Albertans with disabilities deserve support that reflects their individual needs, aspirations, circumstances and abilities. In response to feedback from clients, families and community partners, Alberta’s government is strengthening provincial disability assistance and calling for federal changes to help provide greater income stability for people with disabilities when a medical condition interrupts their employment.

“Albertans with disabilities have told us where they need more support. These changes respond to those concerns by making it easier to access assistance and giving people greater stability as they plan for their future.”

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

Reinstating full benefits for eligible couples

Alberta’s government is restoring full benefit amounts for eligible couples where both partners receive Assured income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) or Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) benefits. Affected clients will also receive retroactive payments fully reimbursing the difference back to the August 2026 period of assistance, when the adjusted rate was first applied. This change will help provide greater financial stability for these couples and families. No action is required, and clients will receive their retroactive payment before the end of the year.

Simplifying AISH applications for clients who moved to ADAP

Clients who transitioned from AISH to ADAP can now use a streamlined process if they later choose to apply to return to AISH. By using information already on file, the non-medical portion of the application process has been shortened by 75 per cent, reducing the administrative burden on clients.

Alberta’s government continues to cover the cost of one Disability Income Assistance Medical Report for AISH clients who transitioned to ADAP and later choose to apply for AISH. This assistance is not time limited and is available whenever a client chooses to access it.

Nurse practitioners can now complete and sign these medical reports as well as physicians, giving clients more options to obtain the documentation they need.

Helping Albertans pursue meaningful employment

Albertans with disabilities should be able to pursue meaningful employment while continuing to receive the supports they need. Since ADAP launched in July, hundreds of AISH clients have requested to move to ADAP to benefit from the program’s employment supports and higher earnings exemptions.

This year alone, Alberta’s government is investing an unprecedented almost quarter-billion dollars to help Albertans find employment and succeed in the workforce. This includes customized, one-on-one supports for Albertans on ADAP and access to the resources they need to gain new skills and work to their full potential. Every ADAP client will be contacted by an employment supports worker who will work with clients to identify strengths, interests and any supports needed to help them gain and retain meaningful employment. Supports include career planning, assistive technology and supported job placements, as well as wraparound supports that address barriers to employment like transportation and childcare, and resources to help employers break down accessibility barriers in their workplace.

Advocating for more flexible Employment Insurance access

The effects of a disability can change over time and some disabilities are episodic, which can affect income stability for people with disabilities who are working. That’s why Alberta’s government is asking the federal government to make it easier for people with disabilities to access Employment Insurance (EI) when a medical condition temporarily prevents them from working. The province is also asking the federal government to consider a more flexible approach to EI qualifying hours that better reflects the employment experience of people with disabilities.

Alberta’s government will continue listening to Albertans with disabilities and taking action to ensure they receive the financial stability, practical supports and employment opportunities they need.

Quick facts

  • ADAP officially launched in July 2026.
  • A transition benefit ensures Albertans who transitioned from AISH to ADAP receive the same monthly support as they would on AISH until December 31, 2027.
  • Alberta provides the highest provincial disability benefit rates and most robust disability programs in Canada.
  • Since 2019, Alberta’s government has increased funding for Albertans with disabilities by more than $1 billion – a nearly 40 per cent increase in support.

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