New ADAP Payments For Alberta Residents Coming In July 2026

Alberta is set to introduce a significant reform to its disability income support system with the launch of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) on July 1, 2026. This program aims to provide enhanced support for Albertans with severe disabilities who are deemed capable of participating in the workforce to some extent.

ADAP will function alongside a restructured version of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, establishing a dual track system. Individuals capable of employment will receive assistance through ADAP, while those unable to work will continue to receive benefits from AISH. This change reflects a shift toward recognizing the abilities of individuals with disabilities and supporting their integration into the workforce.

What Is the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)?

ADAP is a newly created benefit program established by Bill 12, which was passed by the Alberta Legislature on December 9, 2025. The program was developed following extensive consultations with Albertans with disabilities, who expressed a desire for income support that recognizes individual capabilities rather than applying a uniform approach.

The Alberta government engaged in a series of public consultations throughout 2025, resulting in a program designed to empower individuals with disabilities to pursue employment opportunities while still receiving financial support, health benefits, and personal assistance.

Maximum ADAP Payment Amounts for 2026

The maximum monthly payment available through ADAP for a single recipient will be $1,740 when the program launches. This amount is $200 less than the current AISH rate of $1,940 per month for individuals. However, the government anticipates that ADAP clients will have a higher earning capacity through employment while maintaining their benefits.

ADAP recipients will be allowed to earn over $45,000 in annual employment income and still receive financial support from the program, which is noted to be the highest earning threshold among comparable disability assistance programs across Canada. Health benefits, including prescription drug coverage and dental care, will remain available to ADAP clients regardless of their employment income.

Who Is Eligible for ADAP?

Eligibility for ADAP requires applicants to meet specific medical and residency criteria set by the Alberta government. The primary requirement is that individuals must have a severe disability that significantly limits, but does not completely prevent, their ability to work.

ADAP Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

• • Residency: Must be an Alberta resident.

 

• • Age: Must be 18 years of age or older.

 

• • Disability Status: Must have a severe and permanent disability.

 

• • Impact on Employment: The disability must significantly restrict but not fully prevent employment.

 

• • Medical Documentation: A completed medical report from a licensed practitioner is required.

 

• • Financial Need: Must demonstrate financial need based on income and assets.

 

• • Other Benefits: Must apply for all other benefits for which they may be eligible.

 

Those assessed with a disability that entirely prevents employment will be directed to AISH instead of ADAP. A unified application process will be available for both programs, allowing the government to determine the most suitable program for each individual based on their unique circumstances.

How to Apply for ADAP

Beginning July 1, 2026, applicants can submit a combined application for both ADAP and AISH through the Alberta Supports system. There is no need for applicants to choose between the two programs; a disability assistance adjudicator will make the determination based on the provided medical evidence and the applicant’s work capacity.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• • Contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre or visit a local office.

 

• • Request and complete the combined AISH and ADAP application form.

 

• • Have a licensed medical practitioner complete the required medical report.

 

• • Gather supporting documents, including proof of Alberta residency and income details.

 

• • Submit the completed application package to Alberta Supports.

 

• • Wait for a disability assistance adjudicator to review your application.

 

• • Receive notification of the decision and program placement.

 

If eligible for either program, applicants will receive the difference in benefits retroactively from the date of their complete application submission. Individuals can also apply for Income Support during the processing period to avoid financial hardship.

How the Application Review Works

Upon submission of the application, a disability assistance adjudicator will conduct an initial review of all documentation. This includes examining the medical report, financial information, residency documents, and any additional evidence provided by the applicant.

If deemed eligible, the file will be forwarded to the AISH Medical Review Panel for a secondary assessment. The Medical Review Panel will make the final determination on an applicant’s qualification for either AISH or ADAP based on their medical condition and employment capability. Decisions made by the Medical Review Panel regarding ADAP are final and cannot be appealed, although clients may apply for reassessment for AISH if conditions change.

