Alberta Disability Assistance Program 2025 – New Benefits, Eligibility and Launch Timeline Explained

The Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) is a new initiative being introduced by the Alberta Government to provide financial and health support to Albertans with disabilities who want to work. For many years, the primary support system for disabled Albertans has been the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program.

Why ADAP Was Created

While AISH has provided essential assistance, it was designed only for people who cannot work at all due to their disability. Many Albertans with disabilities, however, are capable of working and want to build independent lives. They have long felt excluded because AISH was never meant for those able to work. ADAP was created to fill this gap by supporting individuals who can work but still require financial help and health benefits.

Alberta Disability Assistance Program 2025 – Overview

Particulars	Details
Authority	Government of Alberta
Post Title	Alberta Disability Assistance Program 2025
Year	2025
Country	Canada
Launch Date	July 2026
Who Qualifies?	Working Albertans with disabilities below income limit
Employment Support	Yes, available
Benefit Amount	Yet to be decided
Current Status	Implementing soon
Category	Canada Finance
Official Website	alberta.ca

Key Difference Between AISH and ADAP

AISH – Support for Severe Disabilities

The AISH program has long served Albertans who cannot work at all due to severe and permanent disabilities. It provides stable income and health benefits but does not cover individuals who are capable of part-time or full-time employment.

ADAP – Flexible Support for Workers with Disabilities

ADAP is designed for people with disabilities who can work but still need assistance to meet their living costs and healthcare needs. This flexibility ensures that individuals are not forced to choose between working and losing benefits.

Movement Between Programs

ADAP and AISH will work together. If a person’s health worsens and they are unable to work, they can be reassessed and moved into AISH. Similarly, if someone on AISH later becomes able to work, they could transition into ADAP.

Application and Launch Timeline

Combined Application for Both Programs

Applicants will not need to decide which program to apply for. Instead, the Alberta Government will screen applications for both AISH and ADAP using a single combined application. Officials will then decide which program is best suited to the individual’s circumstances.

Launch in July 2026

The Alberta Government has confirmed that ADAP is set to launch in July 2026. Until then, the detailed framework and payment amounts will be finalized and published on the official government website.

Eligibility for the Alberta Disability Assistance Program

Basic Requirements

To qualify for ADAP:

• The applicant must be a resident of Alberta.
• The individual must have a disability that allows them to work while still requiring support.
• Applications will be reviewed by government officials, who will decide whether AISH or ADAP is more suitable.

Pending Rules

As of now, the Alberta Government has not released a full list of eligibility rules. More detailed requirements are expected to be published in the coming months on alberta.ca.

Alberta Disability Assistance Program Amount

Payment Details Yet to Be Finalized

The exact monthly benefit amounts for ADAP have not yet been announced. These details are expected closer to the launch date in July 2026.

Higher Income Exemptions Expected

What has been confirmed is that ADAP will likely allow people to earn more income before their benefits are reduced, compared to AISH. This means greater financial independence while still receiving crucial assistance.

Continued Health Benefits

Health support is expected to remain a major part of ADAP. Even if financial benefits stop because someone exceeds the income exemption limit, health coverage will continue until age 65. This ensures that Albertans with disabilities never have to choose between working and losing essential medical coverage.

Why ADAP Matters for Albertans

Bridging a Long-Standing Gap

For many Albertans with disabilities, there has been no in-between option—either they qualified for AISH because they could not work, or they had to rely on limited income with no additional support. ADAP changes this by providing a program specifically tailored for people who can work but still face challenges.

Encouraging Independence

By supporting employment alongside financial and health assistance, ADAP is designed to encourage career growth, independence, and stability for people with disabilities.

Long-Term Support

Importantly, there is no time limit for participation in ADAP. Individuals can remain in the program as long as they meet the requirements, providing long-term security.

5 FAQs on the Alberta Disability Assistance Program 2025

Q1. What is the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)?
ADAP is a new support program launching in July 2026 to help Albertans with disabilities who can work but still need financial and health support.

Q2. How is ADAP different from AISH?
AISH helps those who cannot work at all, while ADAP is for people who can work but require assistance to cover living costs and healthcare.

Q3. Who can apply for ADAP?
Albertans with disabilities who want to work and are below the income limit can apply. Applications will be screened for both AISH and ADAP through a single combined application.

Q4. How much will ADAP pay each month?
The Alberta Government has not yet finalized the payment rates. However, ADAP is expected to offer higher earning exemptions compared to AISH.

Q5. Will health benefits continue if financial benefits stop?
Yes. Even if someone exceeds the income limit for financial assistance, their health coverage will continue until age 65.