An Alberta man who receives Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) says he has done the math and concluded that the province's new program, the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), does not add up. He says he can and wants to work, but it is financially impossible for him to be better off under ADAP.
Financial Disincentive to Work
The recipient, who asked to remain anonymous, told reporters that under ADAP, his total income from working part-time would actually be lower than what he currently receives from AISH alone. He calculated that after factoring in deductions for earnings and the loss of supplementary benefits, he would net less money per month. “I want to contribute to society and work, but the system punishes me for trying,” he said. “The new program doesn't make work pay.”
Details of the New Program
ADAP was introduced by the Alberta government as a replacement for AISH, aiming to encourage recipients to enter the workforce. Under ADAP, recipients can earn more before benefits are clawed back, but the man's analysis shows that the higher earnings threshold is offset by reductions in other supports, such as health benefits and rental assistance. He provided a detailed spreadsheet comparing his current AISH income with projected ADAP income, showing a shortfall of several hundred dollars per month.
Impact on Recipients
Advocacy groups have echoed the man's concerns, warning that ADAP could trap recipients in poverty. “This is a classic case of good intentions gone wrong,” said a spokesperson for the Alberta Disability Coalition. “The government designed a program that looks good on paper but fails in practice. Many recipients will be worse off if they try to work.” The coalition has called for a review of ADAP's benefit structure.
Government Response
The Alberta Ministry of Community and Social Services defended the program, stating that ADAP was developed with input from stakeholders and is designed to provide more flexibility. “We are committed to helping AISH recipients achieve greater independence,” a ministry spokesperson said. “We encourage anyone with concerns to contact our office for a personalized benefits assessment.” However, the recipient in question said he has already done that and was told his calculations were correct.
As of June 2026, over 70,000 Albertans receive AISH, and many are now facing the transition to ADAP with uncertainty.
