More than 106K Albertans sign up for $100 affordability rebates as applications open
Posted Jul 1, 2026 12:10 pm.
Last Updated Jul 2, 2026 4:59 pm.
The Alberta government says more than 106,000 residents applied for $100 relief cheques in just over 24 hours.
The direct deposits are meant to help Albertans deal with the high cost of living. But high traffic to the government’s website left some frustrated by technological hurdles when it launched Wednesday.
Nearly 3.4 million Albertans will be eligible for the direct payments, according to Premier Danielle Smith.
Jonathan Gauthier, spokesperson for Technology Minister Nate Glubish, said in a statement Thursday that the “performance issue” affecting sign-ins to the site was fixed.
He said the government is also looking at ways to improve the application process for users whose bank doesn’t use the online Interac verification process.
The province said it expects the money to land in bank accounts within two weeks after an application is received.
It’s also aware that some Albertans are hitting snags, and it recognizes the bank verification process has been a source of frustration, said Gauthier.
Smith announced the one-time rebate earlier in June instead of replacing a gas tax cut.
Under the new plan, Alberta residents who are 18 or older, have filed a 2025 tax return, and have a household income of $225,000 or less are eligible to apply for the Energy Rebate through the provincial website.
Eligible individuals will receive $100, while two‑adult households will receive $200. Families may receive additional $100 payments for each eligible adult family member or child aged 18 or older living in the same home.
It’s not taxable, and there’s no need to report the funds to the Canada Revenue Agency.
The province, meanwhile, is continuing to charge the 13‑cent‑per‑litre provincial fuel tax. Smith said during her announcement that gas tax reductions don’t ensure savings flow to consumers.
This also comes after months of elevated fuel prices linked to the U.S.–Iran conflict. The province tabled a $4.1 billion deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year; the government says the final impact of oil prices on the deficit will be detailed in the year‑end fiscal report due before the end of June.
You can apply online on the Government of Alberta website here.
