What is the ADAP? How does it help me?
In July, Albertans will either be on AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped), or on the new government program, the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), which is slated to launch in July.
ADAP is a first of it’s kind program, that aims to provide personal, financial, health and employment supports to Albertans with severe disabilities, but can work, while the existing AISH program will continue to support the Albertans who cannot.
Come May, Albertans in the AISH will receive a letter with file specific info, and will let them know whether or not they will remain on AISH or transition to the ADAP.
“We made a promise to Albertans to improve supports for persons with disabilities, and with the launch of ADAP, we’re delivering on that promise. To the thousands of Albertans with disabilities who have been overlooked for decades and will finally be able to receive the support they need from ADAP – we see you, we hear you, and help is coming this July.” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services.
The program was designed based on feedback from Albertans and advocacy organizations. Budget 2026 promised an unprecedented $250 million to help Albertans secure and maintain employment.
ADAP by the numbers:
The core benefit provided by ADAP will be a monthly payment of $1,740, and those transitioning from AISH will receive a $200 transition bonus until December 2027, which means they will receive their existing AISH amount until that date.
ADAP clients will be earning up to $700, meaning ADAP recipients will be able to earn up to $45,000 in annual employment income while receiving financial supports, marking the highest employment income limit of any program provided previously.
In addition, the government will be increasing the amount of pension income a spouse or partner can receive before affecting benefits, meaning the first $1,200 per month of spousal or partner income is fully exempt, with an additional 25% to be also exempt.
Child benefits will also be updated, which will mark an increase in benefits for over 7,000 families.
About 50,000 Albertans will move to the new ADAP program, while 30,000 current AISH clients will automatically remain on AISH. Clients will stay on AISH if they meet at least one of several criteria, including having a severe or profound developmental disability, being eligible for or receiving PDD services, having palliative or terminal medical conditions, living in continuing‑care homes, or being 60 years of age or older.
Those who qualify may choose to transition to ADAP if they want to take advantage of its higher employment‑income exemptions.
Additional resources, including an online benefits calculator, are available at Alberta.ca/ADAP.
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