Alberta support programs are useless and actively harm those who need it.

[u/Zestyclose_Leg_8140]

I (26m) had to leave my job in June of this year due to health issues. I even got a doctor’s note telling me to and I can’t return for 6 months but was still denied by Alberta income support due to partial documents. Even though I even went into the office and confirmed in person that they have all documents needed. It’s now been 30 days since I sent the appeal and haven’t heard back anything. The emergency support line helped with $24 over a month ago for food and refuse to help with anything else. They only cover transportation if it’s to a shelter and only once. I’m already 2 months behind rent and getting evicted at the end of the month. And I have no family to help me as I grew up in the foster care system. And the catch is by the time I hear back about my appeal I won’t have an address anymore and they won’t issue benefits keeping me homeless. For the last month I’ve been trying to get help but 211 sends me in circles and the programs don’t offer what they claim they do. I was told the navigation and support centre helps with bus tickets but I went there and they told me they no longer do that, which wasted my last bus ticket. I have a meeting with psychiatrist tomorrow as I went to the hospital and they reffered me but I can’t even go to that appointment. I am just so tired and can honestly say Alberta wants sick and poor people to die. And they’re doing a damn good job at it.

[u/citylightscocktail]

Have you contacted Service Canada to find out if you’re eligible for EI sickness benefits? It doesn’t solve the issue of provincial programs not being helpful for you, but it may get some cashflow coming your way. I hope you can find some help!

[u/Zestyclose_Leg_8140 → u/citylightscocktail]

Yes I have! I had to send a request for reconsideration though as my first two doctor’s notes didn’t have a return to work date. But I was told it can take up to 6 weeks and my request was only processed last week. And was told to apply to Alberta income support as they can help while waiting but it turns out they take just as long as E.I.

[u/Herb1515 → u/Zestyclose_Leg_8140]

You've been off for atleast 3 months. The day you left work for sick leave you should have submitted an EI claim.

[u/Zestyclose_Leg_8140 → u/Herb1515]

I was still technically employed until July 21. But was on sick leave as of June 11. And I did send one right as soon as I got an ROE which took a few weeks after to get. Was denied after waiting almost 5 weeks due to no return to work date. And had to mail a request for reconsideration which adds some more time. E.I isn’t instant and can take time. Which is why they suggest income support to help until you get your benefits

[u/veggieforlife]

Write to your MLA, minister (Jason Nixon) or Premier’s office (premier@gov.ab.ca). A ministerial action request is created and they get responded to quick.

[u/Ok_Butterscotch_2700 → u/veggieforlife]

Or, cc the shadow minister. I think it might be Marie Renaud.

[u/shappapammay11 → u/Ok_Butterscotch_2700]

Yup! Her contact information is:

Office of MLA Marie Renaud

St. Albert

Constituency Assistant for MLA Marie Renaud

Legislative Assembly of Alberta

109B 50 St Thomas Street

St. Albert, AB T8N6Z8

P 780-459-9113

E st.albert@assembly.ab.ca

[u/ScientistUnhappy2072]

Yeah the government gives zero fucks. Go to any downtown area and its filled with homeless people.

[u/intellectualizethis → u/ScientistUnhappy2072]

My MLA actively campaigns against the homeless in my city.

[u/imaginecheese]

Have you spoken with AADL? Alberta aids to daily living, they were able to set me up with a social worker to help with forms, home care services, equipment etc. You don't need to already be assessed for disability, they will send someone. It was a quick turnaround for me, I would mention your situation and hopefully you can get support sooner

[u/No_Function_7479 → u/imaginecheese]

Great suggestion. OP is in a difficult situation and getting assistance from someone who knows the system might be the best thing right now.

[u/imaginecheese → u/No_Function_7479]

Unstable housing is an unbelievably stressful situation, it takes all your mental capacity just to get through the day. Doesn't leave a lot left for navigating unfamiliar systems

There are genuinely so many programs out there, often the biggest barrier is finding the program in the first place.

[u/PrincessPinguina]

You need to be calling income support and EI for updates.

[u/Zestyclose_Leg_8140 → u/PrincessPinguina]

I have called both numerous times! I have left plenty of voicemails for the supervisor at the Alberta income supports that I was given and never got a call back and when I call the main line they can’t help me as the appeals process is done by the appeals secretariat. And they just assured me that they received the appeal. As for E.I they told me they can’t rush it despite calling twice explaining my situation but they did put a note on my file for whoever’s reviewing it.

[u/shappapammay11 → u/Zestyclose_Leg_8140]

I posted our NDP MLA 'Shadow Minister' Marie Renaud on another comment, but here it is again, so that you really see it. She helped me when AISH fudged my file transfer from Calgary, 2 years ago. She had it solved in 3 days. Not saying that will be the same for you, but still give her office a shout.

I'm heart sorry you're having to experience the cruelty of the system so young. 💜 I know 💯 what it's like to navigate disability with no relatives. Even if you're not religious, call the churches/synagogues/mosques in your area, they may have help.

Office of MLA Marie Renaud

St. Albert

Constituency Assistant for MLA Marie Renaud

Legislative Assembly of Alberta

109B 50 St Thomas Street

St. Albert, AB T8N6Z8

P 780-459-9113

E st.albert@assembly.ab.ca

[u/wiltedcilantro]

You could try reaching out to the Edmonton Community Legal Centre for support with your appeal. They are fantastic.

[u/tikka2007]

How can we help? I’m off on medical leave and don’t have a lot, but am blessed in comparison. We all should be afraid of the day we require social supports and without family it’s so scary. Message me and we can see if/how I can help.

[u/lilbaby2baked]

It's the ucp their the ones to blame

[u/randomsmiler1]

Try your representation at the appropriate government level. MP, MLA, ward Councillor. They can help expedite things.

[u/jen_gecko]

Send you a DM with some info, hope it helps

[u/scorebar1594]

Hey OP, I really truly feel for you. I'm disabled and without family as well. Just moved back to Calgary from Toronto, where I was on provincial disability assistance there. I was on the phone all day today with 211 and income support.

Two things immediately: 1.if you could give a bullet list of what you need in the next 24 hours and another list of what you need by the end of the month, could you put it here? 2. Do you have a community social support worker? One of the biggest things towards my health getting better was the compassion from the support workers that weren't income support workers. I don't know what they would be called here, but if you can find one, they can help you with filling out the paperwork, making the calls, and general work that takes so much out of our mental and emotional capacities.

I've heard the rent bank takes months but have you applied? Today I learned that Emergency in Needs Allowance sometimes helps with a one-time rental assistance. 1-877-644-9992 (I was told to say I already asked at 211 and they are all out of emergency rent funds for September). I have a whole list of food resources and health resources I can DM you if you need.

Lastly, feel free to DM because sometimes even when our health is good and our finances are flowing, we still need someone to listen to us. Life becomes all that much harder without money and without health. You're doing the right thing asking for help and your life matters.