Red Deer resident on AISH details anxiety around upcoming transition to ADAP

She and other AISH clients received letters over the past month and a half with information specific to their file, including whether they will remain on AISH or transition to ADAP.

The provincial government says ADAP will empower Albertans with disabilities to pursue meaningful employment while continuing to receive the supports they need. Meanwhile, the existing Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program will continue to support Albertans with disabilities who cannot work.

She argues that finding a job right now is hard enough even in the best of circumstances, let alone for someone in a similar position as her.

“I struggle a lot. I have a hard time doing things even at jobs, and I had a hard time learning in school,” she said.

Lena explained she was told she’ll be able to reapply for AISH by July 2, but that doesn’t mean she’ll automatically be accepted.

“There will be lots of stress and worry because they’re going to push us to go back to work,” she added. “I’m not sure how it’s all going to work. If you don’t get a job, will you get cut off? If you don’t want to do the courses, will you get cut off? And I can’t work very many hours because with my CPP disability, I can only make $7,400 per year. I can’t work many hours, and most companies aren’t going to hire someone who can’t work that much.”

Back in March, Red Deer city councillor Cassandra Curtis brought forward a notice of motion calling for a pause on the upcoming changes.

However, the Government of Alberta says they’ll move forward with the move to ADAP anyway.

Regardless, Lena said she was impressed with the city and Curtis for their advocacy efforts.

“The provincial government doesn’t seem to care because they say all these people asked for this program, but we never did,” she said. “We want AISH to be left alone. That way, the ones who can work will work, and the ones who can’t won’t work.”

According to the province, the ADAP financial benefit will be set at $1,740 per month from the previous $1,940.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services press secretary Jonah Pickle, if an ADAP client is unable to find a job after receiving employment services, they will continue to receive financial and health benefits.

If, after engaging with employment supports, an ADAP client is unable to make progress towards their employment goals, the client may be referred for assessment for AISH. The demonstrated assessment from their employment service provider would be considered when determining the individual’s eligibility for AISH.

The full statement is as follows:

“Come July 2026, the ADAP will launch, expanding access to disability income assistance to thousands of Albertans who need support, but who may not have been eligible under the previous one-size-fits-all approach.

ADAP was thoughtfully designed, based on the input of Albertans with disabilities, to empower Albertans with disabilities to pursue meaningful employment while continuing to receive the financial, health and personal supports they need. ADAP’s core benefit rate is among the highest in the country, providing $300 more per month than most disability programs in Canada. ADAP will also allow for the highest level of employment income in the country while receiving financial benefits, meaning Albertans on ADAP can earn more from working while continuing to receive the support they need.

Albertans on ADAP will receive customized, one-on-one support and access to the resources they need to gain new skills and work to their full potential. Employment services will include holistic wraparound supports designed to address a wide range of personal, social and practical barriers that may impact an individual’s ability to find and maintain employment. Supports include career planning, assistive technology and supported job placements, as well as resources to help employers break down accessibility barriers in their workplace.

All current AISH recipients have received a letter with information specific to their file, including whether they will remain on AISH or transition to ADAP. Protections are built in for AISH recipients who transition to ADAP in July 2026, including a transition benefit that will ensure individuals continue receiving their existing AISH benefit amount until December 31, 2027. The province will also cover the cost of one medical reassessment for those who move to ADAP and later seek reconsideration for AISH.”

For more information about the transition to ADAP, please visit the ADAP website.

by Ian Gustafson

Red Deer resident on AISH details anxiety around upcoming transition to ADAP

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