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Rise CalgaryDistress CentreCups Calgary

Basic Needs Fund

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.

Emergency assistance

Program details, eligibility requirements, and the types of support available are outlined below.

  • Rental Arrears / Eviction Notices
  • Utility Arrears / Disconnection Notices
  • First Month’s Rent / Damage Deposit
Application ProcessEligibilityRequired documentsFAQ & Agency Referrals

Basic Needs Application Process

Please review the process, timeline, and requirements below.

  1. Step 1

    Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements listed below.

  2. Step 2

    Complete a Basic Needs Fund intake request form.

  3. Step 3

    An Advocate will contact you within 2–3 business days to confirm your eligibility. If you are eligible, you will be provided 5 business days to provide the required supporting documents for your application.

  4. Step 4

    Once your support documents have been received, an advocate will contact you to complete an application for review.

  5. Step 5

    If accepted, you'll have an in-depth discussion with an advocate who will approve and disburse funds as needed.

Eligibility

To be eligible for one-time assistance, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You have contacted Alberta Works Emergency Financial Assistance (1-877-644-9992) and have received a response from them.
  • You live in Calgary or surrounding areas.
  • You live on a low-income and/or are experiencing a temporary financial crisis.
  • You are sustainable, meaning from month to month your income is sufficient to cover expenses under normal circumstances.

What Supporting Documents Are Needed?

To be eligible for one-time assistance, you must provide the following documentation for review.

Submitting documentation does not guarantee support. These documents help us review your application fairly.

  1. Photo ID

    Government-issued photo ID for all adults in the household. For dependents, any valid form of identification (if applicable).

  2. Bank Statements

    Last 3 months of bank statements for you and your spouse/partner, including all chequing, savings, and credit accounts.

  3. Signed Rent Report or Lease Agreement

    For rent-related assistance, please provide a signed lease, rent report, or any eviction notice. We are required to contact your landlord to confirm the amount owing.

  4. Utility Statements

    For utility-related assistance, please provide a recent utility bill or disconnection notice showing the amount owing.

  5. Proof of Income

    If your income is not deposited directly into your bank account, please submit a pay stub or an employment letter as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Agency Referrals

Are you a caseworker or staff member at another agency looking to submit a referral to the Basic Needs Fund? Our referral process has recently changed as we work to streamline agency submissions. To get started or learn more, please email us at info@risecalgary.ca.

Applications Closed

The Basic Needs Fund is currently closed. Funding is limited and the Fund reopens as resources become available — please check back.

If you need urgent help now: the Basic Needs Fund is a partnership between Rise Calgary, the Distress Centre, and CUPS. Even when our intake is closed, you may be able to get help through:

  • Distress Centre and CUPS — BNF partner agencies who may be able to assist
  • Inn from the Cold
  • Trellis (For families with children)