BNF Agency Portal
The Basic Needs Fund (BNF) provides one-time emergency financial assistance to low-income Calgarians facing urgent hardship, helping prevent housing loss, utility disconnections, and other crises that threaten stability.
Basic Needs Application Process
Please review the process, timeline, and requirements below.
Step 1
Ensure your client meets the eligibility requirements listed below.
Step 2
Complete a Basic Needs Fund intake request form.
Step 3
An Advocate will contact the caseworker within 2–3 business days to confirm the client’s eligibility. If eligible, we will request documentation from the caseworker.
Step 4
Once the supporting documents have been received, an advocate will provide updates to the caseworker and follow up as needed.
Step 5
If approved, the advocate will follow up with the caseworker, and the client and landlord or utility provider will also be notified. Payments to utility providers will be mailed, while cheques issued to landlords will require pickup unless alternative arrangements have been made or requested.
Eligibility
Before applying to the fund, please ensure your client meets the following criteria:
- Your client has contacted Alberta Works Emergency Financial Assistance (1-877-644-9992) and have received a response from them.
- Your client lives in Calgary.
- Your client lives on a low-income and/or are experiencing a temporary financial crisis.
- Your client is sustainable, meaning from month to month their income is sufficient to cover expenses under normal circumstances.
What Supporting Documents Are Needed?
After you submit an application, we'll review it and follow up to request the following documents. Please have them ready so you can send them to us quickly when we ask.
Sending these documents doesn't guarantee support. They help us review each request fairly and consistently.
Photo ID
Government-issued photo ID for all adults in the household. For dependents, any valid form of identification (if applicable).
Bank Statements
Last 3 months of bank statements for the client and their spouse or partner, including all chequing, savings, and credit accounts. Please review these before sending them to us.
Signed Rent Report or Lease Agreement
For rent-related assistance, provide a signed lease, rent report, or any eviction notice, plus the landlord's contact information. We contact the landlord directly to confirm the amount owing, so let your client know and confirm they consent before submitting.
Utility Statements
For utility-related assistance, please provide a recent utility bill or disconnection notice showing the amount owing. We will contact the provider to confirm the balance, so make sure your client is aware and consents before submitting.
Proof of Income
If the client's income is not deposited directly into their bank account, please submit a pay stub or an employment letter as proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Submit an Agency Referral
Before applying, please ensure your client meets the eligibility requirements. Submitting an application does not guarantee financial assistance.