Albertans on AISH to see community housing rent increase

Rent is going up by more than 200 dollars for some Albertans who rely on provincial disability payments and live in community housing.

Some locals are concerned this is happening at the same time the province is clawing back  a 200 dollar federal disability benefit from those on AISH.

“I received some emails saying that my rent is going up, and for me this is very mentally frustrating,” said Kavin Sheikheldin, AISH recipient living in community housing.

Sheikheldin lives in community housing in Calgary and relies on funding from the assured income for the severely handicapped. The rent increase comes at a time when those on provincial benefits are already being stretched to their financial limits, says Sheikheldin.

“Electricity or food, for example, me, I have celiac disease, and grocery would be the only option I would say that I could lower from my expenses list, other things are a must pay,” said Sheikheldin.

In a statement to CityNews, a spokesperson for the ministry of assisted living and social services said the province is changing the way income is assessed for Albertans on benefits.

According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Association, housing is considered affordable if it makes up 30 per cent of a household income.

“Currently, in Alberta, there are inequalities between renters who earn their income through employment and those who receive tax-free government benefits; people with employment income are paying 30 per cent of their adjusted income for rent, while people who receive government benefits are currently paying about 17 per cent of their income,” said Amber Edgerton, press secretary of ministry of assisted living and social services.

It comes at the same time the province is clawing back a 200 dollar per month federal disability benefit.

“It’s frustrating, and it’s kind of hard to take because that 200 dollars is meant to lift us out of poverty,” said Tarah Patterson, AISH recipient.

While Ottawa has rolled out a 200 dollar a month federal disability benefit, those who qualify in Alberta wont see the money in their bank accounts.

In May of this year, minister Jason Nixon defended the move at the time saying Alberta has the highest AISH payments in the country at over 1900 dollars per month.

Non-profit lawyers who help Albertans apply for provincial disability benefits told CityNews it can be a confusing and costly process for those trying to receive assistance.

“Under the AISH legislation, AISH recipients have to try to avail themselves of any social benefits that could potentially reduce the overall benefit they get from AISH. So of course there’s added anxiety, added physical need to transport to these doctors,” said Colton Stevenson, staff lawyer at Edmonton Community Legal Centre.

The rent increases are expected to go up October 1.