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Sometimes EI benefits are not enough to meet the apprentice's costs while in technical training, OR the apprentice may not have worked sufficient hours to be eligible for EI benefits.
Financial assistance from the Skills Investment (SI) programs of Alberta Employment and Immigration may be available for a registered apprentice who:
To be considered for financial assistance from the SI programs, an apprentice must submit an application to Students Finance. If the application is approved, the apprentice will receive financial assistance in the form of a grant.
A grant does NOT have to be repaid. However, like EI benefits, grants provided through the SI programs are taxable.
The amount of financial assistance is based on the apprentice's demonstrated need and is used to cover tuition, books and living expenses incurred while attending the technical training portion of their apprenticeship program.
Extraordinary living costs associated with the technical training can be considered if there is a documented need.
Note: Prior to March 1, 2002 financial assistance to apprentices was provided as a loan (not a grant). Apprentices who received loans for their technical training must repay those loans. For more information, see Loans issued to apprentices before March 2002.
The Income Support Application for Apprentices (EMP 3697) (English version) and the guide to completing the application are available from any:
Application forms (English version) are NOT available for downloading and printing from the internet. This financial application form is colour coded to facilitate processing by the Learner Income Support Centre, Alberta Employment and Immigration so the official, pre-printed application forms MUST be used.
To access a sample application go to: http://employment.alberta.ca/CES/3192.html and click on the full-time training link.
Completed applications are sent to:
Alberta Employment and Immigration
Learner Income Support Centre
P.O. Box 28000, Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R4
Apprentices should submit a completed application as soon as they receive notification of acceptance into technical training, or as soon as they are placed on a waiting list for the training.
The sooner the application is completed and sent to the Learner Income Support Centre, Alberta Employment and Immigration, the sooner the apprentice will be notified of the decision and, if the application is approved, the more likely funding will be available at the start of technical training.
Apprentices should check the completion instructions that come with the application to ensure they are including all the necessary documentation to address their unique situation.
Applications that are incomplete or not completed correctly will be returned to the apprentice for correction. This will delay funding and may create financial hardship for the apprentice during training.
To avoid delay:
All information provided by apprentices on the application is subject to audit. Applicants are responsible for keeping all records and receipts for the costs and resources they list on their application.
Completed applications are sent to:
Alberta Employment and Immigration
Learner Income Support Centre
P.O. Box 28000, Stations Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R4
The Learner Income Support Centre, Alberta Employment and Immigration mails a Notice of Assessment (NOA) to the apprentice at the address provided on the application form. The NOA tells the apprentice the results of the assessment for financial need under SI program guidelines. If the application confirms a financial need, the NOA will identify how much money the apprentice is to receive and when the cheque will be mailed.
Grant cheques are mailed directly to the apprentice at the address on file at the Learner Income Support Centre, Alberta Employment and Immigration.
The apprentice MUST notify the Learner Income Support Centre, Alberta Employment and Immigration immediately of any address changes.
Grant funds are considered taxable income. The apprentice will receive a T4E to include with their income tax return. The T4E will be mailed to the address on file at the Learner Income Support Centre, Alberta Employment and Immigration.
If an apprentice receives a grant through SI programs but does not use the money for the period of technical training indicated on the application, the money MUST be returned to the Learner Income Support Centre, Alberta Employment and Immigration for cancellation. If this is not done, any future applications for financial assistance may be affected.
If you have any questions regarding SI program grants or if you would like further information on what documentation should be submitted with your application form:
