Last Updated On 10 April 2026, 9:55 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Alberta is preparing to launch one of the most significant reforms to disability income support in the province’s history.
The Alberta Disability Assistance Program, commonly known as ADAP, will officially begin accepting and transitioning clients on July 1, 2026.
This new ADAP payment is designed specifically for Albertans with severe disabilities who are assessed as being able to participate in the workforce to some degree.
ADAP will operate alongside a restructured version of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, creating a dual track system in the province.
Under this new framework, individuals deemed capable of employment will receive support through ADAP, while those assessed as unable to work will remain on AISH.
The program promises expanded employment supports, continued health benefits, and a monthly payment structure designed to reward workforce participation.
This article covers everything Alberta residents need to know about ADAP payments, eligibility requirements, how to apply, the relationship between ADAP and AISH, and real examples of how the payment calculations work.
Table of Contents
What Is the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)
ADAP is a brand new provincial benefit program created under Bill 12, which was passed by the Alberta Legislature on December 9, 2025.
The program was developed in response to feedback from Albertans with disabilities who expressed a desire for income support programs that recognize individual abilities rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
The provincial government conducted extensive public engagement sessions throughout 2025, including roundtables, telephone town halls, written submissions, and online surveys.
Thousands of Albertans participated in shaping the program before consultations concluded on September 12, 2025.
ADAP will empower individuals with disabilities to pursue employment opportunities while continuing to receive financial assistance, prescription drug coverage, dental care, and other personal supports.
Maximum ADAP Payment Amounts for 2026
The maximum monthly ADAP benefit for a single recipient will be $1,740 when the program launches in July 2026.
This is $200 per month less than the current AISH rate of $1,940 per month for single individuals.
However, the government has emphasized that ADAP clients will have significantly higher earning potential through employment while keeping their benefits.
| Benefit Category | AISH (Current) | ADAP (Starting July 2026) |
| Maximum Monthly Payment (Single) | $1,940 | $1,740 |
| Employment Income Exemption (Single) | $1,072/month fully exempt | $700/month fully exempt |
| Maximum Employment Earnings With Benefits | Lower threshold | Over $45,000/year |
| Health Benefits | Full coverage | Full coverage regardless of income |
| Annual CPI Adjustment | Legislated (removed under Bill 12) | Not legislated |
| Transition Benefit (Existing AISH Clients) | N/A | $200/month top-up until Dec 2027 |
Alberta has stated that ADAP recipients will be able to earn more than $45,000 in annual employment income while still receiving some level of financial benefit from the program.
The province has described this as the highest employment income threshold of any comparable disability income assistance program anywhere in Canada.
Health benefits, including prescription coverage and dental care, will continue for all ADAP clients regardless of how much they earn from employment.
Who Is Eligible for ADAP
To qualify for ADAP, an applicant must meet specific medical and residency criteria established by the Alberta government.
The core requirement is that the individual must have a severe disability that significantly restricts but does not completely prevent them from being employed.
This is the critical distinction between ADAP and AISH: AISH will continue to serve individuals whose disabilities prevent them from working entirely, while ADAP is for those who can work with the right supports in place.
ADAP Eligibility Criteria at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
| Residency | Must be an Alberta resident |
| Age | Must be 18 years of age or older |
| Disability Status | Must have a severe and permanent disability |
| Impact on Employment | Disability must significantly restrict but not prevent employment |
| Medical Documentation | Must provide a completed medical report from a licensed practitioner |
| Financial Need | Must demonstrate financial need based on income and assets |
| Other Benefits | Must have applied for all other benefits for which they are eligible |
Applicants who are assessed and found to have a disability that completely prevents employment will be placed on AISH instead of ADAP.
There will be a single combined application process for both programs, and the government will determine which program is the best fit based on each individual’s situation.
How to Apply for ADAP
Starting July 1, 2026, a unified application process will be available for both ADAP and AISH through the Alberta Supports system.
Applicants will not need to choose between the two programs when they submit their application.
Instead, a disability assistance adjudicator will review the application and determine which program is most appropriate based on the medical evidence and the applicant’s ability to work.
