Alberta Critical Worker Benefit
The Critical Worker Benefit provides a one-time payment of $1,200 to eligible Albertans in recognition of their hard work to provide Albertans with the care and critical services they need.
Through the benefit, the Government of Alberta will distribute up to $465 million in funding to eligible workers. This includes up to $118 million in provincial funds, in addition to $347 million from the federal government’s benefit program for low-wage critical workers.
Phase 2 eligibility
The Critical Worker Benefit is currently available to workers in the social services and private sectors who:
- provide critical services to Albertans
- are essential to the supply and movement of goods
- have a potential risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their work environments
Private Sector Eligibility
To be eligible for the benefit, private sector workers must:
- have worked a minimum of 300 hours during the period of October 12, 2020, to January 31, 2021
- be making $25 per hour or less
- be located and working in Alberta
- have not yet received the Critical Worker Benefit
Workers in the following private sector occupations are eligible to receive the Critical Worker Benefit:
1. truck transportation, primarily engaged in the transportation of goods, in the following occupations:
- transport truck drivers
- light duty cleaners
- janitors, caretakers and building superintendents
- security guards and related security services material handlers
- delivery and courier services drivers
- other trades helpers and labourers
2. crop production, animal production or aquaculture directly involved in the production of food for human consumption
3. funeral homes, cemeteries and crematoria
not eligible: municipally-run funeral homes, cemeteries and crematoria
4. security guards
not eligible: private investigators, armoured car guard, house detective, personal bodyguards and security
5. light duty cleaners, janitors and specialized cleaners working in commercial, institution and industrial locations
not eligible: private residence cleaners
6.taxi drivers
not eligible: chauffers and drivers of ride-share companies such as Uber and Lyft
7. workers in full-service restaurants and limited services eating places – workers must be primarily involved in the preparation, cooking or service delivery in an eligible establishment
not eligible: drinking places that do not serve food onsite
Deadline
Private sector employers have until Friday, July 23, 2021, to apply. Applications will be assessed on a first completed, first approved basis.
How to Apply
Private sector employers must apply on behalf of their eligible employees using the application portal.
Read the application guidelines to determine eligibility
In order to access the application portal, you must have a MyAlberta Digital ID Business (MADI-B)
Portal Access Here.
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