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<< back to all ArticlesAISH, ADAP, and Changes to Disability Supports in Alberta
In 2025, the Government of Alberta announced changes to supports for Alberta with disabilities. In addition to the existing Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, a new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) will soon come into effect, aiming to provide supports to Albertans with disabilities with greater capacity to pursue employment.
As individuals with disabilities and their families attempt to navigate this period of transition, this blog post aims to provide a brief overview of ADAP, changes to AISH, and considerations for individuals and families receiving disability supports now and in the future.
AISH, ADAP, and Program Transition
ADAP is expected to come into effect in July 2026. Beginning in May 2026, the government began notifying existing AISH clients whether they would remain on AISH, transition to ADAP, or be affected of any regulatory changes. The government states that beginning in July 2026, current AISH clients will transition to ADAP unless if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- individuals with a severe and profound developmental disability, or who are deemed eligible for or are receiving Persons with Developmental Disabilities services;
- individuals with palliative or terminal medical conditions;
- individuals living in continuing care homes;
- individuals 60 years of age or old.
Individuals meeting one or more of these criteria will remain on AISH.
AISH clients transitioning to ADAP will receive a $200 monthly transition benefit until December 31, 2027. During that time, individuals can choose to remain on ADAP or apply for AISH. The government notes that it will cover the cost of one medical assessment for AISH clients who transition to ADAP and later choose to be reassessed for AISH.
AISH and ADAP Medical Eligibility
The AISH General Regulation will now govern both the AISH and ADAP programs. Together with new provisions relating to ADAP, the revised Regulation also include changes to AISH eligibility and other provisions. Among the eligibility requirements for AISH, an individual must now have “a severe disability that permanently prevents employment” as determined by the director. To be eligible for ADAP, an individual must have “a severe disability that substantially impedes employment” as determined by the director. For both AISH and ADAP, individuals must also meet other income, asset, and general eligibility requirements.
Disability Benefits
ADAP is intended to provide supports for Albertans with disabilities who are able to work. Under ADAP, a single individual will receive a core financial benefit of $1,740 per month. Individuals can earn up to $700 per month in employment income without any impact on their monthly financial benefit. Income above the $700 exemption will impact an individual’s core monthly benefit, with single individuals on ADAP able to earn up to $45,240 annually in employment income while continuing to receive financial benefits. The government has made available an AISH and ADAP benefit estimator tool to provide assistance in assessing how employment income may impact an individual’s financial benefits.
In cases where two adults receive disability income assistance, either AISH or ADAP, starting in the August 2026 benefit period, each partner will receive 88% of the maximum individual benefit. Families where two partners receive disability income assistance should be aware of this coming change and its impact on financial supports.
Both AISH and ADAP will see changes to monthly child benefits. Starting in August 2026, the monthly child benefits will be:
- $300 for the first child
- $117 for the second
- $88 for the third
- $59 for the fourth, and
- $30 for each additional child
In addition to the core financial benefits to support individuals with disabilities, ADAP will also provide employment supports to assist individuals with disabilities find employment opportunities. The government states that these supports will include wraparound supports aimed to address a range of personal, social, and practical barriers to employment.
Like those receiving AISH, individuals on ADAP will also receive health benefits and, in the case of individuals with less than $5,000 of non-exempt assets, personal benefits.
Asset Limits
As under AISH previously, both ADAP and AISH will have a $100,000 asset limit, excluding assets considered to be “exempt” assets by both programs.
There are some changes to the sections of the Regulation relating to exempt assets; however, from an estate planning perspective, the Regulation will continue to treat trust assets as exempt assets not counted toward their $100,000 asset limit. This is the case whether an individual is on AISH or ADAP. For more information on estate planning for individuals with disabilities, see our previous posts on AISH and Estate Planning: Part I and Part II.
Applications and Appeals
Going forward, there will be a single application for both AISH and ADAP. The application will collect an individual’s necessary personal, financial, and medical information, and following assessment, the applicant may be placed into either AISH or ADAP. Decisions regarding an individual’s program placement and eligibility are open to appeal. Additionally, individuals receiving ADAP supports may apply for an AISH assessment if their medical condition or ability to work changes.
Current AISH clients and clients who may be transitioned to ADAP can contact a caseworker for file-related questions. Legal advice and other supports may also be available to assist individuals and families navigating this period of transition.
For assistance with estate planning, trusts, and planning for individuals with disabilities, contact our Wills, Estates & Trusts Team.
This post is meant to provide information only and is not intended to provide legal advice. Although every effort has been made to provide current and accurate information, changes to the law may cause the information in this post to be outdated.
