Child and Youth Support

Child & Youth Support Brochure

The Child and Youth Support Program (CYS) provides financial and medical benefits for a child when the parents/guardians are unable or unwilling to care for the child, and the child is being cared for in another home of an adult caregiver.

This program is intended to supplement some of the child's needs and offset some of the costs associated with the care and is payable to the caregiver of the child. The care and responsibility of the child remains with the parents/guardian and caregiver.

Who is eligible for the program?
The caregiver and child may be eligible to receive benefits if:

  • The child's parents/guardians have completed a "Program Consent Form"for the caregiver to provide care for the child OR the caregiver has private guardianship of the child.
  • The child is under 18 years of age at the time of application.
  • The child's income does not exceed the financial guidelines of the program.
  • The child/youth is attending school, employed full-time or attending a full-time training program.
  • The child must be residing with the caregiver seven days per week.
  • The parent/guardian who is unable or unwilling to provide care for their child may not be living in the same home as the caregiver.
  • The caregiver does not live on-reserve (The Child Out of Parental Home Program is available for caregivers who live on-reserve.)

Biological and adoptive parents are not eligible to apply for the CYS benefits for their own children.

What benefits are available on behalf of the child?
The amount of the benefits vary based on the age and income received on behalf of the child.

     Basic Benefit:

  • Children 0 - 11 years: Up to $105.00/month
  • Children 12 - 17 years: Up to $148.00/month

     Limited Supplementary Benefits:

  • Extended medical coverage under the Alberta Child Health Benefit Program
  • Child care expenses
  • School fees/expenses
  • Annual Supplementary Benefit: Up to $200/year

Income received on behalf of the child
The income of a caregiver is not considered in determining eligibility for this program.  Certain income that may be received on behalf of or directly by the child is considered for determining program eligibility.  This income includes:

  • Maintenance/Child support payment
  • SFI or Assured Support - where the child is a dependant
  • Income received through the child's employment
  • The child's student loans or grants

The Canada Child Tax Benefit and the National Child Benefit Supplement are exempt income sources.

Applying for the Child and Youth Support Program
As the situation of each child is unique, it is recommended the CYS Caseworker meet in person with caregiver and child to complete the application and review what benefits are available. Call 780-415-9703 for further information.