Albertans with disabilities and the organizations that support them have consistently called for social services that better reflect the diverse needs, abilities and goals of people living with disabilities. Many have also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for individuals who are able to pursue employment while still receiving the supports they rely on.

In response, Alberta’s government announced in February 2025 that it would develop the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). Offered in addition to the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, ADAP will empower Albertans with disabilities to pursue meaningful employment while continuing to receive the supports they need.

“I want to thank each Albertan who took the time to participate in the engagement and provide feedback on the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program – your feedback is directly helping to shape this program, and helping ensure we get this right for our friends and neighbours who will rely on it.”

Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

ADAP is being thoughtfully designed, based on the input of Albertans with disabilities. As the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services reviews the feedback provided by Albertans, some key decisions have been made, informed by the engagement:

  1. Increasing the employment income exemption for single clients on ADAP to $700 per month:
    • This means individuals on ADAP will be able to earn up to $700 per month before it begins to affect 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.
  2. 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
  3. Alberta’s government will cover the cost of one medical assessment for current AISH clients who transition to ADAP July 1, and later choose to be reassessed for AISH.
    • This support is not time-limited and will be available whenever clients choose to access it.

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.
  • Details of ADAP will be set out in the regulations, which will be made public later this spring.
  • ADAP is scheduled to launch July 1.

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