Closed
Source verified July 10, 2026
Critical Worker Benefit
Support for eligible critical workers in Alberta
Funding available
Up to 8% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
This program provides a one-time payment of $1,200 for eligible workers in approved Alberta sectors. It supports employers in private sector health, care, and essential service settings for eligible work performed during the defined period.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Up to 8% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Payment of a one-time critical worker benefit to eligible employees
- Administration of employer-led payments to workers through payroll systems
Documents Needed
- Application form with eligibility declaration
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Alberta Corporate Access Number and legal business details
- Worker pay stubs or payroll records
- Worker information such as name, birth date, SIN, wage, start date, and hours paid
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Private sector employers in Alberta
- Private for-profit and not-for-profit health care settings
- Private health clinics, including physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners
- Selected essential-service sectors in the private sector
Who is not eligible
- Federal, provincial, or municipal governments
- Political parties
- Crown agencies, boards, commissions, or corporations
- Non-profit organizations in the private sector phase two
- Businesses related to cannabis
Eligible expenses
- One-time payment to eligible workers
- Additional employer funding to cover payroll-related costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Regular paid wages
- Employer top-up pay or other COVID-19 related worker payments
- Payments to ineligible workers
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Selection criteria
- First completed application, first approved basis
- Applications must meet the eligibility criteria in force at the time of assessment
- Applications may be declined if requested information is not provided in time
How to apply
- Step 1: Create a user account
- Create or log in to a My Alberta Digital ID for Business account.
- Use the account to access the online application portal.
- Step 2: Complete the online application
- Enter business and worker information.
- Provide banking details and supporting payroll records.
- Submit the application through the portal before the deadline.
- Step 3: Sign the agreement
- Review the grant agreement.
- Have an authorized signing official sign it digitally.
- Step 4: Await review and follow-up
- Monitor the portal for any request for additional information.
- Respond within the required timeframe if information is requested.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed against the program’s eligibility criteria
- Applications are audited for accuracy and program integrity
- Applicants are notified of approval through the online portal
- A signed grant agreement is required before funding is in force
- Approved employers must confirm workers received the benefit
Additional information
- Phase one of the program is closed.
- Applications are reviewed in order of completion.
- Funding is limited and applications may not be approved if funds are exhausted.
- Approved employers may be publicly listed online.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Critical Worker Benefit Program
What is the Critical Worker Benefit?
This program provides a one-time payment of $1,200 for eligible workers in approved Alberta sectors. It supports employers in private sector health, care, and essential service settings for eligible work performed during the defined period.
How much funding can be received?
Critical Worker Benefit Funds up to 8% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Critical Worker Benefit program?
To be eligible for the Critical Worker Benefit program, you must:
Employer must operate in Alberta
Worker must meet paid-hours requirement
Worker must be in an eligible sector or role
What expenses are eligible under Critical Worker Benefit?
Payment of a one-time critical worker benefit to eligible employees
Administration of employer-led payments to workers through payroll systems
Who can I contact for more information about the Critical Worker Benefit?
You can contact Government of Alberta by email at cwb@gov.ab.ca or by phone at +1(833)611-1140.
Where is the Critical Worker Benefit available?
The Critical Worker Benefit program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Critical Worker Benefit a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Critical Worker Benefit is a Grant and Funding