.ca/seniors-special-needs-assistance (live, June 2026): $5,872 annual maximum, July 1-June 30 benefit year, and every item cap (housekeeping/yard $1,412, fridge/stove $824, bed $590, washer $590, dryer $473, relocation $942 lifetime, home cleanup $1,726 lifetime). Income thresholds confirmed at $34,770 single / $56,820 couple, with a primary-items-only band above $30,371/$48,621. A needs/appliance grant, not rent assistance; caps and thresholds are reviewed periodically.