New program to expand benefits for disabled

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on February 5, 2025.

The province announced a new program Tuesday to help support those with disabilities, but also allow them the flexibility to work without losing their health benefits.

The Alberta Disability Assistance Program is (ADAP) will begin July 2026 and will work alongside the current Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), to encourage those who are able to work, to be able to without the worry of losing benefits.

Currently the maximum amount of money that a recipient can make while receiving health benefits on AISH is $3,327. Once a recipient goes over the amount in three consecutive months, they not only lose their financial benefits, but also their health benefits, which include prescriptions, ambulance services and eye care.

Jason Nixon, minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services said in a news releases that people with disabilities shouldn’t be punished with the threat of losing their health benefits for having a job.

“Every dollar they earn on a paycheque should be helping make them better off, not threatening their access to the medication they need.”

While the dollar amount of financial services ADAP will offer has not yet been decided, unlike AISH, recipients will not lose their health benefits if they go over the allotted financial amount of the program.

To support this new program, the Alberta government plans to invest more to help expand employment supports and encourage private sector employers to break down barriers of employment for individuals who are able to work but need supports in place to be successful.

In a news release, Kevin McNichol, chief executive officer of Prospect Human Services, says they applaud the government for designing a flexible initiative that offers stability while also empowering Albertans with disabilities to embrace the potential of being employed.

“With ADAP, Alberta is breaking down the barriers that have long separated support from opportunity, creating a pathway for people to realize their full potential while maintain essential benefits.”

In response to the announcement, Marie Renaud, Alberta NDP shadow minister, said she was critical of the program and the failure to address the unemployment of people with disabilities through a media release.

“The UCP government’s response to chronic unemployment and under-employment for disabled Albertans has opened the door to change eligibility for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped,” says Renaud. “This is a program that supports a fraction of the disability community and will not impact unemployment rates for people with disabilities.”

Current AISH recipients will continue to receive benefits and applicants will continue to be processed to ensure eligible applicants receive benefits as soon as possible. They will be placed in the program best suited for their needs when ADAP launches.

Renaud says she is concerned by the reassessment.

“It is alarming that the UCP government has given themselves the power to go through the list of the 77,000 AISH recipients and decide which of those people should be working and supporting and who doesn’t need to.”

Beginning in July 2026, new applicants will be assessed for both ADAP and AISH which will be streamlined in one application. To make the medical assessment quicker and more accessible, applicants will be connected with a roster of pre-qualified medical professionals who are able to complete the comprehensive medical assessment.

All current AISH recipients will be given more information about the new program in March.