It depends. The word “welfare” is a term commonly used to refer to social financial assistance from the government. This system provides money to individuals who have exhausted all other means of financial support. In Canada, each province and territory has its own social assistance programs. Administrative rules (such as eligibility and rates of assistance) are different for every program. In Alberta, social financial assistance is known as “Income Support”. You must be 18 or older to receive Income Support. Alberta's Children’s Services administers financial support for children under 18. For more information, contact Alberta's Children's Services or the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Alberta. Last Reviewed: November 2019