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Learner Policy & Procedures

Published Date: June 02, 2020
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Learner Eligibility

Exceptions to Age and Out of School Requirement

AUTHORITY

Income Support, Training and Health Benefits Regulation, sections 41(1)(2)

INTENT

Government of Alberta training programs are intended and designed for adults returning to school. Adults are defined as those who are 18 years of age and older who have been out of the regular Kindergarten-Grade 12 (K-12) school system for a minimum of 12 consecutive months.

The 12 consecutive months “out of school criterion” is intended to ensure youth aged 16-19 years old do not drop out of the regular K-12 school system; as government training programs are not a usual source of funding for youth in the regular school system.

The age and out of school criteria may be waived for youth age 16-19 attending the regular K-12 school system or Transitional Vocational Program in extenuating circumstances . This allows for individual circumstances to be taken into account.

POLICY

  1. Waiving the Age and Out of School requirement for 16 to 19 year olds

    • There are three situations in which 16 to 19 year old youth, attending a full-time education program defined under the Education Act, may be eligible for Income Support as a Learner if they are:

      • Pregnant, or
      • single with a dependent child (e.g. single parent), or
      • Married or in a cohabitating relationship.

    • If none of the above circumstances apply, Special Consideration may be granted if there is a significant breakdown in the learner’s relationship with the learner’s parents. The following documentation is required:

      • A letter from the learner that outlines the family circumstances, and
      • A letter from a third party professional (e,g. social worker, physician, psychologist, high school counsellor, etc.) confirming the circumstances.

    • Learners who are approved for Special Consideration will be treated as independent for all future applications.

  2. Waiving the Age and Out of School requirement for Transitional Vocational Program

    • Learners attending Transitional Vocational Program will be automatically waived.