79,000 Albertans are navigating the move from AISH to ADAP on July 1, 2026. This is your community resource for clear information, honest answers, and real support.
Read the latest updatesThis transition is bringing real uncertainty to real families. For many people, $200 a month less is not a small number. It is groceries, medications, and rent. We are here to give you straight answers about what is changing, what your options are, and how to protect your household. Informative and constructive.
A deeply reported investigation following real Albertans as they prepare for July 1. The story puts a human face on what the numbers mean: a Red Deer woman with MS, degenerative disc disease, and clinical depression counting prescriptions against groceries. Advocates warn of housing loss and food insecurity across the province. One of the most important pieces of journalism written about this transition.
Read the full investigation at WestNet News ›A Calgary family speaks out about how ADAP's spousal income rules will hit their household budget. The uncertainty has left families feeling scared, depressed, and angry, with advocates calling the administrative expansion unjustified.
Daily Hive Calgary, May 2026 Read at Daily Hive › NewsAbout 50,000 Albertans are expected to move to ADAP when it launches in July, while roughly 30,000 will remain on AISH. Newly filed regulations set out benefit amounts, eligibility rules, and employment provisions for the new program.
Central Alberta Online, May 2026 Read at Central Alberta Online › AdvocacyAlberta physicians speak out against the AISH-to-ADAP transition, raising concerns about what it means for their most vulnerable patients. Those unable to work must reapply for AISH and undergo a new medical assessment to avoid the $200 monthly cut.
Alberta Doctors Digest, Nov/Dec 2025 Read at Alberta Doctors Digest ›You do not need to apply for ADAP. The move happens July 1 whether you are ready or not. But you do have the right to request reassessment for AISH if your disability prevents you from working. Do not let that 18-month window pass without understanding your options.
Alberta Government Fact Sheet, May 12, 2026Starting August 2026, couples where both partners receive disability income will each receive 88% of the maximum benefit. Child benefit rates are also being recalibrated. Approximately 7,000 families will see increases in child benefits under the new structure.
ADAP Fact Sheet, May 12, 2026The move from AISH to ADAP is not appealable. However, decisions about your eligibility and benefit amounts under ADAP are. If something does not look right after July 1, you have the right to challenge it. Keep records of all correspondence with your case worker.
Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2)A single person, a couple, a parent. The numbers change. Use this to see exactly where you stand so you can plan ahead.
How your total income changes as your employment income grows
Formula verified against the Government of Alberta AISH and ADAP Benefit Estimator. Accurate to within 2 cents. Does not include Canada Disability Benefit ($200/mo, fully clawed back by Alberta), pension, EI, or other income sources. Couple 88% rate applies August 2026. For a full assessment with all income sources, call your AISH/ADAP case worker at 1-877-644-9992.
A plain-language comparison of what ADAP changes and what stays the same for your household.
For most AISH recipients, no. The transition to ADAP is automatic. You will receive a letter in mid-May 2026 explaining your specific situation. If you believe you should remain on AISH, you have until December 31, 2027 to request a reassessment.
No. Prescription coverage, dental care, and other health supports continue under ADAP regardless of your employment income level. Health benefits are not affected by how much you earn.
If you were on AISH before July 1, 2026, you receive an extra $200/month added to your ADAP benefit. This keeps your total at $1,940/month until December 31, 2027. After that, unless you have been approved to remain on AISH, your benefit drops to $1,740/month.
You cannot appeal the transition itself. However, if your disability permanently prevents you from working, you can apply for reassessment under AISH. The government covers the cost of one medical assessment for AISH clients who transition to ADAP. You have until December 31, 2027 to make this request.
The first $700 you earn each month is fully exempt with no reduction to your benefit. Above $700, your benefit is gradually reduced. Use the calculator on this page to see your exact numbers at any income level.
The federal Canada Disability Benefit ($200/month) is fully clawed back by Alberta for ADAP recipients. Alberta deducts it dollar-for-dollar from your ADAP payment. You do not come out ahead from the CDB unless your ADAP benefit has already reached zero.
If your partner also receives disability income, starting August 2026 each of you receives 88% of the maximum individual benefit to reflect shared household expenses. Your employment income exemption as a cohabiting partner is $1,500/month rather than $700.
Yes, if your disability permanently prevents you from working. Request a reassessment before December 31, 2027. The government covers one medical assessment. If approved for AISH, your benefit returns to $1,940/month with no end date on the higher amount.
Yes. Starting July 2026, there is one combined application for both ADAP and AISH. Albertans with severe disabilities who are assessed as being able to participate in the workforce to some degree will be placed in ADAP. Those assessed as permanently unable to work will be placed in AISH. Call 1-877-644-9992 to start an application.
These organizations and contacts exist specifically to support Albertans with disabilities.
Your direct line for AISH and ADAP questions, case worker connections, and benefit information.
1-877-644-9992 Mon to Fri, 7:30 am to 8:00 pmA leading advocacy organization speaking out on behalf of Albertans with disabilities. Detailed analysis and action guides on ADAP are available on their website.
ADAP facts and how to take action ›If you need help understanding your rights, appealing a decision, or navigating the AISH reassessment process, Legal Aid can connect you with legal support.
legalaid.ab.ca ›Our Facebook community group. A fact-based space for Albertans navigating this transition together. Informative and constructive.
Join the group on Facebook ›New articles, benefit changes, and deadline reminders. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.