What the Changes to AISH and ADAP Mean for Disabled Albertans

July 23, 2026

On July 2, 2026, the Government of Alberta changed how it provides income assistance to disabled Albertans. Understanding these changes matters. It can help you or someone you support, end up on the program that fits best.   

What has changed 

There are now two disability assistance programs in Alberta. The province has introduced a new program, the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) to run alongside the existing Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program. 

Changes have also been made to the income thresholds for both AISH and ADAP, as well as to the benefit amounts for couples who both receive income support. 

These changes may impact how much you receive from income support each month. 

Will I receive AISH or ADAP? 

The Government of Alberta will determine which program you are eligible for based on your ability to work. To be eligible for AISH, you must have a disability that permanently prevents employment. Eligibility for ADAP requires a disability that substantially limits your ability to work continuously or episodically.  

 Some people will remain on AISH automatically, with no action needed. This includes: 

  • People with severe and profound developmental disabilities 
  • People with palliative or terminal medical conditions 
  • People living in continuing care homes 
  • People sixty years of age or older 

Everyone else who received AISH before the transition is being placed on ADAP starting in July 2026. 

How much will I receive? 

The maximum amount you can receive depends on whether you receive AISH or ADAP, as well as whether you are transitioning from AISH to ADAP or applying for ADAP for the first time: 

  • If you remain on AISH or are approved for AISH for the first time, the maximum benefit amount will stay at $1,940 per month.  
  • If you have been receiving AISH and are moved to the ADAP program, your new maximum monthly benefit amount will be $1,740, which is $200 less than the current AISH amount. However, until December 31, 2027, you will also receive a monthly transition amount of $200. 
  • If you are applying for ADAP after July 1, 2026 and you are not transitioning from AISH, you will receive a maximum of $1,740 per month, and you will not receive the transition benefit.  

Whether you are on AISH or ADAP, the amount you receive will depend on your income. The maximum income you can earn has also changed, which may impact your monthly benefit amount even if you remain on AISH. See the following sections for more details.  

There have also been changes to payments for couples where both people receive disability income assistance. Until now, if you and your spouse or common-law partner were both AISH recipients, you would have each received the full individual rate. Starting in August 2026, each partner will only receive 88% of the maximum individual rate. This is a real cut to household income, and worth planning for now, before it takes effect. 

 

How much can I earn through work? 

There are limits to how much you can earn on AISH and ADAP without affecting your benefit amount. 

If you are on ADAP, your maximum income depends on your household type: 

  • ADAP recipients can earn up to $700 per month, and up to $45,240 a year 
  • The spouse or common-law partner of an ADAP recipient can earn up to $1,500 per month 
  • ADAP recipients with dependents can earn up to $1,100 per month 

If you or your spouse exceeds these income thresholds, your benefit amount will be reduced.

If you are staying on AISH, you can now only earn $350 per month through work before your benefit amount is reduced. This is a significant drop from the previous amount of $1,072 you could earn on AISH before the addition of ADAP.

 

What should I do if I disagree with the program I have been placed on? 

If you believe your disability is more severe than ADAP reflects, you can only appeal the decision by submitting another application for AISH & ADAP.

Former AISH recipients who were placed on ADAP can request the Government of Alberta to cover one Disability Assistance Medical Report for applications. If you were transitioned to ADAP and would like to apply for AISH, you can submit a request to access this assistance.

There is no deadline to submit another application. If you are an ADAP recipient applying to move back to AISH, it is best to apply before the $200 transition benefit ends in December 2027. Learn how to apply for AISH & ADAP here. 

If your application is denied, you can appeal through the Citizen’s Appeal Panel (CAP) for a review of non-medical eligibility, or the Medical Appeal Panel (MAP) for a review of your medical eligibility. Learn what can be appealed here. 

 

Resources if you need support 

Disabled people in Alberta have already been impacted by the province’s clawbacks of the CDB, and the new changes around AISH and ADAP represent another cut to household income and the financial stability of disability communities.   

You can access support with navigating these changes from the following sources: 

  • CMHA Edmonton: Find courses, peer support and a guide for AISH & ADAP 

Plan Institute is here to help disabled people in Alberta. Our Disability Planning Helpline can provide you with support to navigate your disability planning considerations. Access free one-on-one support here.