Aish Payment Dates

AISH Payment Dates 2025-2026 : Everything You Need to Know About Alberta's Disability Support Program

AISH, also known as Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, is a form of government assistance that provides financial help to Albertans with handicaps who cannot work (or can only work part-time, which may not be enough financially to cover all bills, debts, etc.) 

Every month, eligible recipients receive a specific amount deposited into their bank accounts to help cover essential living expenses like groceries, rent, and utilities. 

Understanding the AISH payment dates for 2025 is essential for effective budgeting and managing your monthly finances.

What are the AISH Payment Dates in 2025?

AISH payments are usually issued towards the end of each month. When the scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or a statutory holiday, payments are usually processed on the previous business day. Here's the complete schedule for payments in 2025:

AISH Payment Dates for 2025

• January 2025: Friday, December 20, 2024

• February 2025: Tuesday, January 28, 2025

• March 2025: Tuesday, February 25, 2025

• April 2025: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

• May 2025: Friday, April 25, 2025

• June 2025: Tuesday, May 27, 2025

• July 2025: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

• August 2025: Monday, July 28, 2025

• September 2025: Tuesday, August 26, 2025

• October 2025: Wednesday, September 24, 2025

• November 2025: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

• December 2025: Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Please note that dates may be subject to change based on banking holidays and government adjustments.

AISH Payment Dates for 2026 and Important Program Changes

Starting July 1, 2026, Alberta's disability support system is undergoing a major transformation with the launch of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). This represents the most significant change to disability support in Alberta in years, and understanding what it means is important.

What's Changing in July 2026?

The Alberta government is introducing a dual program structure:

1. Restructured AISH Program: Some current AISH recipients will remain on a restructured version of AISH

2. New ADAP Program: Many AISH recipients will transition to the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)

The key difference between these programs involves benefit amounts and work participation requirements. The proposed ADAP benefit rate is $200 per month lower than the restructured AISH rate, though the government has indicated there may be a temporary "transition benefit" to maintain current payment levels until December 31, 2027, for those moving to ADAP.

AISH Payment Dates for January - June 2026

Here's the schedule for the first half of 2026:

• January 2026: December 22nd, 2025

• February 2026: January 27th, 2026

• March 2026: February 24th, 2026

• April 2026: March 26th, 2026

• May 2026: April 27th, 2026

• June 2026: May 26th, 2026

Payment Dates for July - December 2026

After July 1, 2026, payment dates will depend on which program you're enrolled in (restructured AISH or new ADAP). Both programs are currently expected to follow a similar payment schedule. For now, here are the continued dates for AISH payments in 2026.

• July 2026: June 25th, 2026

• August 2026: July 28th, 2026

• September 2026: August 26th, 2026

• October 2026: September 24th, 2026

• November 2026: October 27th, 2026

• December 2026: November 25th, 2026

Important Note: Payment schedules for the new ADAP program have not been officially confirmed. Recipients should monitor communications from the Alberta government for final confirmation of payment dates after the July 2026 transition.

What are the AISH Payment Amounts?

AISH payment amounts depend on your living situation and whether you're single or in a relationship. As of 2025, here are the current payment rates:

Current AISH Rates (Until June 2026)

Proposed Rates Starting July 2026

With the introduction of the dual program structure, benefit amounts will be different (specific amounts are subject to change):

Important Notes About Payment Amounts:

• Your actual payment may be less than the maximum if you have other income sources

• Payments are adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index

• Additional benefits like health coverage and personal benefits are separate from these amounts

• If you transition from AISH to ADAP in July 2026, you may be eligible for a temporary "transition benefit" to maintain your current payment level until December 31, 2027

• The final benefit structure and eligibility criteria for who remains on AISH versus who transitions to ADAP are still being finalized by the Alberta government

For a full financial benefits summary, you can download this PDF from the Government of Alberta.

What if You Don't Get Your AISH Payments on Time?

It's natural to feel concerned if your payment doesn't arrive when expected. If this happens, here's what you can do:

Recheck Your Bank Account: Sometimes, payments can take several hours to appear in your account. If you receive payments by direct deposit, verify that the payment hasn't been processed yet. 

Wait One Business Day: It’s completely understandable that even waiting a day might be asking a lot. Unfortunately, payment delays can occur due to bank processing times, especially during holidays or weekends. If possible, wait one business day before taking further action.

Contact Your AISH Worker: If your payment still hasn't arrived, reach out to your assigned worker immediately. They can check your payment status and help resolve any issues quickly.

Verify Your Banking Information: Did anything about your banking information change recently? Even if it hasn’t, double-check that your direct deposit information is current and accurate. Any changes to your banking details should be reported immediately.

Check for Mail Issues (if receiving cheques): If you receive payments by cheque, confirm your mailing address is correct. Consider switching to direct deposit for faster, more reliable payments, especially with the recent news that Canada Post is ending home delivery.

