Low-income victims to get extra funding

There is additional help for low-income individuals and families displaced by the southern Alberta floods.

In addition to pre-loaded debit cards offered to any residents forced from their home for at least seven days, low-income Albertans — including social assistance recipients — can also apply for money from the province’s emergency needs allowance program.

Unlike the debit cards, which offer a set amount — $1,250 for every adult and $500 for each child — to those who qualify, eligibility for the emergency needs allowance is decided on a case-by-case basis.

“We have to sit down and do a financial needs assessment,” Alberta Human Services spokeswoman Tracey Kipta said.

“Not everyone does qualify. You need to be within certain parameters.”

Generally speaking, people who aren’t on income support must demonstrate they don’t earn enough money to cover the cost of the emergency.

The allowance is designed to cover costs such as food, child care, clothing, damage deposit or utility arrears.

As of Friday morning, provincial officials had distributed just over 30,000 debit cards.

The executive director of the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative said he’s glad there’s additional help for low-income Albertans.

“They’re the most vulnerable, with the greatest need and will have experienced the greatest impact,” said Derek Cook.