Step-by-Step Application Process
| Step | Action Required |
| Step 1 | Contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or visit a local office |
| Step 2 | Request and complete the combined AISH and ADAP application form |
| Step 3 | Have your licensed medical practitioner complete the required medical report |
| Step 4 | Gather supporting documents including proof of Alberta residency, identification, income details, and bank statements |
| Step 5 | Submit the completed application package to Alberta Supports |
| Step 6 | Wait for a disability assistance adjudicator to review your application |
| Step 7 | Receive notification of the decision and program placement |
If deemed eligible for either AISH or ADAP, applicants will receive the difference in benefits retroactively to the date that their complete application was submitted.
Individuals can apply for Income Support while waiting for their ADAP or AISH application to be processed to ensure they are not left without financial assistance during the review period.
How the Application Review Works
Once your application is submitted, a disability assistance adjudicator will conduct an initial review of all documentation.
The adjudicator examines the medical report, financial information, residency documents, and any additional supporting evidence provided by the applicant.
If the adjudicator determines that the applicant is eligible for disability benefits, the file is then sent to the AISH Medical Review Panel for a secondary assessment.
The Medical Review Panel makes the final decision on whether the applicant qualifies for AISH or ADAP based on their medical condition and assessed ability to work.
It is important to note that if the Medical Review Panel places an applicant on ADAP instead of AISH, that specific medical eligibility decision is final and cannot be appealed.
This represents a significant change from the current system where recipients have broader appeal rights under AISH.
However, ADAP clients can apply for a reassessment for AISH at any time if their medical condition changes or their ability to work deteriorates.
The timeline for application processing depends on how quickly the applicant’s medical practitioner completes the required medical report and whether additional documentation is requested by the adjudicator.
ADAP Payment Calculation Examples
Understanding how ADAP payments interact with employment income is essential for recipients who plan to work.
Single ADAP clients will be able to earn up to $700 per month in employment income before any reduction is applied to their benefits.
Employment income above $700 per month will gradually reduce the ADAP financial benefit, but the rate of reduction is designed to ensure that working always leaves the recipient financially better off than not working.
Example 1: ADAP Recipient With No Employment Income
| Component | Monthly Amount |
| ADAP Base Benefit | $1,740 |
| Employment Income | $0 |
| Income Above Exemption | $0 |
| Benefit Reduction | $0 |
| Total Monthly Income | $1,740 |
In this scenario, the recipient receives the full maximum ADAP benefit of $1,740 per month with no reductions applied.
Example 2: ADAP Recipient Earning $700 Per Month
| Component | Monthly Amount |
| ADAP Base Benefit | $1,740 |
| Employment Income | $700 |
| Income Above Exemption ($700 threshold) | $0 |
| Benefit Reduction | $0 |
| Total Monthly Income (Benefit + Employment) | $2,440 |
A recipient earning exactly $700 per month keeps their full ADAP benefit plus their entire paycheck, bringing their total monthly income to $2,440.
Example 3: ADAP Recipient Earning $1,500 Per Month
| Component | Monthly Amount |
| ADAP Base Benefit | $1,740 |
| Employment Income | $1,500 |
| Income Above Exemption | $800 |
| Estimated Benefit Reduction (approx. 15% clawback) | ~$120 |
| Estimated ADAP Benefit After Reduction | ~$1,620 |
| Estimated Total Monthly Income | ~$3,120 |
Note: The exact clawback rate and detailed employment income calculations will be finalized in a Ministerial Order expected in spring 2026. The 15% reduction rate shown above is based on preliminary government estimates and may change.
Example 4: ADAP Recipient Earning $3,750 Per Month ($45,000/Year)
Alberta has confirmed that ADAP recipients earning up to $45,000 per year (approximately $3,750 per month) will still receive some level of financial benefit from the program.
At this income level, the monthly ADAP benefit will be significantly reduced but not eliminated entirely.
Crucially, health benefits, including prescription drug coverage and dental care, will continue regardless of employment income, providing substantial ongoing value to working ADAP recipients.
How ADAP Relates to Current AISH Recipients
The transition from AISH to the new dual program model will directly affect approximately 79,000 Albertans who are currently receiving AISH benefits.
Starting July 1, 2026, all current AISH clients will be automatically transitioned to ADAP unless they meet specific criteria that qualify them to remain on AISH.
Who Automatically Stays on AISH
Current AISH recipients who meet one or more of the following criteria will automatically remain on the restructured AISH program without needing to take any action.
| Criteria for Remaining on AISH |
| 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 proactively identify AISH clients who meet these criteria and notify them before July 2026 that they will remain on AISH.
Those who do not meet the automatic criteria will be moved to ADAP, but they can choose to apply for reassessment for AISH if they believe their disability prevents them from working.
Transition Benefit for Existing AISH Clients Moving to ADAP
Current AISH recipients who transition to ADAP in July 2026 will receive a monthly transition benefit of $200 that keeps their total monthly payment equal to the AISH rate of $1,940.
This transition benefit will remain in place until December 31, 2027, giving recipients approximately 18 months of financial stability while adjusting to the new program.
After December 31, 2027, the transition benefit will end and ADAP recipients will receive the standard ADAP rate of $1,740 per month unless updated rates are announced.
New applicants who apply for ADAP after July 1, 2026, such as individuals turning 18, will receive only the $1,740 ADAP rate and will not be eligible for the transition benefit.
Important Note About the Canada Disability Benefit
Alberta has confirmed that it will apply a dollar for dollar clawback of the federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from both AISH and ADAP recipients.
This means that any CDB payment a recipient receives from the federal government will be deducted from their provincial ADAP or AISH benefit in full.
This decision has been controversial and differs from the approach taken by some other provinces that have chosen not to claw back the CDB.
Employment Supports Available Through ADAP
Beyond financial assistance, ADAP will provide holistic wraparound employment supports designed to help recipients find and maintain meaningful employment.
The Alberta government has committed to increasing investment in employment support services and encouraging private sector employers to create more opportunities for people with disabilities.
These supports will address a wide range of personal, social, and practical barriers that may affect an individual’s ability to find a job and work to their full potential.
ADAP clients will have access to skills training resources, job placement assistance, workplace accommodation support, and ongoing case management.
Key Dates for ADAP in 2026
| Date | Event |
| Spring 2026 | Ministerial Order finalizing employment income exemption calculations |
| Before July 2026 | AISH clients notified of their program placement (ADAP or AISH) |
| July 1, 2026 | ADAP officially launches; automatic transitions begin |
| July 2026 onward | New applicants assessed for both ADAP and AISH through single application |
| December 31, 2027 | Transition benefit for existing AISH to ADAP clients ends |
| January 2028 onward | All ADAP clients receive the standard ADAP rate without transition top-up. |
How to Verify Your ADAP Payment Information
Recipients can confirm their payment details and program status through several official channels.
The Alberta Supports Contact Centre can be reached toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 for questions about ADAP eligibility, payment amounts, and the transition process.
Recipients can also contact their assigned caseworker at their local AISH office, review their monthly statement for a full payment breakdown, or check their bank account on the scheduled deposit date.
The Alberta government recommends that all disability benefit recipients set up direct deposit for faster and more reliable access to their funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will existing AISH recipients lose their benefits when ADAP launches in July 2026?
No, existing AISH recipients will not lose their benefits. Those who transition to ADAP will receive a monthly transition benefit that maintains their payment at the current AISH rate of $1,940 per month until December 31, 2027. After that date, they will receive the standard ADAP rate of $1,740 unless updated amounts are announced by the province.
Can I appeal the decision if I am placed on ADAP instead of AISH?
The Medical Review Panel’s decision on whether you qualify for AISH or ADAP based on medical eligibility is final and cannot be appealed. However, you can apply for a reassessment for AISH at any time if your medical condition changes or your ability to work deteriorates. You may need to pay for a new medical assessment when reapplying.
How much can I earn from employment before my ADAP benefits are reduced?
Single ADAP recipients can earn up to $700 per month in employment income with no impact on their financial benefits. Income above $700 per month will gradually reduce the ADAP payment, but the province has confirmed that recipients can earn over $45,000 annually while still receiving some financial benefit through the program.
Will the federal Canada Disability Benefit be added on top of ADAP payments?
No, Alberta has announced that it will apply a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the Canada Disability Benefit from ADAP and AISH payments. This means any CDB amount received from the federal government will be fully deducted from the provincial disability benefit, resulting in no net increase for Alberta recipients.
Do ADAP recipients still get prescription drug coverage and dental benefits?
Yes, all the ADAP recipients will continue to receive full health benefits, including prescription drug coverage and dental care, regardless of how much they earn from employment. This is one of the key advantages of the program, as health benefits are not affected by employment income.
Fact Checked: All information in this article has been verified against official Alberta government sources at alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Program details, including benefit amounts and clawback rates, may change when the Ministerial Order is published in spring 2026. Always verify current information through official Alberta government channels.
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