Last Updated On 24 March 2026, 11:40 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Alberta residents will be receiving the next Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped – AISH payments deposited on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
This payment covers April 2026 expenses and arrives four business days before the first of the month, following the standard AISH payment schedule.
The Alberta Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services confirmed payments will be deposited at midnight for those enrolled in direct deposit.
Recipients using paper cheques should expect delivery within standard mail timelines.
⚠️ Important: ADAP Transition Coming July 1, 2026All current AISH recipients will be automatically transitioned to the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) starting July 1, 2026. After the transition, recipients will need to undergo a medical reassessment to remain on AISH. Read the full details below.
Table of Contents
March 2026 AISH Payment Details
| Detail | Information |
| Payment Date | March 26, 2026 (Thursday) |
| Payment For | April 2026 |
| Deposit Time | Midnight MT |
| Maximum Living Allowance | $1,940/month (2026 rate) |
| First Child Benefit | $232/month |
| Additional Children | $117/month each |
AISH benefits increased by 2% in January 2026 based on Consumer Price Index adjustments.
The Ministry recommends setting up direct deposit for faster, more reliable access to funds.
2026 AISH Payment Dates
AISH payments are deposited four business days before the first of each month. Here is the complete payment schedule for 2026:
| Payment Date | Covers Month |
| March 26, 2026 (Thursday) | April 2026 |
| April 27, 2026 (Monday) | May 2026 |
| May 26, 2026 (Tuesday) | June 2026 |
| June 25, 2026 (Thursday) | July 2026 |
| July 28, 2026 (Tuesday) | August 2026 |
| August 26, 2026 (Wednesday) | September 2026 |
| September 24, 2026 (Thursday) | October 2026 |
| October 27, 2026 (Tuesday) | November 2026 |
| November 25, 2026 (Wednesday) | December 2026 |
| December 22, 2026 (Tuesday) | January 2027 |
Payments are issued in advance to help recipients manage monthly expenses without late fees or financial stress.
AISH to ADAP Transition: What You Need to Know
Starting July 1, 2026, Alberta is launching the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).
This represents the most significant change to disability support in Alberta in decades.
Key Changes Under ADAP:
• Automatic Transition: All current AISH recipients will be automatically moved to ADAP on July 1, 2026
• Benefit Difference: ADAP provides $1,740/month compared to AISH’s $1,940/month — a $200 monthly reduction
• Transition Benefit: Those moving from AISH to ADAP will receive a temporary top-up maintaining current payment levels until December 31, 2027
• Medical Reassessment: To remain on AISH after the transition, recipients must undergo a new medical assessment under updated criteria
• Work Focus: ADAP is designed for those deemed capable of some work, while restructured AISH will remain for those unable to work
AISH vs ADAP Comparison:
| Feature | AISH (Current) | ADAP (July 2026) |
| Monthly Rate | $1,940 | $1,740 |
| Work Expectation | Unable to work | Capable of some work |
| Monthly Exemption | $1,072 (current) | $350 |
| Health Benefits | Full coverage | Full coverage |
Recipients concerned about the transition should contact their AISH worker or the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 for guidance on the reassessment process.
Canada Disability Benefit: Alberta’s Clawback Policy
Important: Unlike other provinces, Alberta has announced it will claw back the federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from AISH recipients dollar-for-dollar.
This means if you receive AISH, your monthly benefit will decrease by the amount of CDB you receive (up to $200).
The Alberta government requires all AISH recipients to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and CDB. Failure to apply may result in a reduction of AISH benefits regardless.
The next federal CDB payment is scheduled for March 19, 2026.
AISH recipients should ensure they have notified their local AISH office of their CDB application status to avoid payment disruptions.
Current AISH Benefit Rates (2026)
AISH provides comprehensive financial and health support to eligible Albertans. For more details on CRA benefit payments in March 2026, check our detailed guide.
Financial Benefits:
• Living Allowance: Up to $1,940/month
• First Dependent Child: $232/month
• Each Additional Child: $117/month
• Modified Living Allowance (nursing home): $373 personal + up to $2,433 accommodation
Health Benefits:
• Prescription drug coverage
• Dental services (checkup and cleaning every 6 months)
• Optical coverage (eye exam and glasses every 2 years)
• Alberta Aids to Daily Living (wheelchairs, oxygen, etc.)
• Ambulance services
Employment Income Exemptions
AISH recipients are encouraged to work while receiving benefits. The current exemption system allows you to keep a portion of your employment income.
However, this will change significantly under ADAP. For low-income workers, the Canada Workers Benefit provides additional federal support.
| Employment Income | AISH Treatment |
| First $1,072/month (single) | 100% exempt |
| $1,072 to $2,009/month | 50% exempt |
| Above $2,009/month | 1:1 clawback |
| Family exemption (first) | $2,612/month |
Note: Under ADAP starting July 2026, the monthly exemption drops to $350, with a sliding clawback beginning at approximately 15%.
How to Check Your AISH Payment
Recipients can verify payment information through:
1. AISH Monthly Statement — Mailed after each deposit showing amount, breakdown, and important messages
2. Alberta Supports Contact Centre — Call 1-877-644-9992 toll-free
3. Local AISH Office — Visit in person or contact your assigned caseworker
4. Bank Statement — Direct deposit recipients can confirm the deposit appeared at midnight on the payment date
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I automatically stay on AISH after the ADAP transition in July 2026?
No. All AISH recipients will be automatically moved to ADAP on July 1, 2026. To return to AISH, you must apply and undergo a new medical reassessment proving you are unable to work due to a severe and permanent disability. Without reassessment, you will remain on ADAP at the lower benefit rate after December 2027.
Can I receive both AISH and CPP Disability at the same time?
Yes, but CPP Disability payments are considered non-exempt income and are deducted dollar-for-dollar from your AISH benefit. Some recipients still apply for CPP-D because it provides additional coverage and may continue after age 65 when AISH eligibility ends.
What medical conditions qualify for AISH?
AISH requires a permanent medical condition that substantially limits your ability to earn a living. The condition must be the primary reason you cannot work—not lack of education or job availability. Common qualifying conditions include severe physical disabilities (44% of recipients), mental illness disorders (30%), and cognitive disorders (25%). Your doctor must confirm the disability is likely permanent with no available treatment that would enable employment.
How long does it take to get approved for AISH?
AISH applications typically take 3 to 6 months to process. The timeline depends on how quickly your medical practitioner completes the required medical report and whether additional documentation is requested. You can apply for Income Support while waiting for AISH approval to ensure you have financial assistance during the processing period.
What happens to my AISH when I turn 65?
AISH benefits end when you become eligible for Old Age Security at age 65. You will transition to federal senior benefits including OAS and potentially the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Alberta also offers the Alberta Seniors Benefit for low-income seniors. It’s important to apply for these benefits several months before turning 65 to avoid gaps in income.
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