What’s the Difference Between ADAP and AISH?
While both ADAP and AISH are income support programs for those who are disabled in Alberta, there are a few differences. The biggest difference between the two is your ability to get employment. ADAP is for those who can work but need support, while AISH is for those who are permanently unable to work. Besides that, another large difference is the amount you’ll receive.
No matter what type of disability you have, including a profound developmental disability, everyone who qualifies will get a monthly financial benefit. This includes AISH clients and AISH clients transitioning to ADAP. However, Alberta’s government has added some personal supports to ADAP to help those who can pursue meaningful employment by developing skills while receiving the maximum individual benefit.
On ADAP, you can retain employment while still receiving funds and still get supported placements. As your medical condition progresses, you may also be asked for more than one medical assessment to determine your eligibility.
How to Transition Between AISH and ADAP
If you’re currently receiving financial and health benefits through AISH, you should be transitioning soon to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) to help replace your employment income. Existing AISH clients who are severely handicapped and are looking for long-term disability income assistance can reapply to be transferred back to AISH.
Since there was only one disability program before, it can take a while for disability income assistance applicants to land in the right program. With ADAP, you get financial benefits along with employment supports you may need to return to work and pursue fulfilling job opportunities.
How to Apply for ADAP
To apply for ADAP, you must submit a combined Disability Income Assistance application. This can be accessed online directly through Alberta.ca, and you will need a verified MyAccount to log in and start the process. You will also need to prepare your important documents, including:
- Financial information
- Personal information
- Medical information
- Filled out sections from medical professionals
Once this is all filled out, you can submit your application online, by mail, or by fax. It’s important to pay attention to the income exemptions for Albertans with disabilities to verify if you’re deemed eligible to receive disability income assistance.
How Much will you Receive from ADAP?
Under the ADAP program, the standard monthly allowance is $1,749. However, for those transitioning directly from AISH, an extra $ 200-per-month transition benefit is available until December 31, 2027, to maintain the rate AISH recipients receive for severe and permanent disabilities: $1,949.
Whether you’re on ADAP or an existing Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped client, you can also receive monthly child benefits for dependent children.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the ADAP program, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Alberta
- Be at least 18 years of age and not yet eligible for Old Age Security
- Have a severe disability that can continually or occasionally restrict your ability to work
- Meet the asset and income limits
Income Limit for ADAP
For the purpose of receiving ADAP, there are income limits that you must meet. These include:
- Having an income of $700 per month or less to receive the full amount as a single person
- Not making more than $45,240 per year to receive any income
- Having an income of $1,100 per month or less for parents with one or more children
- Having an income of $1,500 per month or less with a cohabitating partner on AISH or ADAP as well
Which Dental Services are Covered by the Program?
If you’re on ADAP, many different dental coverages are available, including:
- Routine Check-ups
- Teeth Cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Tooth Extractions
- Dentures
How can you get ADAP While on AISH or Income Support?
While you can’t combine any of these programs, you can switch programs. If you’re on income support and unable to work, then you can apply to switch to ADAP instead. Most who are currently on AISH will be transferred to ADAP and must complete a new application if they wish to return to AISH.
Are Dentures and Orthodontics Covered?
While dentures can be covered with pre-authorization from your worker, orthodontics are not usually covered. These are usually considered to be an elective or cosmetic procedure and aren’t included in the dental coverage that you’re allowed.
Key Differences Between ADAP and the Alberta Adult Health Benefit
The main differences between ADAP and the Alberta Adult Health Benefit lie in their purposes. With ADAP, those who have disabilities that interfere with their employment can receive a living allowance, health benefits and more.
The Alberta Adult Health Benefit, on the other hand, is considered to be a strictly supplementary health plan for low-income households for those who don’t have permanent disabilities. This benefit also doesn’t provide monthly amounts for living expenses.
Documents Needed to Complete Your Application
For your ASAP application, specific documents are required to assess your approval. These documents include:
- Government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport
- Proof of immigration and citizenship
- Alberta Health Number
- Social Insurance Number
- Personal information for your dependants
- Disability Assistance Medical Report
- Income Verification
- Your most recent tax return and Notice of Assessment
- Documentation for your assets
- A direct deposit form or a voided cheque
What are the ADAP Coverage Limits and Annual Maximums?
