INTENT

To assist clients who are escaping an abusive situation with the cost of setting up a new residence.

POLICY

In order to receive a personal benefit, the eligibility criteria as outlined in the Personal Benefits section must be met.

The AISH program will help clients and their dependent children leave an abusive situation and establish a new residence. This is to enable clients to find accommodations that are independent and safe from the abuser.

The client may require only a single benefit or a combination of Escaping Abuse Benefits.  Eligibility for each benefit should be considered separately.

Clients dealing with emergency situations such as domestic violence may also be eligible for emergency benefits except when duplication would occur. Only those benefits that are required in each particular situation will be issued. 

Substantiation

• Establishing a New Residence (Community Start Up): Verbal statement from the client.
• Moving Benefit: An estimate or invoice.
• Escaping Abuse Damage Deposit: The amount is verified by receipt of a lease/rental agreement, letter from landlord etc.
  
  

AISH Workers may request additional documentation if the AISH Worker deems it necessary.

Rate
One or more of the following benefits may be provided:

• Moving benefit;
• Actual cost of Damage Deposit; and
• Establishing a New Residence.
  
  

Certificate Confirming Grounds to Terminate Tenancy
A certificate allowing for the termination of a tenancy without financial penalty is provided by the Common Service Processing Centre when an adult Albertan or their dependent child or a protected adult who lives with them is being abused or at risk of being abused.  Certificates Confirming Grounds to Terminate Tenancy are available to all eligible Albertans, including AISH clients. 

To obtain a Certificate Confirming Grounds to Terminate Tenancy a court order such as an emergency protection order, a Queen’s Bench protection order or a restraining order is required.  Alternatively, a statement from a person in a professional capacity such as a police officer, social worker, physician, nurse, psychologist, or other appropriate individual outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act can also be used.  

For more information on how to obtain a certificate see the Safer Spaces website (www.saferspaces.alberta.ca) or contact the Common Service Processing Centre by calling 780-422-4080   in Edmonton or toll-free by calling 310-0000 followed by the number.