Last Updated On 24 April 2026, 5:27 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
Alberta residents enrolled in the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program will receive their AISH payments on Monday, April 27, 2026.
This deposit covers May 2026 living expenses and follows the standard schedule of issuing payments four business days before the first of the month.
The Alberta Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services has confirmed that funds will be deposited at midnight Mountain Time for recipients enrolled in direct deposit.
Recipients who still receive payments by paper cheque should allow standard Canada Post delivery timelines.
This April payment arrives at a critical moment for approximately 79,000 Albertans currently receiving AISH benefits.
The Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) transition is now just 65 days away, and several important deadlines fall within the next few weeks.
Recipients must also ensure they have filed their 2025 income tax return before April 30, 2026 to maintain eligibility for the federal Canada Disability Benefit.
Table of Contents
AISH Payments In April 2026 Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Payment Date | Monday, April 27, 2026 |
| Payment Covers | May 2026 expenses |
| Deposit Time | Midnight MT (direct deposit) |
| Maximum Living Allowance | $1,940/month (2026 rate) |
| First Child Benefit | $232/month |
| Additional Children | $117/month each |
| Next CDB Payment | May 21, 2026 (third Thursday) |
| ADAP Transition | 65 days away — July 1, 2026 |
2026 AISH Payment Dates
AISH payments are deposited four business days before the first of each month.
Below is the complete schedule of remaining payment dates for the rest of 2026.
| Payment Date | Covers Month | Program Status |
| April 27, 2026 (Monday) | May 2026 | AISH |
| May 26, 2026 (Tuesday) | June 2026 | AISH |
| June 25, 2026 (Thursday) | July 2026 | AISH / ADAP transition begins |
| July 28, 2026 (Tuesday) | August 2026 | ADAP or restructured AISH |
| August 26, 2026 (Wednesday) | September 2026 | ADAP or restructured AISH |
| September 24, 2026 (Thursday) | October 2026 | ADAP or restructured AISH |
| October 27, 2026 (Tuesday) | November 2026 | ADAP or restructured AISH |
| November 25, 2026 (Wednesday) | December 2026 | ADAP or restructured AISH |
| December 22, 2026 (Tuesday) | January 2027 | ADAP or restructured AISH |
Payments are issued in advance so recipients can manage rent, utilities, and other monthly expenses without incurring late fees or financial stress.
The Ministry recommends all recipients set up direct deposit for faster and more reliable access to funds.
What Changes Under ADAP
Starting July 1, 2026, Alberta will launch the Alberta Disability Assistance Program, marking the most significant change to disability income support in the province in decades.
Every current AISH recipient will be automatically transitioned to ADAP on that date unless they meet specific criteria to remain on the restructured AISH program.
The April 27 AISH payment is now just two regular payment cycles away from the transition date.
| Feature | AISH (Current) | ADAP (Starting July 2026) |
| Monthly Benefit (Single) | $1,940 | $1,740 |
| Monthly Difference | — | $200 less per month |
| Employment Income Exemption | $1,072/month fully exempt | $700/month fully exempt |
| Maximum Earnings With Benefits | Lower threshold | Over $45,000/year |
| Health Benefits | Full coverage | Full coverage (regardless of income) |
| Work Expectation | Unable to work | Capable of some work |
| Appeal Rights (Medical Eligibility) | Available | Not available under ADAP |
| Transition Benefit (Existing Clients) | N/A | $200/month top-up until Dec 31, 2027 |
ADAP recipients will be able to earn up to $700 per month in employment income before any reduction applies to their financial benefit.
Employment income above $700 per month will gradually reduce the ADAP payment, but the province has confirmed recipients can earn over $45,000 annually while still receiving some financial support.
Alberta has described this as the highest employment income threshold of any comparable disability program in Canada.
Health benefits including prescription drug coverage, dental care, optical coverage, and ambulance services will continue for all ADAP clients regardless of how much they earn.
Who Will Automatically Stay on AISH
Not everyone will move to ADAP.
Current AISH recipients who meet one or more of the following criteria will automatically remain on the restructured AISH program.
| Criteria for Remaining on AISH Automatically |
| Individuals with a severe and profound developmental disability |
| Individuals deemed eligible for or currently receiving Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) services |
| Individuals with palliative or terminal medical conditions |
The Alberta government will identify AISH clients who meet these criteria and notify them before July 2026 that they will remain on AISH.
Recipients who do not meet the automatic criteria will be moved to ADAP but can apply for reassessment to return to AISH if their disability prevents them from working.
It is important to note that if the AISH Medical Review Panel places a recipient on ADAP instead of AISH, that medical eligibility decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Transition Benefit Protects Existing Recipients Until 2028
Current AISH clients who move to ADAP in July 2026 will not immediately see a reduction in their monthly payment.
The Alberta government will provide a monthly transition benefit of $200 that keeps total payments equal to the current AISH rate of $1,940 until December 31, 2027.
This gives existing recipients approximately 18 months of financial stability while adjusting to the new program structure.
After December 31, 2027, the transition benefit ends and ADAP recipients will receive the standard rate of $1,740 per month unless the government announces updated amounts.
New applicants who enter ADAP after July 1, 2026 will not qualify for the transition benefit and will receive only the $1,740 rate from the start.
Canada Disability Benefit Dollar-for-Dollar Clawback
Alberta remains one of the provinces that has announced a full dollar-for-dollar clawback of the federal Canada Disability Benefit from AISH and ADAP recipients.
This means any CDB payment received from the federal government will be fully deducted from the provincial benefit, resulting in no net income increase for Alberta recipients.
The most recent CDB payment of up to $200 was deposited on April 16, 2026.
The next CDB payment is scheduled for May 21, 2026, which is the third Thursday of the month.
All AISH recipients are required to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Canada Disability Benefit.
Failure to apply or provide confirmation of your application status to your local AISH office may result in your monthly AISH benefits being reduced by $200 regardless of whether you qualify for the CDB.
The AISH program will cover the cost of the DTC medical assessment for eligible clients who need a medical practitioner to complete the application form.
Critical Deadline: File Your Taxes Before April 30
Every AISH recipient who receives the federal Canada Disability Benefit must file their 2025 income tax return before April 30, 2026.
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they must also file their taxes on time.
Service Canada will begin reviewing CDB eligibility in June 2026 for the new benefit year starting July 2026.
Recipients who miss the April 30 deadline risk having their CDB payments paused starting in July until their return is filed and processed.
Since Alberta requires all AISH recipients to apply for and maintain their CDB eligibility, a missed tax filing could also trigger a $200 per month reduction in provincial AISH benefits.
The stakes are high: failing to file could cost you up to $400 per month in combined federal and provincial benefits.
Current AISH Benefit Rates for 2026
AISH benefits increased by 2% in January 2026 based on Consumer Price Index adjustments.
Financial Benefits
| Benefit Category | Monthly Amount |
| Living Allowance (Single) | Up to $1,940 |
| First Dependent Child | $232 |
| Each Additional Dependent Child | $117 |
| Modified Living Allowance (Nursing Home) | $373 personal + up to $2,433 accommodation |
Health Benefits Included With AISH
| Health Benefit | Coverage Details |
| Prescription Drugs | Medications listed on the Alberta Drug Benefit List |
| Dental Services | Checkup and cleaning every 6 months |
| Optical Coverage | Eye exam and glasses every 2 years |
| Alberta Aids to Daily Living | Wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and similar aids |
| Ambulance Services | Covered for eligible recipients |
| Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan | Doctor visits and hospital stays |
Employment Income Exemptions: Current AISH Rules
AISH recipients are encouraged to work while receiving benefits.
The current exemption system allows you to keep a portion of your employment income without it affecting your monthly benefit.
| Employment Income Level | AISH Treatment |
| First $1,072/month (single) | 100% exempt — no impact on benefits |
| $1,072 to $2,009/month | 50% exempt — partial clawback |
| Above $2,009/month | Dollar-for-dollar clawback |
| Family exemption (first) | $2,612/month |
These exemption levels will change when ADAP takes effect on July 1, 2026.
Under ADAP, the fully exempt employment income for single individuals will be $700 per month, with a gradual reduction applied to earnings above that threshold.
While the exempt amount is lower than the current AISH exemption, ADAP allows recipients to earn significantly more total income before benefits are fully eliminated.
How to Verify Your April 27 AISH Payment
Recipients can confirm their payment details through several official channels.
| Verification Method | Details |
| AISH Monthly Statement | Mailed after each deposit with a full amount breakdown and important messages |
| Alberta Supports Contact Centre | Call 1-877-644-9992 toll-free for payment inquiries |
| Local AISH Office | Visit in person or contact your assigned caseworker directly |
| Bank Statement | Direct deposit recipients can confirm the deposit appeared at midnight MT on April 27 |
If your payment does not appear in your bank account by the morning of April 27, wait at least one full business day before contacting Alberta Supports.
Processing delays can occasionally occur due to bank handling times, particularly during weekends and statutory holidays.
Action Checklist Before July 1, 2026
With the ADAP transition approaching quickly, recipients should take several important steps now to protect their benefits.
| Action Item | Deadline / Timeframe |
| File your 2025 income tax return (and spouse’s return) | Before April 30, 2026 |
| Confirm your CDB application status with your AISH office | Immediately |
| Set up direct deposit if you still receive cheques | Before July 1, 2026 |
| Review your monthly AISH statement for transition notices | Ongoing |
| Contact your AISH caseworker with questions about program placement | Before July 1, 2026 |
| Gather medical documentation if you plan to request AISH reassessment | Before July 1, 2026 |
| Report any changes in income, medical condition, or living situation | Immediately |
Recipients who are concerned about the transition or unsure whether they will be placed on ADAP or the restructured AISH program should contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I do not file my 2025 taxes before April 30?
Your federal Canada Disability Benefit payments may be paused starting in July 2026 until your tax return is filed and processed by the CRA. Since Alberta also requires AISH recipients to apply for and maintain CDB eligibility, a missed filing could result in your provincial AISH benefit being reduced by $200 per month. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they must also file on time to avoid disruptions.
Will my AISH payment on April 27 still be $1,940 or has the ADAP rate already taken effect?
The April 27, 2026 payment will still be paid at the current AISH rate of up to $1,940 per month. ADAP does not take effect until July 1, 2026. Your May 26 payment covering June expenses and your June 25 payment covering July expenses will also be processed under the existing AISH structure, though program placement notifications are expected before July.
Can I refuse the ADAP transition and stay on AISH voluntarily?
You cannot refuse the automatic transition. All current AISH recipients will be moved to ADAP on July 1, 2026 unless they meet specific automatic criteria such as having a severe developmental disability, receiving PDD services, or having a palliative or terminal condition. If you are moved to ADAP and believe your disability prevents you from working, you must undergo a new medical reassessment to return to AISH. The cost of this reassessment may be your responsibility.
Will the CDB increase in July 2026 benefit Alberta AISH recipients at all?
The federal government is expected to apply a 2% indexation increase to CDB payments starting in the July 2026 benefit year, raising the maximum from $200 to approximately $204 per month. However, because Alberta claws back CDB payments dollar-for-dollar from AISH and ADAP, the increase will not result in any additional money for Alberta recipients. The higher CDB amount will simply mean a larger deduction from the provincial benefit.
If I am currently working part-time on AISH, will I be worse off or better off under ADAP?
It depends on your income level. Under the current AISH rules, the first $1,072 per month is fully exempt. Under ADAP, the fully exempt amount drops to $700 per month, meaning you will see benefit reductions at a lower earnings threshold. However, ADAP allows you to earn over $45,000 per year while still receiving some financial benefit, which is a significantly higher ceiling than the current AISH structure. Recipients earning moderate to high employment income may see a net improvement, while those earning between $700 and $1,072 per month will likely receive slightly less overall.
Fact Checked: All information in this article has been verified against official Alberta government sources at the AISH payment page and ADAP payment page.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. AISH benefit amounts and ADAP program details may change when the Ministerial Order is published. Always verify current information through official Alberta government channels or by contacting Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992.
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