Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) - Living Allowance
AISH gives you money each month if you live in Alberta and have a lasting medical condition that makes it hard to earn a living. The money helps pay for food, rent, and bills. The most you can get is $1,940 a month (starting January 1, 2026). The amount goes down if you or your partner have other income.
What you get
Up to $1,940/month
Who it's for
You qualify if you are an adult in Alberta (18 or older and not yet able to get Old Age Security).
This takes you to the official website
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I found your housing support program and I want to check if I can apply. Can you tell me the current rules, documents needed, and the next step?”
Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- You qualify if you are an adult in Alberta (18 or older and not yet able to get Old Age Security)
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- You must have a lasting medical condition that makes it hard to earn a living and is not likely to get better
- There are limits on your income and savings
What to do next
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What the official page looks like
The fine print
More details about the money
Maximum monthly living allowance of $1,940 to assist clients living in the community (effective January 1, 2026). The actual amount is reduced based on the client's and their spouse/partner's other income. Clients in continuing care homes receive a modified living allowance instead.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
Adult Albertans (18+, not eligible for an Old Age Security pension) who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, live in Alberta, and have a permanent medical condition that substantially limits their ability to earn a living and is unlikely to improve with training or rehabilitation. Income and asset limits apply, and the amount received depends on the applicant's (and spouse/partner's) other income.
Good to know
Living allowance of $1,940/month confirmed from the official AISH policy manual (manuals.alberta.ca, effective Jan 1, 2026); eligibility rules confirmed on alberta.ca/aish (live, June 2026). AISH benefits are indexed annually to Alberta CPI. IMPORTANT POLICY CHANGE (verified on alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program): starting July 2026, the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) launches with a single combined AISH/ADAP application; most current AISH clients transition to ADAP (max $1,740/mo plus a $200/mo transition benefit holding their amount level to Dec 31, 2027) unless they meet criteria to remain on AISH. Re-check the AISH/ADAP split and rates after July 1, 2026.
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