Fee Assistance FAQ

The mission of the YMCA Fee Assistance Program is that no one should be turned away due to an inability to pay. The Association believes in the right of all individuals to access the services of the YMCA regardless of their financial status. Anyone who is unable to pay facility memberships, day pass, or program fees is eligible to apply for the YMCA Fee Assistance Program. The Association requires that individuals or families contribute a portion of fees as we believe the YMCA experience has more value if participants contribute a portion of the fee.

The Assisted Day Pass is a subsidized rate of the daily pass, which gives you single-day access to the fitness center, fitness classes, track, fieldhouse gymnasium, indoor play space, aquatics, rec room, and changerooms. With this option, you would pay a reduced rate each visit. 

The Assisted Membership is a subsidized rate on the monthly membership, which is billed on the 1st of each month. With the Assisted Membership, you have unlimited access to the fitness center, fitness classes, track, fieldhouse gymnasium, indoor play space, aquatics, rec room, and changerooms. Each person on the membership receives an access card with a QR code to skip the membership services line.

Assisted Members are also eligible for the following programs to be included with their membership (subject to program availability)

Children (ages 2-14)

CategoryQuantityExamples
“Wet” Program

2 per calendar year

Swim Lesson

Canadian Swim Patrol

“Dry” Program

2 per calendar year

Youth Sport Program

Youth Fitness Program

Special Olympics/Adapted Sports Programs
First Aid Course

Unlicensed Camp

1 week per calendar year

Summer Day Camp

February Week Day Camp

April Week Day Camp

December Week Day Camp

Or

5 individual PD Day Camps

PD Day Camp

Teens (ages 15-17)

CategoryQuantityExamples

“Wet” Program

2 per calendar year

Swim Lesson

Canadian Swim Patrol

“Dry” Program

2 per calendar year

Youth Sport Program

Youth Fitness Program

Special Olympics/Adapted Sports Programs

The Big 3

First Aid Course

OR

1 per Calendar Year

5 x Personal Training Package

Adults (ages 18+)

CategoryQuantityExamples

“Wet” Program

2 per calendar year

Swim Lesson

“Dry” Program

2 per calendar year

Adult Sport Program

Adult Fitness Program

The Big 3

First Aid Course

 

OR

1 per Calendar Year

5 x Personal Training Package

What are the subsidized rates for the program?

Monthly Assisted Membership Rate for Families

Monthly Assisted Membership Rate for Individuals

Assisted Visitor Day Pass Rate

Follow the button below to apply for the Fee Assistance Program!

Apply Now

Paper applications are available at the Membership Desk.

Follow the button below to recieve a PDF of our Low Income Cut-Off Chart

Chart PDF

We use line 15000 on the Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency, or a recent paystub, to determine annual household income. Proof of applicants receiving one of the following benefits can be used instead of providing a Notice of Assessment or recent paystub:

  • City of Lethbridge Fee Assistance Program
  • Alberta Adult Health Benefit
  • Alberta Child Health Benefit
  • Alberta Child and Family Benefit
  • Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
  • Community Housing program
  • Seniors Self-Contained program
  • Foundational Learning Assistance
  • Income Support Program
  • Rent Assistance Benefit
  • Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit
  • Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
  • Jumpstart
  • Kidsport Grant
  • Lethbridge Integrated Coordinated Access – Counselling Subsidy
  • Lethbridge Integrated Coordinated Access – Stabilization Funds
  • Lethbridge Housing Authority Programs
  • Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)
  • Repayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with Disabilities (RAP-D)
  • Military – Leave Benefits
  • Canadian Forces Income Support
  • Canadian Pension Plan disability benefit
  • Canadian Pension Plan Post-retirement disability benefit
  • Canadian Pension Plan Children’s Benefit
  • Employment Insurance
  • War Veterans Allowance
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement – Allowance
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • Child and Youth Support Program Benefits

Please contact a social service provider in the community that can refer you to the program.

Examples of social service agencies include, but are not limited to:

  • Housing and income support
  • Disability support
  • Employment support
  • Group homes
  • School guidance counsellors
  • Addictions and mental health treatment centres
  • Domestic violence and homeless shelters
Employees at of social service agencies can submit a referral form for their clients. Referral forms can be requested by emailing [email protected]

Please provide an image of your My Latest Claim Page on the My Service Canada Account (MSCA) website that shows your name and the end date of your claim. All other information can be blocked out on the image.

Please allow up to 15 business days for applications to be processed.

Yes! The only information we require is your name, your total income, and the end date of your benefits approval (if applicable). Please make sure that personal information such as your SIN number are blocked out on your application. All documentation provided is securely destroyed after an application decision has been made.

There may be additional outside funding options that you qualify for. The following programs are available to further support your access to the YMCA:
To view your next bill date, please log in to your account at https://lethbridgeymca.ca/account/

Plus Changeroom access is not available through the Assisted Membership Program. If you require access to the Plus changeroom as a disability accommodation, please contact our Community Services Manager at [email protected].