One application now covers both programs — AISH up to $1,940/month, ADAP up to $1,740/month plus work income
Updated August 2026 Nothing you enter leaves your browser Official Alberta.ca links only
What changed on July 1, 2026
Alberta split disability income support into two streams: AISH (for people whose condition prevents work) and the new ADAP (for people whose severe disability limits but doesn't prevent work). You do NOT choose — one combined application covers both, and Alberta places you in the right program.
Quick Eligibility Check
Six quick questions — see which program you likely fit and exactly what to do next. Your answers stay on your device.
Your Application, Step by Step
Work through the six steps below. Your progress is saved on this device so you can come back anytime.
1
Start the combined application
Three equally valid ways to start — pick whichever is easiest for you:
The medical report (DS2444B) — the make-or-break step
Your doctor (or nurse practitioner / psychologist for their areas) must complete the Disability Assistance Medical Report (DS2444B). A vague report is the #1 reason applications get denied.
Use the printable doctor prep sheet below so your appointment covers everything the assessors look for. Note: you pay the doctor's form fee (it may be covered if you're on Income Support).
3
Gather your documents
Use the interactive checklist below — it adjusts to your situation and can be printed. A complete package the first time = faster decision and earlier backdating.
Mail: AISH and ADAP, PO Box 17000 Station Main, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4B3
Keep copies of every page you send. Include your Notice of Assessment from your latest tax return.
5
Track it — and answer requests fast
Check your application status: 1-877-759-6810 (toll-free).
If the program asks for anything more, respond immediately — benefits are backdated to the month they received ALL required information, so every week of delay is money lost.
6
Decision — approved, or appeal within 30 days
Approved: you'll be placed in AISH or ADAP based on the assessment, with payments backdated as above.
Denied: appeal within 30 days — many denials are overturned when a stronger medical report or specialist letters are added. See the appeal section below for exactly how.
Document Checklist
Tap the buttons that describe you, then check off documents as you collect them.
AISH/ADAP document checklist — prepared with gov-services.ca (independent guide). Apply at alberta.ca.
Doctor Visit Prep Sheet (DS2444B)
Print this and bring it to your appointment. Assessors approve applications where the medical report clearly shows all five of these:
Diagnosis: every condition, physical and mental — not just the main one
Duration: why the condition is permanent or expected to last, despite treatment
Function: specific limits — how long you can stand, sit, focus, interact; good days AND bad days; episodic patterns
Work impact: exactly how those limits restrict or prevent employment (this is what decides AISH vs ADAP)
Treatments tried: medications, therapy, surgery — and the results
Pro tips
Book a longer appointment and tell the clinic it's for a disability form. Bring a 2-week symptom diary. Ask every specialist you've seen (psychiatrist, neurologist, rheumatologist...) for a supporting letter — specialist evidence carries extra weight.
DS2444B preparation sheet — what the medical report needs to show. gov-services.ca (independent guide).
Rough Benefit Estimator
If placed in AISH
$0
per person / month
If placed in ADAP
$0
per person / month + your pay
Illustration only, using August 2026 maximums ($1,940 AISH / $1,740 ADAP core, $700-$1,100 ADAP income exemption, phase-out near $45,240/yr, couples at 88% each, ADAP child benefits). Your real amount depends on assets, other income and family details — use the official Alberta benefit estimator.
AISH vs ADAP at a Glance
AISH
ADAP
Who it's for
Severe permanent condition that prevents earning a living; includes developmental disabilities, terminal illness, continuing care, age 60+
Severe disability that significantly restricts — but doesn't prevent — work, continuously or episodically
Core monthly amount
Up to $1,940 (single)
Up to $1,740 (single)
Work income
Not expected to work
$700/mo exempt ($1,100 with kids); partial benefits until ~$45,240/yr
Health benefits
Both: prescriptions, dental, optical, emergency ambulance — ADAP keeps them at any earnings level (worth ~$400/mo on average)
Couples (both on programs)
Each partner receives 88% of the individual maximum (since August 2026)
How to apply
ONE combined application: DS2444A + DS2444B medical report, online / phone / in person
Denied? You Have 30 Days — Use Them
Request the appeal in writing within 30 days of the decision letter (the letter tells you where to send it, or ask your local AISH/ADAP office).
Fix the most common gap: get a MORE specific medical report and specialist letters (see the prep sheet above). Most successful appeals add new medical evidence.
Get free help: Legal Aid Alberta, disability advocacy organizations, or your Alberta Supports worker can guide the appeal.
Both are Alberta disability income programs. AISH is for adults whose severe, permanent condition prevents them from working. ADAP (launched July 1, 2026) is for adults whose severe disability significantly restricts - but does not prevent - employment. AISH pays up to $1,940/month; ADAP pays up to $1,740/month and lets you earn employment income on top, while keeping health benefits.
No. Since July 1, 2026 there is ONE combined Disability Income Assistance application (form DS2444A plus medical report DS2444B). Alberta assesses your application and places you in the program that fits your situation. You cannot apply to the "wrong" program.
The maximum monthly living allowance for a single person is $1,940 in 2026, indexed to inflation. Since August 2026, couples where both partners receive AISH or ADAP each get 88% of the maximum. Health benefits (prescriptions, dental, optical, emergency ambulance) and child benefits are additional.
The ADAP core benefit is $1,740/month for a single person. You can earn $700/month ($1,100 if you have children) with no reduction, and keep partial benefits until your earnings reach roughly $45,240/year. Health benefits continue no matter how much you earn from work.
Processing time depends on volume and on how quickly your medical and financial documents arrive. Important: benefits are backdated to the month the program received ALL required information - so submitting a complete package as early as possible is worth real money.
You can appeal within 30 days of the decision. Many denials - especially for vague medical reports - are overturned on appeal with better documentation. Legal Aid Alberta and disability advocates can help for free. You can also reapply if your condition worsens.
Existing AISH clients assessed as able to work to some degree may be transitioned to ADAP, with transition benefits to ease the change. Clients who cannot work stay on AISH, including people with developmental disabilities, terminal conditions, those in continuing care, and those 60 or older. You can also move between programs if your circumstances change.
No. This is an independent guide - we are not the Government of Alberta and we never receive your application or personal information. Everything you check or answer on this page stays in your own browser. You apply directly to Alberta at dia.alberta.ca or by phone at 1-877-644-9992.
This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Government of Alberta or the Government of Canada. Applications are made only through official Alberta channels. Amounts shown reflect published rates as of August 2026 and may change — always verify on alberta.ca. Nothing you enter on this page is transmitted or stored by this website; answers and checkmarks are saved only in your own browser.
