AB Student Disability Grant
Alberta Student Aid offers grants for students with permanent disabilities (PD) or persistent or prolonged disabilities (PPD) to help cover the extra costs of post-secondary education and living expenses. Approved students may receive up to $2,800 per loan year in grant funding, in addition to other student aid they may qualify for.
Complete the Disability Verification form early so your grant is ready when classes start. The grant is in addition to other student aid, so apply for all the funding you are entitled to. If your disability affects your study load, ask about reduced course-load options that still keep your funding intact.
You may qualify if you are an Alberta resident enrolled or planning to enroll in a designated post-secondary program, have a documented permanent disability or persistent/prolonged disability, and demonstrate financial need. A medical professional must confirm your disability through the Disability Verification form.
A completed Disability Verification form (for Students with Permanent or Persistent/Prolonged Disabilities) signed by a qualified medical professional, proof of enrollment in a designated post-secondary program, and your Alberta Student Aid application.
Apply for student aid through Alberta Student Aid and complete the disability verification process. Have your medical professional complete the Disability Verification form so you can be approved as a student with a disability and access the grant.
A common mistake is applying for regular student aid without completing the disability verification, which means the grant is not added. Another is not knowing the grant does not need to be repaid, unlike loans. Students also miss that they may qualify for both grants and loans at the same time.
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 detailsDisability Related Employment Supports
Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES) provides funding for supports and services that help Albertans overcome disability-related barriers to employment or education. This can include assistive technology, sign language interpretation, job coaching, tutoring, and other workplace or educational supports tailored to your needs.
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 detailsMcMan 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 detailsWood 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.
