Alberta Canadian Spousal Support (SSAG) Estimator

Alberta courts use the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG), which provide ranges rather than fixed amounts. For couples without child support, the formula awards 1.5% to 2.0% of the gross income difference per year of marriage, capped at 50% equalization. For couples with child support obligations, the formula targets 40% to 46% of the difference in Individual Net Disposable Income (INDI) after deducting taxes and child support. Since Wild v Wild (2019 ABCA 159), Alberta courts require parties to submit SSAG calculations in all support applications, though judges retain discretion to deviate when circumstances warrant.

The Rule of 65 grants indefinite spousal support when the recipient's age at separation plus the years of marriage totals 65 or more. For example, a 10-year marriage ending when the recipient is 55 qualifies (55 + 10 = 65). The rule does not apply to marriages under 5 years. Under the SSAG, marriages of 20+ years also trigger indefinite duration regardless of age. Indefinite support does not mean permanent—it means no predetermined end date, remaining subject to review and variation as circumstances change.

Under the SSAG without-child formula, duration ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 years per year of cohabitation. A 15-year marriage would yield 7.5 to 15 years of support. Marriages of 20+ years or cases meeting the Rule of 65 (recipient's age plus years of marriage ≥ 65) receive indefinite duration, meaning no fixed end date though subject to review. Alberta's Family Law Act suggests adult interdependent partner support continues 6 months to 1 year per year of cohabitation, with the same 20-year and Rule of 65 thresholds for indefinite support.

Yes, periodic spousal support payments remain tax-deductible for the payor and taxable income for the recipient in Alberta as of 2026, governed by the federal Income Tax Act. To qualify, payments must be made under a written agreement or court order, paid periodically (weekly, monthly, or yearly), and clearly distinguished from child support. Lump-sum spousal support is neither deductible nor taxable. This treatment differs from U.S. alimony post-2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which eliminated deductibility. Payors claim the deduction on line 21999 of their tax return; recipients report income on line 12800.

The without-child formula calculates spousal support based on gross income difference and marriage length. Amount ranges from 1.5% to 2.0% of the income difference per year of cohabitation, capped at 37.5% to 50% for marriages of 25+ years. For a $60,000 income gap after 20 years, the range is $18,000 to $24,000 annually ($1,500 to $2,000 monthly). There is a net income cap—support cannot exceed 50% of the payor's after-tax income. Duration is 0.5 to 1.0 years per year of marriage, becoming indefinite after 20 years or when the Rule of 65 applies.

The with-child formula applies when child support is being paid and targets 40% to 46% of the difference in Individual Net Disposable Income (INDI). INDI is calculated by taking gross income, subtracting income tax, tax deductions, child support paid (or notional child support for the custodial parent), and adding government benefits and credits. The formula iteratively determines the spousal support amount required to leave the lower-income recipient with 40% to 46% of combined INDI. This approach ensures child support obligations are accounted for before calculating spousal support, preventing double-counting of financial resources.

Yes, under section 17 of the Divorce Act and Alberta's Family Law Act, support can be varied when a material change in circumstances occurs. Courts require genuine, unforeseen changes—not mere dissatisfaction with the original order. Qualifying changes include job loss, retirement, remarriage, significant income fluctuations, or health issues. Alberta courts use updated SSAG ranges with current income information to recalculate obligations. Following the 2019 Wild v Wild decision, Alberta has aligned with other provinces in requiring less strict causation tests. Applicants should act quickly, as retroactive relief may be limited when applications are delayed.

Yes, common-law partners in Alberta (called adult interdependent partners or AIPs) qualify for spousal support with the same entitlement as married spouses. Partners qualify after living together continuously for 3+ years, having a child together, or signing an adult interdependent partner agreement. Under the Family Law Act, the financially dependent partner may claim support upon separation by demonstrating economic hardship from the relationship or its breakdown. Courts apply the same SSAG formulas and factors as for married couples. AIP support typically lasts 6 months to 1 year per year of cohabitation, becoming indefinite after 20 years or when the Rule of 65 threshold is met.