AISH
AISH is Alberta's longstanding disability income program for Albertans 18+ whose severe disability permanently prevents employment. As of July 2, 2026 it co-exists with the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). AISH provides a $1,940/month standard living allowance plus health and personal benefits. There is one combined application for AISH and ADAP. For full eligibility, income rules, working while on AISH, the CDB interaction, and the AISH-to-ADAP transition, see our AISH guide.
• Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit and Disability Tax Credit — AISH requires it; not applying can reduce your AISH by $200/month • You can earn up to $350/month (single or parent) without affecting AISH; a cohabiting partner can earn up to $1,500/month • Your own CPP-D is deducted dollar-for-dollar; a spouse/partner's is partially exempt (first $1,200 fully exempt, then 25%) • If denied, non-medical decisions can be appealed to the Citizen's Appeal Panel (CAP) within 30 days; most medical decisions (including whether you should be referred to the AISH Medical Review Panel) can be appealed to the Medical Appeal Panel (MAP). The AISH Medical Review Panel's final decision is not appealable. • For ADAP information: alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program
• 18 or older and not eligible for Old Age Security • Live in Alberta; Canadian citizen or permanent resident • Not in a correctional facility or designated mental-health facility (e.g., Alberta Hospital Edmonton) • A severe disability that is a substantial impairment of mental or physical functioning that permanently prevents employment (permanent; all relevant treatment completed; no improvement expected) • Meet financial eligibility (combined household non-exempt assets $100,000 or less)
• Completed combined AISH/ADAP application form • Medical documentation provided by a medical professional • Proof of residency and citizenship/permanent resident status • Financial information regarding income and assets
Submit the combined Disability Income Assistance (DIA) application online at dia.alberta.ca/main or using form DS2444A, with a Disability Assistance Medical Report (DS2444B) from your health professional. Alberta places eligible applicants in AISH or ADAP based on their situation.
• Not applying for other income you're eligible for (CPP-D, CDB, EI, WCB) • Not reporting changes in income, living situation, or medical condition • Assuming any employment disqualifies you (limited earnings are allowed) • Confusing AISH with ADAP — AISH is for disabilities that permanently prevent employment
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
Alberta Disability Assistance Program
ADAP is Alberta's disability income program for Albertans 18+ whose severe disability significantly impedes employment (continuously or episodically) but does not prevent it. Launched July 2026, it provides a $1,740/month core financial benefit, health and personal benefits, and higher employment-income exemptions than AISH. AISH clients who transitioned to ADAP in July 2026 receive a $200 monthly transition benefit that keeps their financial benefit equal to their existing AISH amount until December 31, 2027. There is one combined application for AISH and ADAP. For full eligibility, income rules, working on ADAP, and the AISH-to-ADAP transition, see our ADAP guide.
View detailsFamily Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
Helps Alberta families raising a child with a disability by funding services and supports such as respite care, specialized services, child-focused supports, and family support, so children can grow and develop at home.
View detailsAlberta Income Support
Alberta Income Support provides financial help to low-income Albertans who are unemployed or underemployed and need help meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. It includes two streams: Expected to Work (ETW) for people expected to find employment, and Barriers to Full Employment (BFE) for people facing challenges that make full employment difficult.
View detailsFree disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.
Alberta, AB
VAD is a provincial non-profit organization that supports individuals with disabilities in Alberta through advocacy, public education, and resources. It works with individuals, organizations, government, schools, and businesses to promote accessibility and inclusion for Albertans with disabilities.
National
Pathway to Benefits is a free, national disability benefits navigation program led by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. It helps Canadians with disabilities and their families navigate the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and provincial and territorial support programs, with plain-language guidance and personalized assistance by phone and online.
Languages: English, French
National
The GAIN Program (Guidance & Assistance in Navigating Disability Support) is a free service offered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC). VLRC's Disability Benefit Navigators provide one-to-one support to help people with disabilities understand and apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), and other federal, provincial and territorial credits and benefits, including help with appeals. Although operated by VLRC, the GAIN Program assists people with all disabilities, not only vision loss.
Languages: English, French
Application denied?
If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.
The Epilepsy Association of Edmonton and Northern Alberta (EAENA) is a registered charity supporting people living with epilepsy and seizure disorders, and their families, throughout Edmonton and Northern Alberta. The organization provides programs, services, information, education, resources, and support related to living with epilepsy — including epilepsy education (Epilepsy 101), support programs for adults and families, information booklets in English and French, school and community education, and resources on driving, employment, and daily life with a neurological condition. EAENA serves children, youth, adults, and seniors affected by epilepsy across Edmonton and Northern Alberta, including communities north of Red Deer such as Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo.
View details HousingWood Buffalo Housing & Development Corporation (WBH) is a not-for-profit organization that has provided safe, affordable housing in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo since 2001. It offers programs for every level of housing need, including rent subsidy and community housing, near-market rentals, and seniors housing, including accessible units.
View details HealthcareThe Autism Society of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (Autism RMWB) is a local, community-based organization in Fort McMurray that creates an inclusive community through programs supporting autistic individuals and all those living with neurodiversity and disabilities, and supports their families across their lifespan. This is the local Wood Buffalo organization and is distinct from the national Autism Society Canada.
View detailsAccessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.
