Alberta Disability Assistance Program

When ADAP launches on July 1, 2026, ADAP clients will receive a monthly benefit of up to $1,740.

The ADAP employment income exemption for single clients will be $700 per month, individuals on ADAP will be able to earn up to $700 per month before it begins to impact financial benefits.

• Employment income earnings above $700 per month will gradually reduce ADAP financial benefits.
• Albertans on ADAP will be able to earn more than $45,000 in employment income while continuing to receive financial benefits. This will be the highest limit for employment income while receiving financial benefits of any comparable disability income assistance program in Canada.
• Albertans on ADAP will continue to receive the health benefits they need, regardless of employment income.
• Detailed calculations for ADAP employment income exemptions will be set out in a Ministerial Order later this spring.

On July 1, 2026, all current AISH clients will transition to ADAP, except those clients who meet one or more of the below criteria. Current AISH clients who meet one or more of the below criteria will automatically remain on AISH, unless they choose to transition to ADAP to benefit from ADAP’s higher employment income exemptions:

• 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 older.

Current AISH clients who meet the criteria for automatic approval for AISH do not need to take any action – they will be identified by AISH and notified prior to July 1, 2026.

AISH clients who transition to ADAP on July 1, 2026, will receive a monthly transition benefit that will keep their financial benefit amount the same as the AISH rate until December 31, 2027. During this time, clients can choose to remain on ADAP or apply for AISH.

Alberta’s government will cover the cost of one medical assessment for current AISH clients who transition to ADAP July 1st, and later choose to be reassessed for AISH. This support is not time-limited and will be available whenever clients choose to access it.

There will be one application for both AISH and ADAP. This application will collect information from the applicant and their medical professional(s) to decide if an applicant meets the basic, financial, and medical requirements. If eligible for the basic and financial requirements, an adjudicator will review the medical Information to decide if an applicant qualifies for ADAP or should be referred to a panel of medical professionals to determine eligibility for AISH. Eligible applicants will be put into the program that best suits their unique needs and abilities.

In general, an individual with a severe disability that results in them being permanently unable to work will qualify for AISH. Individuals with severe and permanent disabilities who participate in supported employment at minimal levels (a few hours a week) may also qualify for AISH.

In general, an individual with a severe disability who is assessed as able to work will qualify for ADAP. To be medically eligible for ADAP, the severe disability must be determined to significantly restrict but not prevent a person from being employed.

ADAP clients will be able to apply for an AISH assessment if their medical condition or ability to work changes.

All existing AISH clients will be assured a place in either ADAP or AISH. Those currently on AISH will continue to receive their existing benefits until they are placed in the program best suited to their unique situation.

Through ADAP, Albertans with disabilities will have access to the resources and tools they need to gain new skills and work to their full potential. Employment supports will include holistic wraparound supports designed to address a wide range of personal, social and practical barriers that may impact an individual’s ability to find a job and work to their full potential. ADAP clients will be expected to participate in activities that help them move toward employment with supports that include career planning, assistive technology, simulated worksites and supported job placements. ADAP clients will work with case managers to create a personalized action plan. 

If an ADAP client is unable to find a job after receiving employment supports, they will continue to receive their financial and health benefits. If their medical condition progresses to the point that they are unable to work, they can apply for the AISH program.