AISH recipients in Alberta will soon receive their benefits earlier than normal. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By David Opinko

AISH recipients to receive payments earlier than normal

Jan 26, 2024 | 9:29 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced a change in when people with disabilities can expect to receive their benefits.

Beginning with the March 2024 payment cycle, people who are part of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program will get their money four business days prior to the first day of the month.

Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon said this change was made based on feedback received from Albertans who receive AISH payments.

It will allow them to have more time to pay their bills and prevent unnecessary late charges.

“We know how important it is to alleviate financial pressures for individuals who rely on these benefits. This move aims to provide people with additional time to pay rent, manage their financial obligations and avoid incurring any unnecessary late charges,” said Nixon.

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All clients will receive a notice to update any automatic bill payments when they get their February 2024 direct deposit slip/cheque.

Advocate for Persons with Disabilities Greg McMeekin said he welcomes the change in AISH payment dates.

“I am pleased that the Government of Alberta has listened to Albertans who receive AISH or Income Support by changing the benefit payment date. Since 2020, payments on the first of the month created financial challenges for many Albertans. Implementing this change will greatly assist people in meeting their financial obligations.”

Marie Renaud, Alberta NDP Community Social Services Critic, issued the following statement in response to the updated AISH payment schedule:

“In 2019, the UCP tried to balance their books on the backs of disabled and low income Albertans. In 2020, we wrote to the Auditor General (AG) asking them to look into this harmful change. In November 2020, an AG report clearly stated that the UCP changed the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Income Support payment schedule to make their balance sheet look better.

“In an attempt to avoid admitting any wrongdoing, The UCP claimed that they made this change to benefit disabled Albertans. They lied. And they let disabled Albertans suffer with their bad decision for four years.

“The payment schedule changes should have been reversed immediately after the AG report — and with an apology. Instead, Albertans with disabilities faced eviction notices, non-sufficient funds charges, and late rent penalties. In some cases, folks relying on AISH payments sought out payday loans in order to pay their bills on time.

“Now, after much harm, the UCP is patting themselves on the back for cleaning up a mess they created in the first place.

“This is another gross example of UCP decision-making without consultation resulting in harm for Albertans.”

Approximately 76,000 Albertans receive AISH benefits.

More details on AISH and Income Support payment dates can be seen on the Government of Alberta website.

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