ADAP Payment Calculation Examples

Understanding how ADAP interacts with employment income is crucial for recipients planning to work. Single ADAP clients can earn up to $700 per month in employment income without affecting their benefits. Earnings above this threshold will gradually reduce the ADAP financial benefit, but the reduction is structured to ensure that working always leaves recipients better off economically.

Example Scenarios

Here are a few scenarios to illustrate how ADAP payments are calculated:

Example 1: A recipient with no employment income receives the full benefit of $1,740.

Example 2: A recipient earning $700 per month keeps their full ADAP benefit, totaling $2,440.

Example 3: A recipient earning $1,500 per month may see their benefit reduced to approximately $1,620 but still has a total income of about $3,120.

Example 4: A recipient earning $3,750 per month (approximately $45,000/year) will receive a reduced ADAP benefit but will maintain health benefits regardless of income.

How ADAP Relates to Current AISH Recipients

The transition to ADAP will directly affect around 79,000 current AISH recipients. Starting July 1, 2026, most existing AISH clients will automatically transition to ADAP unless they meet specific criteria to remain on AISH.

Criteria for Remaining on AISH

• • Individuals with severe and profound developmental disabilities.

 

• • Individuals receiving or deemed eligible for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) services.

 

• • Individuals with terminal medical conditions.

 

Those who do not meet these criteria will transition to ADAP but may apply for reassessment to remain on AISH if they believe they cannot work.

Transition Benefit for Existing AISH Clients Moving to ADAP

Current AISH recipients transitioning to ADAP will receive a monthly transition benefit of $200, maintaining their total payment at the previous AISH rate of $1,940 until December 31, 2027. After this date, they will revert to the standard ADAP rate of $1,740. New applicants post-transition will not be eligible for this benefit.

Important Note About the Canada Disability Benefit

Alberta will implement a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from both AISH and ADAP payments, meaning any CDB amount received will directly reduce provincial benefits. This approach has sparked controversy and differs from the policies of other provinces.

Employment Supports Available Through ADAP

ADAP will also provide comprehensive employment supports to assist recipients in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. The Alberta government plans to enhance investment in employment support services and encourage private-sector employers to create more job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

ADAP clients will have access to skills training, job placement assistance, workplace accommodations, and ongoing case management.

Key Dates for ADAP in 2026

• • Spring 2026: Expected release of the Ministerial Order finalizing employment income exemption calculations.

 

• • Before July 2026: Notification to AISH clients about their program placement.

 

• • July 1, 2026: Official launch of ADAP and automatic transitions begin.

 

• • December 31, 2027: End of the transition benefit for existing AISH clients moving to ADAP.

 

How to Verify Your ADAP Payment Information

Recipients can confirm their payment details and program status through various channels, including the Alberta Supports Contact Centre. It is recommended for clients to establish direct deposit for faster access to their funds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will existing AISH recipients lose their benefits when ADAP launches in July 2026?

 

No, existing AISH recipients will not lose their benefits. Those who transition to ADAP will receive a monthly transition benefit that maintains their payment at the current AISH rate until December 31, 2027.

Can I appeal the decision if I am placed on ADAP instead of AISH?

 

The decision made by the Medical Review Panel regarding eligibility for AISH or ADAP is final and cannot be appealed. However, individuals can seek reassessment for AISH if their condition changes.

How much can I earn from employment before my ADAP benefits are reduced?

 

ADAP recipients can earn up to $700 per month without affecting their benefits. Earnings above this amount will gradually reduce the ADAP financial support.

Will the federal Canada Disability Benefit be added on top of ADAP payments?

 

No, Alberta will apply a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the Canada Disability Benefit from ADAP payments, resulting in no net increase in support for recipients.

Do ADAP recipients still get prescription drug coverage and dental benefits?

 

Yes, ADAP recipients will continue to receive full health benefits, including prescription drug coverage and dental care, regardless of their employment income.

Reality Check

While the introduction of ADAP represents a positive step towards supporting Albertans with disabilities, it is essential to understand the potential risks and limitations. Individuals should be cautious about relying solely on this new program without verifying their eligibility and understanding the specifics of the benefits. It is advisable to consult official resources for the latest information on ADAP and its implementation.