Menu
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.
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:
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 amounts depend on your living situation and whether you're single or in a relationship. As of 2025, here are the current payment rates:
Living Situation | Maximum Monthly Amount |
Single Person | Up to $1,901 |
Couple (both receiving AISH) | Up to $1,901 each |
Couple (one receiving AISH) | Up to $1,901 |
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
For a full financial benefits summary, you can download this PDF from the Government of Alberta.
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.
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2025 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.
Resources
