Alberta increases assistance benefits.

EDMONTON -- The Alberta Works program has increased the time low-income parents have at home with young children, making it easier for youth to finish high school and help families save for their children's education.

A parent receiving income support will have one year instead of the current six months to stay home with a child before being required to seek or accept employment. This change is similar to existing maternity and parental leave provisions in Alberta's Employment Standards Code.

The requirement to be out of school for one year before receiving training benefits to complete high school is waived. Training benefits will continue to be provided to 16-19 year olds in exceptional circumstances.

A one-time, $100 benefit will be available for Albertans receiving income support to help offset the costs of setting up a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to participate in Alberta's Centennial Education Savings program. The costs include the fee for obtaining a birth certificate and the initial deposit required to open an RESP account.

An additional change is also being made to address domestic violence. The $1,000 allowance to set up a new household for a person fleeing a violent spouse will been extended to anyone eligible for income support and who needs help to leave an abusive situation, such as individuals who experience abuse by people other than a spouse.

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