myfortmcmurray

Debit Card Relief Funding

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Photo by David Kennedy on Unsplash

The information on this page was obtained from the Emergency updates page on the Government of Alberta website. The original and most up-to-date copy can be found here.

Fort McMurray area residents may be eligible for one-time debit card relief funding to help with evacuation costs:

  • $1,250 for each eligible adult
  • $500 for each dependent child under 18

This funding is tax free and will not limit other benefits like EI or AISH.

Eligibility

You’re eligible if you were forced to leave the Fort McMurray area because of wildfire and you were unable to return home for a minimum of 7 days because of:

  • an evacuation order;
  • an imminent health and safety threat(s), such as extreme air quality advisories, no access to water, no power, etc.; or
  • a lack of reasonable transportation options to return home.

If you were evacuated from a work camp and were unable to return home for 7 days, or you incurred extraordinary personal expenses to return home, you may also be eligible.

You’re not eligible if you:

  • are from a community that was not impacted;
  • were not in or weren’t planning to return to the affected area during the evacuation period; or
  • were in the community when the evacuation occurred but were able to return home within 7 days without incurring extraordinary personal cost.

The evacuation period lasts until the evacuation notice is lifted.

What to bring with you

  • Red Cross registration number issued when you register as an evacuee
  • photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, student ID or employee ID, and your social insurance number, for you and your partner/spouse and/or dependents
  • proof of residence or presence in the community such as a utility bill, car registration, insurance documents or a lease/rental receipt
  • an adult may apply for the entire family with identification that shows the family relationship for those seeking debit cards. Examples include:
    • marriage license
    • birth certificates
    • passports
    • documents for school/extra-curricular activities

If you need to replace lost ID, you can request a new card from a registry agent free of charge.

Where to go

Starting on Tuesday, May 24, you’ll be able to get your debit card from the following Alberta Works Centres. Offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, unless otherwise stated.

Edmonton

Calgary

Red Deer

Lac La Biche

Grande Prairie

Medicine Hat

Lethbridge

Out-of-province or unable to travel

We’re currently reviewing how best to distribute relief funding to evacuees unable to visit a debit card location. This includes:

  • evacuees staying in another area of the province, or outside of Alberta
  • those unable to visit a debit card location due to hospitalization or other concern
  • individuals with mobility issues
  • people with special needs
  • seniors

This information will be shared as soon as it becomes available, and we appreciate your patience as we work through this. There is no cut-off date for relief funding; all eligible evacuees will receive assistance.

An online application process is not available.

If you have questions, please call 310-4455, or 1-844-406-3276 if outside of Alberta.

How debit cards work

One debit card will be issued for each household and will be pre-loaded with the total amount that all members of the household are eligible to receive.

You can withdraw cash, pay for items online, or make purchases at any business that takes debit or credit cards.

Each purchase amount will be deducted from the total on the card.

Debit card info and instructions