UNDERSTANDING AISH & ADAP program
The information on this page is based on what is currently known about changes to AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) and ADAP ( Alberta Disability Assistance Program) in Alberta.
The information has been gathered from official Government of Alberta sources and is provided to help individuals, families, and service providers better understand the changes.
Please keep in mind that program information, eligibility requirements, benefits, and policies may change. The information provided is current as of date of publications and is subject to change.
For most up-to-date information, please visit the Government of Alberta website or contact AISH/ADAP program directly.
AISH: Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
For individuals unable to work due to severe disability
Both programs provide monthly income, health coverage, and access to Aids for Daily Living Benefits
ADAP: Alberta’s Disability Income Support Programs
For individuals whose disability is significantly limits (but may not eliminate) ability to work.
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-up 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.
Who will stay on AISH?
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.
How will the transition impact current AISH participants?
On July 1, 2026 the majority of existing AISH recipients were transitioned to ADAP with some exceptions. AISH recipients who are transitioned to ADAP must apply to be transitioned back to AISH. Individuals with less severe disabilities who would like to transition back to AISH must submit a new Disability Medical Report.
The Government of Alberta will cover ONE medical assessment for individuals who were transitioned to ADAP and who choose to be assessed later back to AISH. Fees for the assessment will only be covered once.
AISH/ADAP application
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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 your 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.
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It’s important to focus on functional limitations, not just diagnosis. Discuss worst-day functioning and negative capacity (i.e., activities that can’t be performed reliably, safety, or repeatedly)
Be specific about the frequency and severity of difficulties or challenges.
Be as realistic as possible about the permanency of an impairment or injury.
Bring a one-page summary about your illness, injury, impairment, or challenges and include diagnosis, medications, hospitalizations, the daily impact your injury , illness, or condition have on you. Provide information about your work history and how this has impacted you in the work environment.
Ask clarifying questions to ensure that any limitations are clearly documented.
Detailed documentation can prevent months of delay
Medical reports are often the determining factor in AISH/ADAP applications
Application approval depend on
Functional limitations
Impact on employment
Permanency
Adjudication Process & Appeal
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When an application is submitted, a disability adjudicator will review the forms. They will determine if an individual is better suited to AISH/ADAP, or if they don’t qualify for disability benefits.
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An adjudicator may determine that an individual is ineligible for benefits. Anyone who has applied has the right to file an appeal if they do not agree with the decision made by their adjudicator. Filing an appeal means that an individual did not agree with the decision made by their adjudicator.
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If an individual disagrees with the decision about their eligibility income assistance application, they can appeal the decision.
The new medical review panel is part of AISH/ADAP. Compared to i the past appeals that would go to citizen’s review panel.
The new medical review panel will not allow submissions of new information or for direct communication with the application via hearing. Compared to in the past individuals could present information on why they believe a decision should be changed at a hearing. So having all medical information updated before appealing is important as panel decisions is important as panel decision will be exclusively on existing reports.
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This is a fillable pdf that can typically only be opened through Adobe Acrobat
you can download the file above, locate it in the file you saved on your computer and open it via Adobe to fill out the form.
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There are two additional steps individuals can take if they disagree with the appeal decision for specific reasons.
if an individuals believes that the appeal process was unfair or biased, they can file a complaint with the Alberta Ombudsman’s office. The Ombudsmen can investigate the fairness of the adjudication process, but they cannot overturn the decision. They may formally recommend that the matter be reheard by a different panel.
If an individual believes that the appeal process was not only unethical but also unlawful, beyond its legal authority, or unreasonable they can apply for a judicial review in the Court of King’s Bench.
AISH/ADAP Benefits
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AISH will maintain its current benefit rate, under the new ADAP program, monthly benefits will reduce by $200.
A transition period from July 1 2026 to December 31 2027, will apply to individuals transitioning to ADAP. Meaning individuals transitioning to ADAP will temporarily receive the full $1940, until December 31 2027, to allow time to transition back to AISH, if appropriate.
*Individuals who apply for and are approved for ADAP Benefits after July 1 2026 will start at the rate of $1740 per month.
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AISH/ADAP cover a wide variety of person health costs, such as prescription medication, dental, optical, and ambulances.
Earning enough income to reduce the monthly benefit does not impact personal health benefits.
*Individuals will continue to receive health benefits after earnings rise above eligibility thresholds.
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Individuals recieving AISH/ADAP with defendents can expect the updated rates in their monthly benefit.
$300 for the first child
$117 for the second child
$88 for the third child
$59 for the fourth child
$30 for each additional child.
Click here to use a AISH/ADAP benefit estimator
Important information for individuals receiving AISH / ADAP in Alberta.
To remain eligible for AISH/ADAP, individual must apply for all other available disability income programs, including Canada Disability Benefit CDB.
In Alberta, benefits are currently reduced by one dollar for every dollar received. If you receive $204.20 from Canada Disability Benefit, your AISH/ADAP benefit will be reduced by $204.20 per month. This means that the CDB does not currently increase total monthly income for AISH/ADAP recipients in Alberta.
ADAP recipients may be refused benefits if they refuse reasonable employment or employment supports, if they neglect to participate in employment initiative and program, or i they reduce their workhours or employment income.
ADAP structures will include benefits or training fees, tools ,work-related goods and services, and employability supports.
Partner exemptions will cover 100% of the first 1,200 of income and25% of any additional income from the following sources only : the Canada Disability Benefit, CPP, Employment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, and pension income.