Income Support, Training and Health Benefits Regulation, Schedule 4, section 20
Full Time Learners:  Schedules 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Advanced Education)
Full Time Learners:  Schedules 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Labour and Immigration)

INTENT

The Government of Alberta provides supports to ensure the ongoing safety of victims of abuse. The Personal Benefit – Telephone and Transportation – Leaving Abusive Situation is provided to help cover costs of telephone and transportation in order to access services needed to remain independent from the abuser.

POLICY

The Personal Benefit – Telephone and Transportation – Leaving Abusive Situation is provided to a learner when they or a member of their household unit has been abused. This benefit will allow them to remain independent from the abuser.

To receive this benefit the victim of abuse can either have left the abuser or the abuser could have left the victim.

This benefit is issued to enable victims of abuse to access telephone and transportation services needed to secure their safety.

Rate

A household will receive this benefit for a period of six months with extensions provided as required, or until the end of the training period, whichever comes first. See: Benefit Rate Table for amount.

PROCEDURE

The learner must submit either a Learner Income Support Application (Full-Time Study) or a Change in Circumstances form requesting the benefit.

Substantiation

Learners substantiate their need for this benefit by:

• Statement of the learner or training provider’s knowledge of the abuse, or
• Evidence from another professional source (e.g. physician, nurse practitioner, police, women’s shelter).

APPROVAL

Learner Benefit Coordinator, Learner Income Support Office