Date Published: April 5, 2023 (Updated June 12, 2026)
Table of contents :
TL;DR
AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) is accepted as qualifying income by iCash, a licensed online lender operating in Alberta. You need at least $800/month in AISH income and an active Canadian bank account. The cost is $14 per $100 borrowed — borrow $200, repay $228. Apply online 24/7 and receive funds by e-Transfer once approved.
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is administered by the Government of Alberta and provides monthly payments to eligible Albertans with a permanent medical condition that severely limits their ability to earn income. According to Alberta government data, approximately 76,000 Albertans currently depend on AISH to cover their basic living needs. [VERIFY — link the source before publishing]
AISH payday loans are short-term loans that use your monthly AISH benefits as proof of income. Because AISH payments are government-backed and arrive on a predictable schedule, licensed lenders like iCash treat them the same way they would a regular paycheck. If an unexpected expense comes up before your next deposit, an AISH payday loan can help bridge that gap quickly, with funds sent by e-Transfer within minutes of approval.
Absolutely, because your benefits are a valid source of income, and here at iCash, we recognize that. Many lenders view it as a stable, predictable income (because it is). Unlike traditional employment that can vary month to month (depending on the type of work), your benefits provide consistent monthly payments that lenders view favorably.
When approving, lenders are looking for reliable income sources, and government benefit payments qualify because they're government-guaranteed and deposited regularly. This makes loans for people on government assistance more accessible than you might expect.
The cost of borrowing with iCash is transparent and fixed. Under the Consumer Protection Act and Payday Loans Regulation, the maximum borrowing fee in Alberta is set at $14 per $100 borrowed. Here's what that looks like across common loan amounts:
Borrow | Fee | Total Repayment |
$100 | $14 | $114 |
$200 | $28 | $228 |
$500 | $70 | $570 |
$1,000 | $140 | $1,140 |
Alberta example: A $500 loan repaid over 62 days carries an APR of 82.42%. Alberta loan terms range from 42 to 62 days.
There are no hidden fees and no surprises. The full cost of borrowing is laid out clearly before you sign anything.
AISH is paid on the last business day of each month. Whether your unexpected expense arrives mid-month or just before your next deposit, the iCash application is available around the clock, including weekends and holidays, so you're never left waiting for a branch to open.
If past credit issues have made you hesitant to apply, here's what you should know: your credit score is not the primary factor in our decision. Income consistency and banking history matter most. For first-time applicants, we perform a one-time verification check as part of the standard process, not to judge your credit history, but to confirm your identity and income. For returning customers, no additional credit check is required on future loans.
Your AISH benefits arrive on a reliable schedule every month, and that predictability is exactly what makes the verification process fast and straightforward on our end.
Firstly, if you’re wondering about receiving AISH as a benefit, there are a handful of requirements you need to meet, such as being a resident in Alberta. You can view the government website to find out if you qualify for AISH. Now, let’s look at loan requirements:
Meet Loan Eligibility Requirements
Be at least 18 years old (19 years old for applicants in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia)
Be a resident of any of the provinces in which we operate (AB, ON, BC, MB, NB, NS, PEI).
Show that you have been receiving the same source of income for the past three months.
Have a total net income of at least $800/month.
Have access to an online bank account, in which pre-authorized debits can be performed.*
Have a valid Canadian mobile phone number, address, and email address (VoIP numbers are not accepted)
*Please note that KOHO accounts do not qualify as they do not support pre-authorized debits.
Submit the Application
Complete online application in 5-10 minutes
Receive an instant decision through automated verification
Review the terms and sign your digital agreement
Get your approved funds via Interac e-Transfer
ODSP provides a stable, predictable income that many lenders accept. | |
As a federal program, Canada Pension Plan Disability is widely recognized by lenders across the country. | |
While EI is temporary, iCash provides payday loans based on EI payments. |
Payday loans provide accessible emergency funding, but it's important to understand both the convenience and costs involved. This is why we, as a lender, ensure to outline all the information you need before you ever sign your agreement. Pairing that with the speed of our services, and it’s clear why many enjoy iCash services to help them when they need it most.
Even if you’re comparing other lenders (as you should), we urge you to find ones that are equally transparent in their approach. Before you make a final decision, take the time to explore every alternative. Your financial future is worth it.
Living with a disability shouldn't mean you're without financial options during emergencies. If you're receiving benefits and need some financial help, get in touch with us.
Our application process is designed with benefit recipients in mind, offering fast approvals without the barriers or judgment you might experience at a bank. So if you’re interested in applying, simply click the link below to get started!
[Start Your Application Today]
Learn more about our services for other government benefits: payday loans with government benefits | payday loans



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