AISH Benefits: Payment Dates, Eligibility, and How to Apply

According to Statistics Canada’s 2022 report, about 27.5% people in Alberta live with disabilities, which makes it very hard to work and earn money. This makes it challenging for them to cover the expenses for basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare.

To address this, the Government of Alberta offers the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program. AISH provides financial and health-related assistance to Albertans whose ability to work is substantially limited by a severe, permanent disability.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about this government benefit, eligibility, payment rates, application process, and more.

What is AISH?

AISH, which stands for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, is an income support program provided by the Alberta government to support residents of the province who are disabled.

The goal of AISH is to cover basic needs and improve the quality of life for some of Alberta’s most vulnerable citizens. Without AISH, many recipients would be completely unable to afford housing or basic necessities. The health benefits also cover critical services and products that Albertans with disabilities require due to their conditions.

AISH Payment Dates in 2025

AISH payments are issued once per month, typically four business days prior to the start of the month. Below are the AISH payment dates for 2025:

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025
• Tuesday, February 25, 2025
• Wednesday, March 26, 2025
• Friday, April 25, 2025
• Tuesday, May 27, 2025
• Wednesday, June 25, 2025
• Monday, July 28, 2025
• Tuesday, August 26, 2025
• Wednesday, September 24, 2025
• Tuesday, October 28, 2025
• Tuesday, November 25, 2025

AISH is directly deposited into the recipient’s bank account on the payment date. To start direct deposit, you must provide your banking information to AISH using one of the following methods:

• Complete and submit a pre-printed AISH direct deposit form
• Submit a void cheque
• Provide bank account details (branch number, institution number and account number)

Paper cheques are only issued if a direct deposit setup is not possible due to geographic or technological barriers. In that case, paper cheques may take up to 3 additional business days to be received by mail.

Source: Government of Alberta – AISH payment dates

Who is Eligible for AISH Programs?

To qualify for AISH benefits, applicants must meet criteria related to age, residency, disability, income and assets. Let’s take a detailed look at each of the eligibility requirements for qualification:

Residency: You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident currently living in Alberta.

Age: You must be 18 years of age or older.

OAS Eligibility: You cannot receive AISH if you qualify for the Old Age Security pension.

Incarceration: You cannot be living in a correctional or mental health facility.

Disability: You must have a severe and permanent medical condition that prevents you from being able to work and earn a living. Some examples of eligible disabilities include spinal cord injuries, vision/hearing loss, cystic fibrosis, hepatitis C, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Income levels: Your total household income must stay below the specified limits based on your marital status and number of dependents. However, AISH has rules for exempt income, meaning some money you receive does not count against you. Examples include the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) payments.

Assets: You and your partner can have assets up to $100,000 in total value. Some assets are fully exempt and do not count toward this limit, including:

• Your primary residence
• One vehicle, including a vehicle adapted for disability
• A Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
• Clothing, essential furniture, and trust funds from an inheritance or life insurance policy (up to certain limits).

You must also apply for all other income assistance programs you may be eligible for first before applying for AISH. This includes programs like the Canada Pension Plan, Workers’ Compensation, and Employment Insurance.

That said, meeting all AISH eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee approval. Your specific medical history and ability to work will also be evaluated.

Source: Government of Alberta – AISH eligibility.

What Benefits Does AISH Provide?

The AISH program offers various forms of financial assistance and health coverage to support the disabled residents of Alberta.

AISH Monthly Allowance Rates

AISH provides recipients with a monthly living allowance, with the exact amount determined based on your living situation:

Allowance Type	Maximum Monthly Amount
Standard Living Allowance	$1,901
Modified Living Allowance – Personal	$365
Modified Living Allowance – Private Room	$2,366
Modified Living Allowance – Shared Room	$2,047
Modified Living Allowance – Standard Room	$1,880

Other allowances provided by AISH include:

• Child benefits: $227/month for the first child, $114/month for each additional child
• Remote community allowance: $46/month
• Special diet allowance: Up to $126/month, depending on diet

AISH Health Benefits

Recipients automatically receive an AISH Health Benefits Card, which covers many costs not included in the standard Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. Coverage includes:

Prescription drugs

AISH helps pay for many prescription medicines and some non-prescription items.

• Formulary prescription drugs and approved over-the-counter products
• Nutritional supplements, if medically required

Dental

AISH covers basic dental care and provides some additional support for more serious treatments.

• Basic dental services like exams, X-rays, cleanings, and fillings
• Dentures and dental surgery when dentally required

Vision care

You can get help with eye exams and glasses through AISH.

• Eye exams every 2 years for adults, annually for minors
• Prescription eyeglasses every 2 years for adults, annually for minors
• Repair of existing eyewear

Paramedical services

AISH helps cover visits to healthcare specialists, such as therapists and chiropractors.

• Chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, podiatrists
• Maximum annual visits and per-visit fee coverage

Ambulance services

If you need an ambulance in an emergency, AISH will help cover the cost.

• Ground ambulance trips to the nearest capable emergency facility

Diabetic supplies

If you have diabetes, AISH covers some of the supplies you need to manage your condition.

