Albertans who depend on the Assured Revenue for the Severly Handicapped (AISH) and Revenue Assist packages will get their funds 4 enterprise days earlier than the primary of the month, the province mentioned Friday.
The change comes after suggestions from Albertans on AISH and different revenue helps, based on the province, and can give individuals extra time to pay their payments and assist stop pointless late fees.
March would be the first month with the brand new fee date.
The province says these receiving funds will get a discover to replace any automated invoice funds once they get their February direct deposit slip or cheque.
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The complete fee schedule may also be discovered on-line, it provides.
Greg McMeekin, an advocate for individuals with disabilities, says funds on the primary of the month, which took impact in 2020, have created monetary challenges for Albertans.
“I’m happy that the Authorities of Alberta has listened to Albertans who obtain AISH or Revenue Assist by altering the profit fee date,” he mentioned in an announcement. “Implementing this variation will enormously help individuals in assembly their monetary obligations.”
The Opposition NDP says it has been advocating for modifications for a number of years.
“In 2020, we wrote to the Auditor Common (AG) asking them to look into this dangerous change,” Marie Renaud, group social companies critic, mentioned in an announcement. “In November 2020, an AG report clearly said that the UCP modified the Assured Revenue for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Revenue Assist fee schedule to make their steadiness sheet look higher.
“The fee schedule modifications ought to have been reversed instantly after the AG report — and with an apology,” she continued. “As an alternative, Albertans with disabilities confronted eviction notices, non-sufficient funds fees, and late lease penalties.
“In some instances, people counting on AISH funds sought out payday loans so as to pay their payments on time.”
In keeping with the province, about 76,000 Albertans obtain AISH advantages and round 50,000 individuals obtain Revenue Assist advantages.
