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The Alberta government is exempting a portion of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit for some social assistance recipients amid fears applying for the federal cash infusion could make them ineligible for other provincial benefits.

On Sunday, Community and Social Services Minister Rajan Sawhney announced a series of supports for vulnerable Albertans, including those on Income Support and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH).

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“I know Albertans who receive benefits through AISH or Income Support want to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to recoup some of their lost income, but they are concerned accessing CERB may affect their eligibility for provincial benefits,” Sawhney said.

“That’s why we are taking action to exempt a portion of CERB payments so the financial benefit from AISH and Income Support can be calculated similar to before they lost their job and they can still receive the same health benefits.”