Eviction can be an overwhelming and stressful experience for tenants in Alberta. Beyond finding new housing, many tenants must quickly secure job opportunities or financial support, especially if their income is disrupted. Alberta offers several programs and services to help you get back on your feet, navigate job loss, and access income support. This guide provides practical information, official resources, and government forms specific to Alberta's post-eviction challenges.

Understanding Alberta's Support Systems After Eviction

After eviction, you may require help paying for daily essentials, searching for work, or securing emergency income. Alberta’s government and community resources are designed to assist tenants facing these hardships.

Income Support Programs

The Income Support program in Alberta provides temporary financial assistance for basic needs such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation. You may qualify if you are unemployed or cannot work due to circumstances like eviction.

• Who can apply? Alberta residents aged 18 or older, in financial need, and legally allowed to work in Canada.
• Types of support: Core benefits (essential needs), and sometimes additional emergency benefits after losing your home.
• How to apply: Use the Income Support application online, call the Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre.

Emergency Financial Assistance

If you are facing an immediate crisis—such as homelessness due to eviction—Alberta’s Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) can provide rapid, one-time help for essentials (including a security deposit, first month's rent, or emergency shelter).

• How to apply: Call the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135.
• What forms are required? If applying in person, you may need to complete the Income Support Application (EMP 2448). Download the EMP 2448 form here.
• Provide proof of your current situation, identity, and income needs.

For long-term access to benefits, it’s important to complete any required interviews or documentation with an Alberta Supports worker.

Job Search and Employment Resources

Stabilizing your income after eviction may mean a new job search. Alberta’s government offers free career services and job-finding tools:

• alberta.jobs (ALIS Alberta): Province-wide job board, resume workshops, and employment counselling.
• Alberta Supports Centres: In-person help with job programs, training, and skills upgrading.
• Employment Insurance (EI): If you lost your job and qualify, apply through the Government of Canada website.

Job search support can help you regain financial independence faster. You can also find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to restart your housing journey as you stabilize your income.

Additional Supports: Food, Shelter, and Advocacy

If you’ve recently been evicted and have no immediate place to go, consider contacting:

• Alberta Homeless Shelters: Emergency shelter options in major cities and towns.
• 211 Alberta: Connects you to local food banks, crisis lines, and community agencies in your area.
• Tenant Advocacy: Many local legal clinics can provide guidance about your rights during and after eviction, as well as help navigating support programs.

If you're moving out under stressful circumstances, review the Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit to help reduce risk and protect your interests.

Which Board Handles Tenancy Issues in Alberta?

In Alberta, tenant and eviction matters are handled by the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). Visit the RTDRS official site here for applications, rules, or appeals related to rental disputes.

The main law is Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act, outlining landlords’ and tenants’ rights and obligations.^[1]

What to Know About Your Deposits and Moving Out

Losing your home may also mean dealing with your security deposit or last month's rent:

• You have the right to the return of your security deposit, less lawful deductions, after moving out.
• Document your move-out condition—this helps if you dispute deductions or need to recover funds quickly.
• How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out breaks down the process, including timelines and tips for faster refunds.

If you’re interested in knowing more about your provincial rights and obligations, see the detailed summary in Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Forms and When to Use Them

Several government forms relate to tenants seeking income assistance or managing eviction aftermath in Alberta:

• Income Support Application (EMP 2448)
  • When to use: To apply for Alberta’s ongoing Income Support. Essential if you cannot meet basic needs after eviction.
  • Where to get it: Download EMP 2448 from Alberta.ca
  • How to submit: Print and fill out, then take to an Alberta Supports Centre, or apply online if able.
• Request for Emergency Income Support (phone request, no specific form)
  • When to use: In an urgent, crisis situation such as immediate homelessness following eviction.
  • How to complete: Call 1-866-644-5135 for phone-based screening and support.

For rental law-related applications (like contesting an eviction), access RTDRS forms on the RTDRS Forms and Fees page.

FAQs: Navigating Job and Income Support After Eviction

1. What financial help can I get right after eviction in Alberta?
   Alberta offers Emergency Financial Assistance for urgent needs, plus ongoing Income Support for basic living costs. Apply by phone or at an Alberta Supports Centre.
2. How do I apply for income support?
   You can apply online at Alberta.ca, by phone, or with the EMP 2448 form at an Alberta Supports office. You'll provide identification and details about your financial situation.
3. Where can I find job openings or get career help after eviction?
   Visit the ALIS Alberta job board or an Alberta Supports Centre for job search help, skills workshops, and employment counseling.
4. Is my security deposit at risk after eviction?
   Your landlord can only deduct lawful amounts for damages or unpaid rent. For more details, see How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.
5. What law protects Alberta tenants after eviction?
   The Residential Tenancies Act sets the rules for landlords and tenants, including deposit refunds and notice periods.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Income Support: Government details, eligibility, and application links.
• Alberta Supports Centres: In-person assistance for income, jobs, and housing referrals.
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): For rental law issues and filing disputes.
• Edmonton Community Legal Centre & Alberta Legal Aid: Legal advice for tenants in need.
• 211 Alberta: Community resources, shelters, and crisis support.
• Understand your provincial rental laws at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (RSA 2000 c R-17.1)
2. Alberta Income Support Official Page
3. Emergency Financial Assistance, Alberta.ca

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy