The Number People Are Searching For
The current AISH monthly living allowance is $1,940 for a single recipient. That figure got a 2% bump in January 2026, tied to the Consumer Price Index. It's the maximum what you actually receive depends on your income, assets, and family situation.
Beyond the cash, AISH also covers prescription drugs, dental care, and basic medical services through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. Child benefits are available on top of that for recipients with dependent children.
When Does the Money Actually Land?
Payments are deposited four business days before the first of the month always at midnight via direct deposit. If the deposit date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the previous business day.
If you're still receiving cheques, they're mailed six business days before the first of the month factor in standard mail delivery time on top of that. Setting up direct deposit through your AISH caseworker is the faster option. After each deposit, AISH sends a statement showing the date, amount, and a breakdown of any income adjustments. Your Health Benefits Card arrives with the monthly statement if you're eligible.
Who Qualifies
You need to be at least 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Alberta, and not yet eligible for Old Age Security. You cannot be incarcerated or residing in certain mental health facilities.
On the medical side, your condition must be permanent and it must be the main reason you can't earn a living. Education level, for example, doesn't count. AISH also looks at what treatments, therapy, or rehabilitation might improve your ability to work.
Financially, your income and assets and those of a spouse or partner are all assessed. Non-exempt assets cannot exceed $100,000 combined. Some things are fully exempt: your home, your primary vehicle, clothing, household items, and RDSPs.
You can still work while on AISH and are encouraged to. Employment income is partially exempt up to a threshold earnings above that are deducted from your monthly payment.
The Biggest Change to AISH in Decades Coming July 1, 2026
This is the part most people don't know about yet.
On July 1, 2026, Alberta is launching the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) alongside a restructured AISH. The province is splitting disability support into two streams based on ability to work.
If your disability completely prevents you from working, you stay on AISH. If you have a severe permanent disability but are assessed as able to work to some degree, you move to ADAP which pays a maximum of $1,740 per month, $200 less than the current AISH rate.
What Happens to People Already on AISH
Every current AISH recipient will be automatically moved into one of the two programs. You don't need to apply or do anything right now.
If you have a severe and profound developmental disability, are receiving Persons with Developmental Disabilities services, or have a palliative or terminal condition, you will automatically remain on AISH. You'll be notified before July.
If you're moved to ADAP, the province is providing a $200 monthly transition benefit that keeps your total payment at $1,940 the same as now until December 31, 2027. After that date, the transition benefit ends and the standard ADAP rate of $1,740 applies, unless new rates are announced.
If you're moved to ADAP and later want to be reassessed for AISH, the government will cover the cost of one medical assessment. That option has no time limit.
New Applicants After July 1
Anyone applying for the first time after July 1, 2026 including people turning 18 will be assessed under the new system and will receive a maximum of $1,740 per month through ADAP if they qualify for that stream. The transition benefit does not apply to new applicants.
How to Apply
Applications go through Alberta Supports. You complete Part A of the application form, and your physician completes the medical report in Part B. Submit by mail to PO Box 17000 Station Main, Edmonton, AB T5J 4B3, or by fax to 1-877-969-3006. If denied, you have 30 days to appeal in writing.
Questions? Contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sources:
Government of Alberta — AISH Eligibility (alberta.ca/aish-eligibility)
Government of Alberta — AISH Payment Details (alberta.ca/aish-payment-details)
Government of Alberta — Alberta Disability Assistance Program (alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program)
