St. Albert residents and other women in the province who are on Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) or income support will be eligible for a new prenatal benefit starting in May.
On March 10, Premier Jason Kenney, along with Minister of Community and Social Services Jason Luong, announced eligible women will be able to receive $100 per month starting in the second trimester until the baby is born, for a total of $600.
The new prenatal needs benefit will come into effect on May 1, and will be retroactive to Jan. 1, Luong said in an email.
The benefit is intended to help eligible women manage their challenges and improve health and well-being for themselves and their unborn children, said Kenney during the press conference.
“Support early in a mother's pregnancy makes a real difference. We hope this money will help to ease financial pressures on families preparing to welcome a new member. It's another step towards reducing barriers and improving quality of life for women in Alberta,” Kenney said.
The department of Community and Social Services estimates the additional support will help around 2,500 mothers in the province.
“Targeted investment in social supports like this helps moms and families today and can help to reduce costs to the provincial health system in the long run while contributing to a healthier future in Alberta,” Kenney said.
Kenney said the province is keeping one of its promises from last month's throne speech.
“Many vulnerable women and girls have inadequate support during pregnancy, which can affect their child's health and life chances to assist low-income mothers and improve health outcomes for their babies. The government will significantly increase and expand prenatal benefits to mothers receiving AISH and income support,” Kenney quoted from the throne speech.
In a press statement, NDP Critic for Community and Social Services Marie Renaud said increasing support for the 2,500 mothers who would receive this funding will be meaningful for them.
“However, the UCP must take meaningful steps to help the over 100,000 people on AISH and income support who are seeing their everyday costs increase from groceries, utilities, and housing.
Renaud said it is disappointing that, with high oil prices, the UCP are not indexing income support and AISH to inflation.
“Poverty is increasing across the province, and it is becoming even more challenging for the most vulnerable to make ends meet,” said Renaud.
The new benefit is on top of the one-time natal benefit of $256 for expectant mothers on AISH and income support at 36 weeks of pregnancy.
It is estimated the new benefit will cost the province $1.5 million annually.
To access the benefit or get more information on the new program you can contact your case worker or Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992.