• Blood glucose test strips
• Insulin pump supplies
• Other essential diabetic management supplies

Medical equipment and supplies

AISH can help you get medical equipment and supplies for daily health needs.

• Canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters
• Diabetic monitors and supplies
• Hospital beds and accessories
• Oxygen and respiratory equipment
• Mastectomy supplies
• Incontinence supplies
• Ostomy supplies

The above list covers many of the most common health services accessed through AISH benefits, but is not comprehensive. Certain benefits may require pre-approval.

AISH Personal Benefits

In addition to the standard monthly allowance and health benefits, AISH recipients can access personal benefits to help cover disability-related costs in categories such as:

• Health treatment and equipment are not covered otherwise
• Disability support for employment
• Education-related costs for dependent children
• Emergency housing and shelter
• Costs related to escaping abuse
• Expenses related to relocating
• Travel for medical appointments
• Funeral costs

Unlike the core health benefits, qualification for personal benefits is assessed on a case-by-case basis based on financial need and appropriateness.

For example, if you require an electric wheelchair but do not qualify under standard health benefits, you may apply for it through personal benefits, given sufficient medical justification.

Source: Government of Alberta – AISH benefits.

How to Apply for AISH

If you feel you may qualify for AISH benefits based on the eligibility criteria, you can begin the application process by following these five steps:

Step 1: Get the application form

You can download the AISH application forms directly from the Alberta government’s website. This is the most reliable way to ensure you have the latest version.

Step 2: Complete the application form

Complete Part A of the AISH application form thoroughly. This collects key details on your personal situation.

Have your physician complete Part B, the AISH Medical Report, providing full details on your medical diagnosis, treatment history and resulting impairments.

Step 3: Gather required documents

In addition to the AISH application forms, gather income documentation, bank records, proof of residency and any other relevant medical evidence to support your eligibility.

Step 4: Submit completed forms and documents

Submit all forms and supporting documents in person, by mail, fax or through your AISH worker.

If submitting yourself, please send to: AISH, PO Box 17000 Station Main, Edmonton, AB T5J 4B3.

Step 5: Application review process

AISH will review your application and contact you if any additional information is required. Most applications take 6-8 weeks to process after all documents are submitted.

If approved, an AISH worker will contact you to discuss the next steps and benefits. This will include:

• Providing your banking information for direct deposit setup
• Completing any additional required forms
• Reviewing the benefits you qualify for
• Shipping your AISH Health Benefits Card
• Reporting any changes in status immediately

Tips for a Strong AISH Application

Follow the four essential tips below to ensure a successful AISH application:

• Be thorough in the medical report: The AISH Medical Report (Part B) is the most important part of your application. Work with your doctor to provide detailed, specific examples of how your disability limits your daily activities and ability to work. It’s not enough to state the diagnosis; you must explain its functional impact.
• Document everything: Include supporting documents like specialist reports, psychological assessments, and records of hospital stays. The more medical evidence you provide, the clearer the picture for the AISH administrator.
• Explain your work history: Clearly describe past jobs and explain why you can no longer perform them due to your condition. If you left a job on medical advice, include a note from your doctor.
• Don’t understate your challenges: Be honest and realistic about your limitations. This is not the time to be brave or minimize your struggles. Clearly describe the pain, fatigue, or cognitive issues that prevent you from working.

What if Your Application is Denied? The Appeals Process

There are five reasons that your AISH applications are denied, including:

• Insufficient evidence of disability/severity
• Failure to pursue appropriate treatments
• Assets or income exceeding limits
• Medical condition expected to improve over time
• Deemed able to continue employment with accommodations

If your AISH application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.

• Request an internal review: You have 30 days from the date you receive the decision to submit a written request for an internal review. A different AISH staff member will review your file.
• File an appeal with the Citizens’ Appeal Panel: If the decision is still not in your favour after the internal review, you can appeal to an independent appeal panel. You must do this within 30 days of receiving the review decision.

This process can be complex. So it is highly recommended to seek help from a disability advocate or legal aid service.

Reporting Changes That Affect Your AISH Benefits

Once enrolled in AISH, you must promptly report any changes in your situation which could impact your benefits or eligibility. This includes:

• Employment changes
• Changes in living situation or address
• Marital status changes
• Income changes
• Health status improvements
• Travel outside Alberta for over 30 days
• Asset increases

Reporting must be done within 10 business days by phone or through your AISH worker.

Failure to report relevant changes may lead to serious consequences, such as being required to repay benefits or being removed from the program. As a result, you must keep your AISH worker informed for continued smooth benefits.

The bottom line

We hope this guide provided you with an overview of the AISH program. AISH provides a vital lifeline to many Albertans living with severe disabilities.

While the financial assistance may seem complex, the benefits are designed to be flexible, accommodating recipients’ specific situations and costs. Don’t hesitate to apply if you believe you may be eligible and in need of support.

For additional details on AISH, including up-to-date payment rates and forms, please visit the official AISH website or speak with an AISH representative in your community.

FAQs about AISH Alberta