How to Apply for AISH in 2026

While applying isn’t necessarily difficult, there are several eligibility requirements you need to first meet to be able to receive these benefits. Here’s what it looks like:

Eligibility Requirements for AISH

Age Requirements:

• You must be between 18 and 65 years old

• If you're under 18, you may qualify for other disability support programs

Residency Requirements:

• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• You must be a legal resident of Alberta

• You must have lived in Alberta for at least three months before applying

• Medical Requirements:

• You must have a severe handicap that substantially limits your ability to earn a living

• Your condition must be permanent or likely to continue for at least one year

• The disability must prevent you from working full-time or limit your earning capacity

Financial Requirements:

• Your income and assets must fall below AISH limits

• Certain assets, like your home and personal belongings, are exempt

• You cannot receive other income support programs simultaneously

What You Need to Apply

When applying, you'll need documentation to support your application. You may not need all of these, but the more you have, the easier it’ll be to get approved.

Personal Identification:

• Birth certificate or citizenship documents

• Alberta Health Care card

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• Government-issued photo ID

Financial Information:

• Recent bank statements (typically last 3 months)

• Details about all income sources

• Information about your assets and savings

• Rent receipts or mortgage statements

• Investment or pension information

Medical Documentation:

• Completed medical forms from your doctor or specialist

• Recent medical reports and test results

• Documentation of your disability or medical condition

• Treatment history and prognosis information

Having all these documents organized and ready before starting your application will significantly speed up the process.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for AISH?

The approval timeline for applications varies greatly depending on several factors, but understanding the typical process can help set realistic expectations.

Initial Review: Your application undergoes an initial review to ensure all required information is included. This typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Medical Assessment: Your medical documentation is reviewed by medical professionals. This part can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of your case.

Final Decision: Once all reviews are complete, a final decision is made. So, in total, you’re looking at anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks from application submission.

Thankfully, if approved, your payments will typically start from the date your application was submitted. If denied, you have the right to appeal the decision through Alberta's appeals process.

How Does AISH Work?

The program is designed to provide financial support for Albertans with severe disabilities who cannot earn enough income through employment. The program recognizes that people with severe handicaps face additional expenses while having limited earning capacity.

Understanding Monthly AISH Payments

Payments are issued monthly to help cover essential living expenses. This includes support for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. Unlike some other programs, AISH provides a single payment amount that recipients can use to meet their various needs.

The program also offers additional benefits beyond the monthly payment, including:

• Health benefits coverage

• Prescription drug coverage

• Optical and dental benefits

• Medical transportation assistance

How Income Affects Your AISH Payment

The program encourages recipients to work if they're able by allowing them to keep some employment income without affecting their payments.

According to the official Alberta government website, the current employment income exemption includes the first $1,950 of combined monthly net employment income being fully exempt, with the next $2,500 subject to a 50% exemption, for a maximum exemption of $2,225 per month

Income from sources like CPP Disability, Workers' Compensation, or private pensions may also affect your payment differently. Always report all income to your case worker.

AISH and Other Government Benefits

Many recipients wonder whether they can receive other government benefits simultaneously. The answer really depends on the specific benefit and how it interacts with AISH regulations.

Can You Receive AISH and CPP Disability at the Same Time?

Yes, you can. But there is some important information you need to be aware of. When applying for AISH, you are required to apply for other benefits that you may be eligible for, including CPP. At that point, your payment will be reduced by the amount you receive from CPP benefits.

How AISH Works with Employment Income

AISH is designed to support recipients who want to work but cannot earn enough to meet their needs. The program's employment exemption allows you to supplement your AISH payment with work income up to a certain limit.

AISH offers employment support to help recipients find and maintain employment, including job coaching and workplace accommodations.

You must report all employment income to your case worker monthly to ensure accurate payment calculations.

Final Tips for Managing AISH in 2025/2026 and Beyond

AISH can be a truly beneficial source of income and support for Albertans in the province. Here are a few things to always keep in mind when it comes to receiving that support:

• Stay Informed: Keep up with any program changes or updates by regularly checking the Alberta government website or speaking with your case worker. This is especially important in 2026 as the new ADAP program launches.

• Report Changes Immediately: Always report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition promptly to avoid payment issues or overpayments.

• Take Advantage of Additional Benefits: Don't forget about the health benefits and support services available through AISH beyond the monthly payment.

• Keep Good Records: Maintain organized records of all your AISH correspondence, medical documents, and financial information.

Understanding how AISH works and staying engaged with the program will help you maximize your support in 2026 and beyond. And remember, AISH workers are there to help you navigate the program successfully, so don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.

An important note: The Alberta government has announced that some AISH recipients may transition to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) in July 2026. Until then, recipients will continue to receive payments on the current schedule. For the most current information, including application forms and program updates, visit the Alberta government's AISH website or contact your local office.