What is AISH?
AISH provides financial and health benefits to eligible adult Albertans with a permanent medical condition that substantially limits their ability to earn a living. It includes a monthly living allowance, health benefits, and personal benefits.
Am I Eligible?
You must meet ALL of these:
- 18 years or older
- Live in Alberta
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee
- Have a severe handicap (permanent medical condition that substantially limits your ability to earn a living)
- Have limited income and assets (financial eligibility test)
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
1
Call Alberta Supports
Call 1-877-644-9992 (toll-free) or visit an Alberta Supports Centre in person. Tell them you want to apply for AISH. They will start an intake file and explain next steps.
2
Get the Medical Report Form
Your AISH worker will give you a medical report form. Take it to your doctor. Your doctor must fill it out \xe2\x80\x94 this is the most important part. The doctor needs to clearly describe how your condition is permanent and how it limits your ability to work.
3
Gather Your Documents
You'll need: government ID, proof of Alberta residency, income information (pay stubs, tax returns), bank statements, and any specialist letters or reports about your condition.
4
Submit Your Application
Return all completed forms to your AISH worker. You can do this in person, by mail, or by fax. Make sure to keep copies of everything you submit.
5
Wait for Decision (usually 2-4 weeks)
AISH will review your medical and financial information. If approved, benefits are usually backdated to the date you applied. If denied, you can appeal within 30 days.
Tips for Getting Approved
Key to Approval: The Medical Report
The #1 reason applications are denied is an incomplete or vague medical report. Ask your doctor to be specific about: (1) your diagnosis, (2) why it's permanent, (3) exactly how it limits your ability to work, and (4) what treatments you've tried. Specialist letters from neurologists, psychiatrists, or other specialists carry extra weight.
- Apply as soon as possible \xe2\x80\x94 benefits are backdated to application date
- Include ALL medical conditions, not just the primary one
- Get letters from every specialist you've seen
- If denied, appeal within 30 days \xe2\x80\x94 many denials are overturned on appeal
- Free legal help: contact a Legal Aid Alberta office for assistance with appeals
What You Get
- Monthly living allowance: up to $1,863 (single) or $2,652 (couple, both on AISH)
- Health benefits: prescription drugs, dental, optical, emergency ambulance
- Personal benefits: up to $410/month for approved disability-related needs
- You can work and earn up to $1,072/month without affecting your AISH payment
Apply for AISH on Alberta.ca
Phone: 1-877-644-9992 (toll-free) | TTY: 780-427-9999