Edmonton woman says proposed changes to AISH ‘heart wrenching’

Albertans with disabilities are concerned about the province's changes to the AISH program, saying it's confusing and time consuming.

Breanne Kuffner said she’s devastated after the province announced changes to the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program.

“I am so scared. I have cried so much,” said Kuffner, who has POTS, hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, reactive hypoglycemia and endometriosis. She needs an IV every few days.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Kuffner said she was excited when the federal government introduced the Canada Disability Benefit earlier this year, which provides $200 a month for low income Canadians with disabilities.

But the province is treating the benefit as “non-exempt income” for AISH recipients, meaning that their overall monthly support will not increase.

Kuffner said losing out on that $200 could mean having to choose between rent or groceries.

But those aren’t the only changes the benefit program will see.

The province said that those on AISH will be automatically transferred to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) come July 1, 2026.

Officials say ADAP aims to provide pathways to employment for individuals who can work but need supports.

“AISH is intended to support Albertans with severe disabilities that result in them being permanently unable to work, while ADAP will empower Albertans with disabilities who are able to work to pursue fulfilling job opportunities while continuing to receive the supports they need,” said a statement from the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services.

The core benefit for ADAP is a proposed $1,740 per month. AISH offers a monthly benefit of $1,901.

“People with disabilities shouldn’t have to choose between getting the support they need and having the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services.

If an ADAP client is unable to find a job after receiving employment services, they will continue to receive financial and health benefits, said the province. If their medical condition progresses to the point where they are unable to work, they can be assessed for AISH.

Trish Bowman, the CEO of Inclusion Alberta, said people would be better off in the AISH program, but that is also changing in 2026 where the employment exemption is going from $1,072 a month to $350.

“You would be better off on AISH unless you were earning over $2,100 on ADAP – which is about 30 to 35 hours a week at minimum wage,” said Bowman. “There’s a whole lot of people who either won’t be able to find employment at that amount … or wouldn’t be able to work 30 to 35 hours a week.”

But just because someone is able to work, doesn’t mean they are able to secure employment, said Bowman.

“Even if only half of AISH recipients are put on ADAP, that’s going to be roughly 35,000 people. We’re not going to generate 35,000 jobs in 18 months.”

From July 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2027, people can choose to remain on ADAP or be assessed for AISH. The province said it will continue to match the AISH amount during that period.

Those who wish to stay on AISH will need to provide a disability assistance medical report which will be reviewed by a disability assistance adjudicator and referred to the AISH medical review panel for final determination of AISH eligibility.

If the panel determines an individual is not eligible, they will remain on ADAP.

Employment income exemptions will be reduced for AISH clients when ADAP comes into effect.

The province is currently seeking feedback on the program, which can be accessed here until Sept. 12.