In Alberta, thousands of residents rely on disability support programs to maintain financial stability and access the crucial health services they need. Two key programs — **AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped)** and **AADL (Alberta Aids to Daily Living)** — serve different but often overlapping groups of people living with disability. Understanding the distinction between these programs, their eligibility criteria, and what benefits they offer can make a life-changing difference for applicants and their families.
Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis, a long-term disability, or supporting a loved one, accessing the correct financial and medical assistance is critical. AISH and AADL aren’t interchangeable — one provides income and the other covers specific health-related costs. But taken together, they form a supportive foundation for those most in need. Here’s what you need to know in 2024 to make sure you’re applying for the right benefit — and maximizing what you’re entitled to receive.
Overview of AISH and AADL Benefits
| Program | Purpose | Eligibility | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AISH | Income support for adults with permanent disabilities | 18+, Alberta resident, medically documented severe handicap, financial need | Monthly income, health benefits, personal benefits (e.g., modified living), child support exemption |
| AADL | Funding for medical equipment and supplies | Albertans with long-term disabilities or chronic health conditions | Wheelchairs, walking aids, respiratory equipment, prosthetics, continence supplies |
Who qualifies and why it matters
AISH qualification hinges on three main criteria: medical eligibility, age and residency, and financial need. To qualify, you must have a permanent medical condition that “substantially limits your ability to earn a living.” This condition must be verified by a regulated medical professional, and not expected to improve significantly over time.
Applicants need to be at least 18 years old, legally entitled to reside in Canada, and make Alberta their primary residence. Financial need is assessed by looking at your income, assets, and spouse or partner’s finances. If your income or assets exceed certain thresholds, your eligibility for AISH may be impacted or denied.
AADL eligibility is more focused on functional impairments. It’s available to Albertans of any age with long-term disability or chronic illness that requires medical equipment or supplies. The key factor is that your condition must be expected to last six months or more. AADL is not income tested (unless you are also on AISH or Income Support), but certain cost-sharing rules apply if you aren’t part of those programs.
Understanding key differences between AISH and AADL
The **AISH program** is primarily financial. It provides monthly payments to help cover living expenses and offers a supplemental health benefits package. AISH benefits are comprehensive, potentially including dental, optical, prescription drugs, and access to emergency assistance such as modified living arrangements or transportation.
In contrast, **AADL is not an income support** program. Instead, it’s a healthcare benefit plan that provides access to adaptive equipment and supplies like grab bars, wheelchairs, and respiratory aids. AADL doesn’t provide money directly; rather, it funds specific devices through authorized vendors or pays parts of the costs directly on your behalf.
Cost-sharing policies and exceptions
Under AADL, standard clients pay 25% of the benefit price up to a maximum of $500 per family per year. However, if you are on AISH or Alberta Income Support, you don’t have to pay anything — your AADL benefits are fully covered. This interaction between AADL and AISH highlights why understanding both programs is critical; if you’re eligible for AISH, make sure to identify yourself as such when applying for AADL benefits.
As a general rule, **you can be on both AISH and AADL**, and many Albertans are. One covers the cost of living, the other supports daily functionality with medical equipment — creating essential layers of support.
How to apply step-by-step
Applying for AISH
- Access the AISH application online or via a local Alberta Supports Centre.
- Fill out the applicant form detailing your personal, medical, and financial circumstances.
- Have your medical practitioner complete the medical report on your diagnosis and prognosis.
- Submit all documentation either online, by mail, or in person.
- Review and interviews may follow if needed, particularly for complex applications.
Applying for AADL support
- Visit a Health Care Professional approved as an AADL Authorizer. This may be a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or registered nurse.
- Receive an assessment and product recommendations based on your needs.
- The authorizer completes a special authorization form submitted to AADL.
- You will be connected with an approved vendor for delivery or purchase of equipment.
- Track annual co-payment limits if not on AISH. Re-certification may be needed after a set period.
Recent changes and 2024 updates
The Alberta government has implemented inflation-indexed increases for AISH recipients in 2024. The maximum monthly living allowance rose to approximately **$1,787**, reflecting the rise in cost of living. Additionally, families with children receive higher support through new exemptions on child support payments, ensuring they don’t reduce your AISH amount.
Meanwhile, AADL continues to modernize its approved product list and vendor relationships. Crisper timelines, more consistent assessments, and emphasis on independent living aid are evident in the program updates. Limitations on access still exist — certain high-tech or customized devices remain outside AADL’s scope, unless part of a separate program.
Common challenges and solutions
Delays in medical assessments and conflicting medical opinions are a frequent barrier to AISH approvals. Applicants are encouraged to work with physicians familiar with the AISH criteria and to keep thorough documentation of how daily functioning is impaired. Delays can often be mitigated by following up frequently and ensuring all parts of the application are submitted together.
For AADL, the primary challenge is navigating the authorizer system, especially in rural areas where professionals may be in short supply. In such cases, contacting Alberta Health Services can help identify locations where traveling authorizers are available. Also, note that AADL doesn’t cover equipment purchased prior to approval — always go through the formal assessment process first.
Winners and losers of Alberta’s disability programs
| Group | Impact |
|---|---|
| Low-income individuals with permanent disabilities | WINNER – Full AISH income support plus complete AADL coverage without co-pay |
| Disabled Albertans with moderate income | MIXED – May qualify for AADL with cost-sharing, unlikely to be eligible for AISH |
| Caregivers handling applications | LOSER – Complex paperwork and documentation delays can strain support networks |
| Disabled individuals in rural or Indigenous communities | LOSER – Access to authorizers or support infrastructure is often limited |
Final thoughts from experts
Programs like AISH and AADL are vital, but they’re not always easy to navigate. We need more outreach to help vulnerable people access what they already qualify for.
— Jane Ellis, Disability Advocate
The system is improving — especially with inflation adjustments hitting AISH — but gaps still exist between what’s promised and what’s delivered in rural regions.
— Mark Chen, Social Policy Researcher
Too often families miss out on benefits simply because the paperwork or criteria feel overwhelming. Step-by-step support should be the standard, not the exception.
— Placeholder, Disability Nonprofit Director
Short FAQs
What is the difference between AISH and AADL?
AISH provides monthly income and comprehensive health benefits to people with permanent disabilities. AADL provides medical equipment and assistive devices for daily living.
Can I receive both AISH and AADL?
Yes. Many Albertans are eligible for both. If you are on AISH, AADL benefits are fully covered without any co-pay requirement.
Do AISH payments affect eligibility for other programs?
Yes. Some federal or provincial programs may be income-tested. AISH counts as income in certain assessments, so it can affect totals for other supports.
How long does it take to get approved for AISH?
Timelines vary, but the process generally takes 3–6 months. Medical delays and incomplete financial information are common causes of hold-up.
Does AADL cover hearing aids or custom devices?
AADL covers standard hearing aids and basic assistive items but may not cover highly customized or specialized technology unless approved on exception.
Can someone help me apply if I’m overwhelmed?
Yes. You can ask family, friends, social workers, or lawyers to assist. You can also assign power of attorney or an official trustee to manage communications on your behalf.
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