Alberta’s government is launching the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) in July. In May, current AISH clients will receive letters with information specific to their file, including whether they will remain on AISH or transition to ADAP.

ADAP is a first-of-its-kind program that will provide financial, health, personal and employment supports to Albertans with severe disabilities who can work, while the existing Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program will continue to support Albertans with disabilities who cannot work.

ADAP was designed based on feedback from Albertans with disabilities, advocacy organizations and service providers. Budget 2026 invests an unprecedented almost $250 million to help Albertans gain and retain meaningful employment. This investment strengthens supports that reduce barriers for Albertans with disabilities, providing services such as career planning, assistive technology and supported job placements, as well as resources to help employers break down accessibility barriers in their workplace.

“We made a promise to Albertans to improve supports for persons with disabilities, and with the launch of ADAP, we’re delivering on that promise. To the thousands of Albertans with disabilities who have been overlooked for decades and will finally be able to receive the support they need from ADAP – we see you, we hear you, and help is coming this July.” 

Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

ADAP and AISH Regulations

The AISH General Regulation was updated and now applies to both AISH and ADAP. These updates support ADAP implementation and ensure alignment across disability assistance programs.

Key Updates

  • The ADAP core financial benefit will be set at $1,740 per month.
    • Albertans on AISH who transfer to ADAP in July will receive a $200 monthly transition benefit until December 31, 2027. This means they will continue to receive their existing AISH benefit amount until December 31, 2027.
  • ADAP clients will be able to earn up to $700 per month before financial benefits are reduced.
    • Albertans on ADAP will be able to earn more than $45,000 in annual employment income while continuing to receive financial benefits.
    • Employment income above $700 per month will gradually affect financial benefits, beginning with less than a cent deduction for every additional dollar earned.
    • This will be the highest employment income limit 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.
  • Government is increasing the amount of pension income a spouse or cohabiting partner can receive before affecting benefits.
    • The first $1,200 per month of spousal or partner pension income is fully exempt, with 25 per cent of any remaining amount also exempt.
  • Child benefits have been updated to reflect other child-related supports, including the Canada Child Benefit.
    • This will increase child benefits for about 7,000 families who receive disability income assistance.

Quick facts

  • For more than a year, the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services engaged with medical professionals, subject-matter experts, service providers, Albertans with disabilities, their families, and disability advocates and organizations across the province.
    • Thousands of Albertans participated in the engagement, which included a detailed discussion guide, webpage, public survey, explanatory videos, opportunities for written submissions and public tele-townhalls, in addition to meetings and roundtables with disability advocacy groups and service providers.
  • About 50,000 Albertans will transition to the new ADAP, and 30,000 current AISH clients will automatically remain on AISH.
    • 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, and/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
    • Alberta’s government will cover the cost of one medical assessment for current AISH clients who transition to ADAP and request to be reassessed for AISH.
  • Current AISH clients will receive letters with information specific to their file, including whether they will remain on AISH, transition to ADAP or be affected by the regulatory changes.
  • Additional resources, including an online benefits calculator, are available at Alberta.ca/ADAP.

Related information