UCP restoring AISH benefits for eligible couples, and simplfying applications

Per the release:

“Alberta’s government is restoring full benefit amounts for eligible couples where both partners receive AISH or ADAP benefits. Affected clients will also receive retroactive payments fully reimbursing the difference back to the August 2026 period of assistance, when the adjusted rate was first applied. This change will help provide greater financial stability for these couples and families. No action is required, and clients will receive their retroactive payment before the end of the year.”

The announcement comes after many months of Albertans raising concerns that the UCP’s changes would severely impact their quality of life.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) said in a statement Tuesday that while it’s encouraging for the government to reverse some of the harm caused by ADAP, it doesn’t change the fact that it was poorly conceived and should never have been enacted.

“AISH was designed to provide a minimum income for Albertans who are medically unable to be employed. When thousands were moved into the new ADAP program in July, their benefits were reduced and they were expected to find jobs,” said Sandra Azocar, president.

“Disability advocates and front-line service providers warned the government that its proposed changes to disability benefits would seriously impact Albertans. AUPE members knew reducing benefits and changing the system would harm the Albertans we support.”

Azocar added that the government ignored warnings and went ahead with a plan that was callous.

“ADAP still reduces monthly benefits by $200. In this economy, that can be the difference between paying a utility bill or going hungry,” says Azocar.

“AISH was not perfect, but it was much better than what ADAP is now. The government owes Albertans with disabilities real change and an apology.”

The Government of Alberta notes that a transition benefit will ensure Albertans who shifted from AISH to ADAP receive the same monthly support as they would on AISH until December 31, 2027.

They also share that clients who transitioned from AISH to ADAP can now use a streamlined process if they later choose to apply to return to AISH.

Alberta’s government continues to cover the cost of one Disability Income Assistance Medical Report for AISH clients who transitioned to ADAP and later choose to apply for AISH. This assistance is not time-limited and is available whenever a client chooses to access it, they say.

Nurse practitioners can now complete and sign these medical reports, as well as physicians, giving clients more options to obtain the documentation they need.

by Josh Hall

UCP restoring AISH benefits for eligible couples, and simplfying applications

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