Seniors' Programs And Services

Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program

Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP)

Low-interest home equity loans can cover a range of home adaptations and renovations to help Seniors stay in their homes longer.

Overview

The Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) allows Seniors to use their home equity to remain in their homes and maintain their independence. Eligible Seniors can apply for a low-interest home equity loan with the Government of Alberta to cover repairs, adaptations and renovations to their primary residence.

The intent is to help Seniors:

  • remain independent in their homes
  • be safe in their homes
  • adapt and modify their homes to improve accessibility and mobility
  • improve the energy efficiency of their homes

Some project examples are:

  • bathroom or walk-in tubs
  • furnace and hot water tank upgrades
  • stair lifts
  • widening of doorways
  • roof and window replacement

You must provide a written cost-estimate or receipts for all project funds being applied for.

Seniors may apply for retroactive funding. Receipts must be provided for home repairs, adaptations or renovations completed and paid for within 12 months before the date that SHARP staff receives your application package.

Here is a LINK to the Program and Application.

Seniors Financial Assistance Programs

Eligible seniors can access a variety of financial and health support programs. For complete details click on this LINK

Overview

The primary source of income for seniors (65 years of age or older) is provided by the Government of Canada through the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Old Age Security. To supplement these programs the Government of Alberta provides the following supports and services:

Alberta Seniors Benefit

Alberta Seniors Benefit provides a monthly benefit to eligible seniors with low-income to assist with living expenses.

Supplementary Accommodation Benefit

Supplementary Accommodation Benefit provides financial assistance to eligible seniors with low-income who reside in a designated supportive living or long-term care facility.

Special Needs Assistance for Seniors

Special Needs Assistance for Seniors provides financial assistance to eligible seniors with low-income toward the cost of some appliances, and specific health and personal supports.

Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors

Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors provides financial assistance to eligible seniors with low- to moderate- income for basic dental and optical services.

Coverage for Seniors

Coverage for Seniors provides coverage for medical needs, such as prescriptions drugs, diabetes supplies, ambulance services, home nursing care, chiropractic services and clinical psychological services.

Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program

Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program allows eligible senior homeowners to defer all or part of their annual residential property taxes through a low-interest home equity loan.

Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program

Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program helps eligible seniors finance home repairs, adaptations and renovations through a low-interest home equity loan.

For more information, see the individual program pages or the Seniors Financial Assistance information booklet.

Eligibility

You should get a Seniors Financial Assistance application package in the mail six months before your 65th birthday. If you did not get this package, call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992.

To be eligible you must:

  • be 65 years of age or older
  • have lived in Alberta for at least 3 months immediately before applying
  • be a Canadian citizen, or have been admitted into Canada for permanent residence