AISH and Income: Why Calgarians Demand Better Support Systems

Calgarians living with disabilities are facing an increasingly uncertain future as significant shifts in provincial support programs come into focus, against a backdrop of the city’s rapid population growth and rising cost of living.

Frustration is mounting over Alberta’s decision to claw back the new federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from those on Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). The federal benefit, which began payments in July 2025, was intended to provide up to an additional $200 per month. However, Alberta is the sole province to treat this as non-exempt income, effectively offsetting AISH payments dollar-for-dollar, leaving recipients with no net increase. For many, this means no relief from the already high cost of necessities like medication and mobility aids.

The current maximum AISH payment of $1,901 per month falls well below Calgary’s Market Basket Measure (MBM) poverty line of $2,287 per month. This financial strain is compounded by a looming $220 per month rent increase in community housing by July 2025.

Looking ahead, the provincial government's Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) is set to launch in July 2026. While ADAP aims to empower individuals with more employment income exemptions, its proposed maximum monthly allowance of $1,740 is $200 lower than current AISH rates. Current AISH clients will be transitioned to ADAP, with a $200 monthly reduction effective January 1, 2028, unless they reapply and are approved for AISH under a new, non-appealable medical assessment process. Disability advocates in Calgary are deeply concerned these changes will only push more residents into deeper poverty, highlighting that systemic barriers often make consistent employment challenging for those with severe disabilities.