AB 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.
If you have a disability, ask about the Barriers to Full Employment stream and about additional disability-related allowances. You can also be referred to health benefits and employment programs at the same time. Keep your caseworker updated if your income or living situation changes.
You may qualify if you are at least 18 years old, live in Alberta, are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee or refugee claimant, have low or no income and limited assets, and are either expected to work or have barriers to full employment. People with disabilities may be assessed for the Barriers to Full Employment stream.
Government-issued ID, proof of Alberta residency, Social Insurance Number, proof of income and assets (bank statements, pay stubs), and information about your housing costs.
Apply online through your verified Alberta.ca Account, or visit a local Alberta government office for help. A caseworker will assess your income, assets, and situation.
A common mistake is not reporting all income and assets, which can lead to overpayments you must repay later. Another is assuming you must be fully unemployed — underemployed people with very low income can also qualify. People also miss that health benefits may be available alongside the income payment.
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 detailsAssured Income for the Severely Handicapped
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.
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
Plan Institute is a Canadian non-profit and registered charity that helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. Its free national Disability Planning Helpline offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Benefit, wills and trusts, and future and financial planning. Plan Institute also offers free webinars and online courses on the RDSP, DTC, and building personal support networks. The helpline is free, confidential, and available across Canada by phone, email, and online request form.
Languages: English, Interpretation in ASL and other languages on request
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 Caregiver ResourcesMcMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association (Edmonton and North region) provides family support, respite and disability services in Fort McMurray. McMan is a not-for-profit social service agency serving communities across northern Alberta, including Fort McMurray.
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 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.
