Need Assistance

Eligibility Guidelines

Who is eligible to receive toys:

Applicants qualify for the program based on three criteria:

  • Live within the City of Edmonton (families outside of Edmonton should call 211 for information about programs available in other communities)
  • Be the primary caregiver for children 12 and under (parents or caregivers with teenagers or children who turn 13 on or before December 31 should contact the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton's Adopt-A-Teen Program to apply for Gift Cards) 
  • Have a household income that falls within the Qualifying Income Limits for the 2024 Season:

Who is not eligible to receive toys:

  • Families living outside the City of Edmonton. If you live outside of the City of Edmonton, please contact 211 for information about programs in your area
  • Family members who are not the primary caregiver of the child (ex. Aunts, uncles, grandparents cannot apply for toys to give as gifts)
  • Teenagers or children who turn 13 on or before December 31 should contact the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton's Adopt-A-Teen Program to apply for Gift Cards.
  • Children who have already been included on another application (ex. If parents live in separate households – only the caregiver with primary custody should apply)
  • Families whose household income exceed qualifying income limits
  • Sponsor-supported newcomer families
  • Non-residents on a work or student visa

 

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How to calculate household income:

A household is defined as the parent/caregiver(s) and all dependents who share the same address.

  • Roommates and additional family members are not considered part of the household.
  • If two families are living in the same residence, they will need to apply separately as their income does not count toward the other family living in the house.   

To calculate your household income, combine the total of all gross income and compare it to the chart below, if you're income is equal to or below the amounts listed, your family's income qualifies.

  • Gross income is all the money you earn before taxes and other deductions are subtracted.
  • Please include all income sources, including income from employment and any government benefits (Including, but not limited to Child Tax, AISH, EI, and WCB) 

Qualifying Income Limits:

Number of Adults and Children in the Household

Gross Monthly Household Income
2 $3,484
3 $4,283
4 $5,200
5 $5,898
6 $6,651
7 $7,405

For households with more than 7 people, add $708.00 per month for each additional family member. 

*Gross income is all money earned before taxes and other deductions are subtracted.

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Verification Documents Required

Documents must be submitted with your online application form. All documents must be uploaded during the application process. Images of documents can be scanned or taken with a phone camera. Files must be uploaded as either PDF, PNG, or JPEG.

Please note: At least one of these documents must match the delivery address on the application. 

Income verification for adults within the household:

  • A household is defined as the parent/caregiver(s) and all dependents who share the same address.
  • Roommates and additional family members are not considered part of the household.
  • If two families are living in the same residence, they should apply separately as their income does not count toward the other family living in the house.    

List of Accepted Income Documents:

  • 2023 CRA Notice of Assessment 
  • Most recent paystub 
  • AISH Health Benefit Statement
  • Health Benefits Statement  
  • CPP – Disability Benefit
  • Employment Insurance Statement
  • CCB Statement
  • Letter signed by a registered social worker on letterhead

Verification of Identity

  • Please submit one document for each adult and child in the household. 

List of Accepted Identification Documents: 

  • Alberta Health Card
  • Driver's License
  • Government Issued Identification or Status Card
  • 2023 Child Tax Benefit Notice – listing dependents  
  • CRA ACFB or GST Notice from 2023  
  • Birth Certificate
  • Legal Guardianship, Parent or Custody Order or Agreement  
  • Income Support or AISH Health Benefits Statement – listing dependents  
  • Childcare Subsidy Letter 
  • Letter signed by a registered social worker on letterhead

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you live in the City of Edmonton, have a child aged 12 and under, and your income falls within the qualifying income limits, you can apply for toys from Santas Anonymous at applyforsantas.ca

To receive gift cards for teenagers or children who turn 13 on or before December 31 - pleas apply to the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton's Adopt-A-Teen Program.

1. Through a social service agency - If you are already associated with a social service agency, you can apply through an approved screening agency who will assist you with the application process.  A list of agencies will be provided when applications open on October 15.

2. Online at applytosantas.ca. Click here to complete an application online. You will need to upload all requested documentation before you can submit your application. Be sure to carefully read the instructions and have the necessary documents to upload with your application.

Yes, please contact the Family Support Team at 587-855-1649 - this phone line will be live on October 15.

Applications can be completed in person by a partner agency, a list of agencies will be provided when applications open.

Our Family Support team is working to ensure everyone gets the assistance they need. Please leave a message or call back. You can also email us at support@santasanonymous.ca 

Yes, we want to make sure that everyone who requires toys for any holiday at this time of year gets a gift package, regardless of what you celebrate.  

Yes, the application process for toys is separate from the Adopt-a-Teen and Christmas Bureau application.

The application deadline is Monday December 2, 2024. 

Please call the Family Support Team at 587-855-1649 or send an email to support@santasanonymous.ca.

Yes, you will need to apply every year even if you received toys the previous year.  Visit applytosantas.ca to complete an application. 

No, the Santas Anonymous toy program is intended to provide gifts to the Primary caregiver(s) of the child(ren). You can only apply if you have custody of your grandchild/niece or nephew. 

No, Santas Anonymous only delivers to families living in Edmonton. Please contact 211 for programs across Alberta. 

No, Santas Anonymous serves children who are infant – age 12. If you have a teenager that will be turning 13 on or before December 31 – please apply through the Adopt-A-Teen program. 

We all want to be able to help, especially at this time of year but it's important that a family actively participates in the application process. 

If you know of a family in need please let them know about this service and feel free to help them with the application if they need assistance.

If you're working with a registered social worker, they can provide a signed, dated letter on letterhead confirming your information.

Otherwise, please contact the Family Support Team at support@santasanonymous.ca or 587-855-1649.

We aim to include two toys, a book, and a teddy bear or soft item.

The toys will be delivered December 14 and 15, 2024, you'll receive a text message notification when your toys are being sent out for delivery. 

Send the Family Support Team an email at support@santasanonymous.ca or call 587-855-1649 on December 16 or 17. 

The primary caregivers or parents do not need to be at home, anyone over the age of 16 can receive the toys, you will receive a text message in advance letting you know that your toy package is out for delivery.

If you miss the delivery, please call the Family Support Team at 587-855-1649 for assistance on December 16 or 17. 

The primary caregivers or parents do not need to be at home, anyone over the age of 16 can receive the toys, you will receive a text message in advance letting you know that your toy package is out for delivery.

No, our volunteer delivery elves can not leave the toys on the doorstep, porch, or in a foyer or hallway.

The primary caregivers or parents do not need to be at home, anyone over the age of 16 can receive the toys, you will receive a text message in advance letting you know that your toy package is out for delivery.

Please email the Family Support Team at support@santasanonymous.ca or call 587-855-1649.