When it comes to ADAP, you can get the maximum monthly amount of $1,740 we’ve already discussed, plus the $200 top-up. There are no annual maximums on the amounts you can receive; however, for asset limits, clients may have up to $10,000 in non-exempt assets (excluding a primary residence, one vehicle, registered trusts, and RDSPs).
How to Find a Dentist that Accepts ADAP Coverage
When it comes to provincial benefits through programs like ADAP, the best thing you can do to see if a dentist accepts their coverage is to ask them directly. This is because a dental office can choose whether to accept those benefits.
How can you Renew Your ADAP Benefits Annually?
Once you’ve applied and been accepted into the ADAP program, you will automatically be renewed every year. That said, you do need to keep the government updated on any changes to your finances, medical conditions, or even your living situation.
The best way to make sure that your benefits will get renewed annually is:
- Filing your annual income tax return
- Reporting any life changes
- Making sure that your Disability Tax Credit and Canada Disability Benefit statuses are active and up to date
What to Do if Your Application is Denied
If your ADAP application is denied, it’s important to determine why. This will help you determine how to proceed.
- If your application didn’t adequately describe the permanency of your limitations and your ability to function, then you may have to submit more detailed forms.
- If you exceed the asset or income limits, you may not be successful on reapplication.
- If your work capacity assessment determines that you’re able to work, you may still not be approved and may need to have the assessment redone.
From the date of the denial letter, you have 12 months to submit your updated documentation. Submitting this right to your work may even be enough to get the application approved.
If your second review is rejected, then it might be a good idea to file an appeal by the date stated on your denial letter. If your disability is severe enough to be permanent, then you can apply for AISH instead.
Once you receive an appeal, your case will be presented to the ADAP/AISH Medical Review Panel to determine whether you qualify for financial and other disability benefits.
How do ADAP and the Canada Dental Care Plan Overlap?
Right now, since ADAP has dental benefits and those who qualify for ADAP also qualify for the Canada Dental Care plan, they work together instead of separately. The Canada Dental Care Plan is considered the primary provider and is submitted to them first. Once that is done, then any remaining amount owing will be covered by the secondary plan if it’s eligible.
It’s important to keep in mind that the Alberta government currently intends to opt out of the CDCP because many of its provincial benefits already cover dental. There can also be a coverage gap since this benefit is based on your annual family income. You also need to consider the fact that not all dentists in Alberta accept the CDCP.
What Coverage is there for Newcomers and Refugees?
As a newcomer or refugee in Alberta, you’re only eligible for Alberta disability supports if you’re a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For health benefits, though, refugees can gain access through the Interim Federal Health Benefit.
The $40,000 Disability Grant
While there is no $40,000 disability grant in Alberta, you could be eligible to receive $40,000 or more back when you apply for the Disability Tax Credit. In fact, with this tax credit, you can get up to 10 years of back payments when you first apply.
Why should you Apply for ADAP?
Even if you didn’t qualify for the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, you can reapply for monthly benefits with the ADAP program. Until December 31, 2027, you can get the existing AISH benefit amount, which is $200 per month more than the ADAP program amount. Eligible applicants may also qualify for other disability programs to help supplement their income.
Current AISH clients and AISH recipients will no longer receive the existing AISH benefit. They will have to requalify for AISH eligibility after being transferred to the new program, also known as the new Alberta disability assistance benefit. A disability assistance adjudicator will determine this. Your medical eligiblity will be crucial in your AISH assessment.
In the disability community, there are plenty of advocacy organizations that also work with ADAP to help retain meaningful employment for ADAP clients. While the idea behind this program is to help empower Albertans, they can still receive health benefits and other personal benefits through Social Services and continue building relationships.
Final Thoughts
While AISH has been the only program for those with disabilities in Alberta, this is no longer the case. As of July 2026, the Alberta government has now created ADAP. This program is for those who can work but still need support. Aish is for those who are unable to work at all.
As the program begins, those who are currently on AISH will be transferred to ADAP with a $200 top-up. This still allows you to receive the funds you’re used to. If you’re looking to get back onto AISH, then you can apply to be transferred back. This was done to ensure everyone ends up in the correct program.
