Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)

ADAP’s core financial benefit is $1,740 per month. 

The ADAP employment income exemption for single clients is $700 per month, which means individuals on ADAP can earn up to $700 per month with no impact to financial benefits.

• Employment income above $700 per month will be gradually deducted starting with less than a cent per dollar and increasing significantly approaching $45,000 employment income per year. See the Disability Assistance Benefits Calculator to determine benefits based on your unique situation
• Albertans on ADAP are able to earn up to $45,240 annually in employment income while continuing to receive financial benefits. This is the highest limit for employment income while receiving financial benefits of any comparable disability income assistance program in Canada.
• Albertans on ADAP will continue to receive the health benefits they need, regardless of employment income.

Starting in the August 2026 benefit period, households where 2 adults receive disability income assistance (AISH or ADAP), each partner will receive 88% of the maximum individual benefit to reflect a couple’s shared household expenses and mutual financial responsibility. This approach aligns with how other jurisdictions structure disability benefits and helps ensure supports are distributed fairly.

Child benefit rates under AISH and ADAP have been recalibrated to reflect other child-related supports including the federal Canada Child Benefit. Monthly child benefits are set at:

• $300 for the first child
• $117 for the second
• $88 for the third
• $59 for the fourth, and
• $30 for each additional child.

The recalibrated child benefit rates will increase child benefits for approximately 7,000 families who receive disability income assistance and will be applied starting the August 2026 benefit period.

All AISH recipients were notified in May with information specific to their situation, including whether they will remain on AISH, transition to ADAP, or be affected by any regulatory changes. 

AISH clients who met one or more of the below criteria automatically remained on AISH, unless they chose to transition to ADAP to benefit from ADAP’s higher employment income exemptions:

• individuals with a severe and profound developmental disability, or who are deemed eligible for or are receiving Persons with Developmental Disabilities services
• individuals with palliative or terminal medical conditions
• individuals living in continuing care homes
• individuals 60 years of age or older

Table 1. AISH and ADAP Earnings impact to financial benefits

There is one application for both AISH and ADAP. This application will collect information from the applicant and their medical professional(s) to decide if an applicant meets the basic, financial, and medical requirements. If eligible for the basic and financial requirements, an adjudicator will review the medical information to decide if an applicant qualifies for ADAP or should be referred to a panel of medical professionals to determine eligibility for AISH. Eligible applicants will be placed into the program that best suits their unique needs and abilities.

In general, an individual with a severe disability that results in them being permanently unable to work will qualify for AISH. 

In general, an individual with a severe disability who is assessed as able to work will qualify for ADAP. To be medically eligible for ADAP, the severe disability must be determined to significantly restrict but not prevent a person from being employed.

ADAP clients will be able to apply for an AISH assessment if their medical condition or ability to work changes.

AISH clients who transition to ADAP in July 2026 will receive a $200 monthly transition benefit that will keep their financial benefit the same as their existing AISH benefit amount until December 31, 2027. During this time, clients can choose to remain on ADAP or apply for AISH.

Through ADAP, Albertans with disabilities will receive customized, one-on-one support and access to the resources and tools they need to gain new skills and work to their full potential. Employment supports include holistic wraparound supports designed to address a wide range of personal, social and practical barriers that may impact an individual’s ability to gain and retain employment. 

Through Budget 2026, Alberta's government is investing an unprecedented nearly quarter-billion dollars this year alone to help Albertans gain and retain meaningful employment. This investment strengthens supports that reduce barriers for persons with disabilities and provide flexible, person-centred supports focused on long-term success. These services include career planning, assistive technology and supported job placements, as well as resources to help employers break down accessibility barriers in their workplace.

If an ADAP client is unable to find a job after receiving employment supports, they will continue to receive their financial and health benefits. If their medical condition progresses to the point that they are unable to work, they can apply for the AISH program.