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The new Energy Rebate puts $100 in the pockets of Albertan’s, and is available to those 18 and older with a total household income of $225,000 or less.
Applicants currently need an Alberta.ca account, and to verify themselves through an Interac portal, or submitting government ID with a selfie.
This process however, raises fresh questions about privacy and accessibility, and why the government isn’t using the information already provided by the Canadian Revenue Agency.
Experts say the portal and information given is safe to do so, but the rebate portal has a few more hurdles than that. Elderly residents are feeling nervous about putting in sesntive banking information into outdated computers, residents initially couldn’t opt for ATB Financial as their bank, and Alberta residents even had to pay for an Albertan ID card before their identities could be verified, which is more than $50.
The province says they streamlined the process to help Albertans with Alberta.ca accounts, and that over 400,000 residents have already applied.
For questions about the Alberta Energy Rebate, the province says to call 1-844-401-4014.
Any further assistance required for Alberta.ca accounts are available via phone at 1-844-643-2789.
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