Understanding the Proposed Changes to AISH and the New Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)
Updated: September 3, 2025
The Alberta Government is proposing significant changes to disability income support—ones that could have devastating consequences for thousands of people across the province.
At the heart of the proposal is the replacement of the current AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) program with a new framework: the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).
This post outlines everything we know so far, thanks in large part to advocacy and resources from Inclusion Alberta. It includes key dates, action steps, government documents, and expert analysis so that you can make your voice heard before it’s too late.
⚠️ What’s Changing?
On August 13, 2025, the Alberta Government released its ADAP Discussion Guide (PDF), outlining the following:
All AISH recipients will be moved to ADAP starting July 1, 2026
Monthly financial support will be cut by $200 under ADAP
New eligibility criteria will focus on whether someone is able to work, regardless of whether they can sustain a livelihood
Fewer rights to appeal, more complex reapplication requirements, and lower exemptions for earned income
📉 For most people currently receiving AISH, this means less income, more barriers, and greater financial instability.
🧠 What Does Inclusion Alberta Say?
Inclusion Alberta issued a strong media release titled:
Key concerns from their analysis include:
The $200 monthly cut will deeply harm people already below Canada’s poverty line
Employment expectations in ADAP are unrealistic, especially without guaranteed inclusive supports
People may be forced off AISH even if they cannot secure sustainable work
The process is complex, humiliating, and lacks genuine appeal rights
In short, most Albertans with disabilities will be worse off under ADAP—unless they can earn over $2,114/month through employment.
🗣️ Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard
The Alberta Government is currently collecting public feedback. There are several ways to make your voice count before the September 12, 2025 deadline.
📞 Government of Alberta Telephone Town Halls
These are phone-in and web-streamed events—no registration needed.
Thursday, September 4 at 6:00 PM (MST)
Friday, September 5 at 12:00 PM (MST)
📞 Dial-in: 1-833-380-0691
💻 Join Online: Click to stream
👥 Premier’s Council Virtual Town Hall
Organized by the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, this is your opportunity to speak up directly.
🗓 Monday, September 8 at 5:00 PM (MST)
🔗 Join via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81449705788
📄 Download the Official Invite (PDF)
📄 Download the Town Hall Agenda (PDF)
🌐 More Info from Inclusion Alberta
📝 Complete the ADAP Public Survey (Deadline: September 12)
This is your opportunity to give feedback on the proposed changes directly to the Alberta Government.
📍 Take the Survey Here
📧 Or email feedback to: adapengagement@gov.ab.ca
📘 Download the Full Community Guide (PDF)
Inclusion Alberta has prepared a comprehensive guide to help you:
Understand the policy shifts
Compare AISH and ADAP
Prepare your responses to every survey question
📄 Download the Full Guide Here (PDF)
This guide includes:
Income comparisons
Employment expectations
Analysis of eligibility, appeals, and spousal income rules
Expert commentary from economist Gillian Petit
🧾 Fast Facts: What’s Actually Changing
| Category | AISH | ADAP |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Living Allowance | $1,940 | $1,740 |
| Income Exemption (single) | $1,072 | $350 |
| Appeal Rights | Citizen’s Appeal Panel | Medical Review Panel (no appeal) |
| Spousal Income Exemption | $2,612 | $1,500 |
| Eligibility Criteria | "Substantial limitation to earn a livelihood" | "Some ability to work" |
| Medical Review Process | Accessible appeals | Decisions final; not appealable |
Even if you're working part-time or in episodic employment, you may be forced onto ADAP and lose vital support. ADAP also places higher administrative burdens on applicants while reducing the overall benefit.
✅ Summary: 5 Things You Can Do Today
📝 Take the Survey → Click here
📞 Join a Town Hall → Sept 4, 5 (Phone) | Sept 8 (Zoom)
📄 Download the Full Guide → Here
📧 Submit an email response → adapengagement@gov.ab.ca
📣 Share this blog with others in your network
💬 Final Thoughts
This isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity, autonomy, and inclusion.
Policies like ADAP risk pushing people further to the margins when we should be building bridges to full participation. These changes will hurt individuals, families, and communities—unless we speak up.
Now is the time to raise our voices.
Let’s ensure every Albertan with a disability has access to the support they need—not just to survive, but to live fully and with dignity.
