AISH: Alberta's Severe Disability Benefit Guide

What is AISH?

The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is a provincial income support program for people with severe disabilities, administered by the Government of Alberta. It helps cover basic living costs for those who cannot work due to severe disability.

Who is eligible?

According to the official Alberta website, to qualify for AISH you must:

• Have a severe disability that substantially impairs mental or physical functioning and permanently prevents employment.
• Have a permanent disability for which all relevant treatment has been completed and no improvement is expected.
• Be at least 18 years old and not eligible for Old Age Security pension.
• Live in Alberta and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Not be in a correctional facility or certain mental health facilities (e.g., Alberta Hospital Edmonton).
• Meet financial eligibility criteria.

Specific income thresholds are not listed on the official page; check with the program at the time of application.

What you may get

Depending on your situation, you may receive:

• Monthly living allowance – for food, rent, utilities, etc.
• Monthly child benefit – to help raise dependent children.
• Health benefits – covering health needs for you, your spouse/partner, and dependent children.
• Personal benefits – extra funds for specific needs like special diets or emergencies.

Exact amounts are not specified; they are calculated at the time of application.

Relationship with federal disability benefits

If you receive AISH, you must inform the program about the approval or denial of your Canada Disability Benefit and/or Disability Tax Credit applications. You can do this via the 'Apply for federal disability supports' form.

Application timeline

Disability Income Assistance (DIA) applications are reviewed in order received. Applicants receiving end-of-life palliative care or with terminal illness are prioritized. Processing times vary based on application volume and how quickly financial and medical info is received.

Keeping your information up to date

If you receive AISH, you must keep your information current. If your benefit changes due to work income, use the AISH and ADAP benefit estimator, review your payment statement, or contact your local AISH and ADAP office.

Official sources

• AISH official page