UNDERSTANDING AISH & ADAP

AISH: Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped

For individuals unable to work due to severe disability

ADAP: Alberta’s Disability Income Support Programs

For individuals whose disability is significantly limits (but may not eliminate) ability to work.

Both programs provide monthly income, health coverage, and access to Aids for Daily Living Benefits

AISH was the sole disability income plan in Alberta until July 1 2026 AISH was split into two programs. There will be a transition period until December 31 2027 where individuals transitioned onto ADAP will receive a top-u benefit to match the AISH benefit. Individuals who receive AISH should have received letters outlining whether they will remain on AISH or transition to ADAP. These letter were sent out out mid-may and mid-June. Individuals receiving AISH who have been identified as remaining on AISH will not need to do anything.

If you have NOT receive a letter stating your status please reach out to Lethbridge AISH office.

833-382-4081

200 5 Ave S, Lethbridge.

Individuals remaining on AISH are:

  • Individuals with severe and profound developmental disabilities or, who are deemed eligible as Persons with Developmental Disabilities.

  • Individuals in palliative or terminal medical conditions.

  • Individuals living in continual care homes.

  • Individual who are 60 years of age or older.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Proposed Monthly Benefits

  • AISH: 1940/month

  • ADAP:1740/month

Click here to use a AISH/ADAP benefit estimator

AISH & ADAP will share the same application and process form, PART A will need to be filled out by an individual applying for AISH/ADAP and PART B will need to be filled out by a medical provider.

  • the government will cover one medical assessment for individual who were transitioned to ADAP and chose to be assessed later for AISH. (There is no time limit associated with the assessment & the coverage for the assessment will be applied if and when individuals decide to proceed with the assessment. Fees will only be covered one time ONLY.)

Tips on how to advocate with you Physician

  • it’s important to focus on your functional limitations, not just diagnosis.

  • discuss worst-day functioning and negative capacity.

  • be specific about the frequency and severity of difficulties and challenges.

  • be as realistic as possible about the permanency of an impairment or injury

  • bring one-page summary about illness, injury, impairment or challenges and include diagnosis, mediations, hospitalizations, the daily impact your injury, illness or condition have on you, provide information you work history and this has impacted you in the work environment.