The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is a financial and health program designed to provide support to Albertans living with severe disabilities that prevent them from working.
Starting from March 2024, AISH payment dates will now fall on four business days before the first day of each month, and if you are eligible, you will receive a monthly living allowance through direct deposit. Further, you will also receive health benefits, and monthly child benefits if you have any dependents.
In this blog post, we’ll cover essential details about the AISH program, including who is eligible for the benefit, how to apply, how much you could receive, and the AISH payment dates for 2024, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the support available through the AISH program.
Key Takeaways
- The next AISH payment date for 2024 is October 28, 2024.
- The AISH program is designed to provide financial and health-related benefits to Albertans living with severe disabilities that prevent them from working.
- To qualify for AISH benefits, you must be above 18 years old and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who lives in Alberta.
- Also, you must have a severe handicap that significantly impacts your ability to work and earn an income to be eligible for AISH benefits.
AISH Payment Dates for 2024
The AISH payments are paid out four business days before the first day of each month. The following are the AISH payment dates for 2024:
Benefit Month | AISH Payment Dates for 2024 |
January | January 1, 2024 |
February | February 01, 2024 |
March | February 26, 2024 |
April | March 25, 2024 |
May | April 25, 2024 |
June | May 28, 2024 |
July | June 25, 2024 |
August | July 26, 2024 |
September | August 27, 2024 |
October | September 24, 2024 |
November | October 28, 2024 |
December | November 26, 2024 |
You will receive your AISH payments via direct deposit to your Canadian bank account on the specified dates.
What is AISH?
The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Program is a financial support system for Alberta’s adult residents with severe or permanent disabilities that prevent them from earning enough income to sustain themselves adequately.
Under the AISH Program, eligible Albertans receive monthly financial assistance and have certain expenses covered to help them meet their needs. The program aims to assist individuals who are unable to work due to severe and permanent medical conditions.
Financial benefits provided by the AISH Program include a monthly living allowance and child benefits. Depending on whether the individual rents or owns a home, they may qualify for a monthly living allowance of $1,787. For those residing in approved nursing homes or auxiliary hospitals, a modified living allowance is provided, consisting of a personal allowance rate ($342) and an accommodation rate (up to $2,201). Additionally, dependent children receive a monthly benefit of $212 for the first child and $106 for each additional child.
AISH also offers various health benefits to eligible individuals. These benefits cover expenses such as prescription drugs, dental services, optical services, diabetic supplies, and ambulance services. Eligible individuals can access these health benefits by using their AISH Health Benefits Card.
AISH Eligibility Requirements
To receive AISH benefits, applicants must meet the following age, residency, medical, and financial criteria:
1. Age and Residency Requirement
- You are at least 18 years old
- You do not qualify to receive the Old Age Security pension
- You are a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant (permanent resident) living in the province of Alberta.
- You are not living in a correctional facility (prison) or mental health institution.
2. Medical Requirement
To be eligible for AISH benefits, you must have a permanent medical condition that significantly affects your ability to earn a living in Alberta.
To prove this, you must present a comprehensive medical report completed by a licensed physician.
Additionally, your medical condition must limit your physical and/or mental functioning and have a lasting impact on your ability to earn a living now and in the future.
If other factors besides your medical condition prevent you from working, you may not be eligible for AISH benefits.
Also, while receiving AISH benefits, you must actively look for work opportunities to the best of your abilities.
3. Financial Requirement
To determine your eligibility for the AISH program, your income and assets, along with those of your spouse or partner, will be considered, and it must not exceed the AISH threshold limit.
In general, AISH considers your income to be either exempt, partially exempt, or non-exempt.
Exempt income is not counted and does not affect your AISH monthly living allowance. These include income tax refunds, Registered Disability Savings Plan payments, death benefits, cash gifts, and Registered Retirement Savings Plan payments.
Non-exempt income, on the other hand, is counted at full value and subtracted dollar-for-dollar from your AISH monthly living allowance, while partially exempt income is counted slightly and may affect your AISH monthly living allowance.
Examples of non-exempt and partially exempt income include employment income, passive business income, Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan, Workers’ Compensation Board benefits, and other pension annuities.
Assets like cash, investments, properties, vehicles, and other assets are also considered by AISH. Some assets are also exempted and not counted like a home or quarter section you live in, clothing, vehicle, reasonable household items, Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSP), trust, etc.
Some assets are non-exempt and are counted by AISH and cannot be worth more than $100,000 when they are added together, like cash, cash inheritances, chequing or savings accounts, registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs), tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs), recreational property or home, and recreational vehicles.
When you receive money that is not considered income, such as when you get monies from cash gifts, inheritance, and returns from selling an already exempted asset, then you must invest it in something exempt within 365 days, or it will be counted as non-exempt.
However, it’s important to note that the first step in determining your AISH eligibility is to apply the Canada Revenue Agency deductions to your income. This will help to determine the true amount of income you have available for support.
Who Qualifies for AISH Payments
Some of the medical conditions that are known to qualify for AISH benefits, as indicated in the AISH physician guide, are:
- Cardiovascular disorders (heart disease, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism)
- Musculoskeletal disorders (Arthritis, amputation)
- Neurological disorders (muscular dystrophy, cerebrovascular disease, etc.)
- Multi-systemic disorders (cancer, AIDS)
- Renal disorders
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Endocrinology disorders
- Sensory disorder
- Respiratory disorders
It is also important to note that even if you meet these eligibility requirements, you are still encouraged to seek out any treatments, rehabilitation, or therapy that may improve your ability to earn a living.
How Much Is AISH in Alberta?
You will receive a basic living allowance of $1,787 per month as your AISH benefit. However, the Alberta government provides financial and health benefits to eligible individuals through the AISH program, and your AISH payment amount will vary based on your marital status, the number of children you have, and your eligibility for financial and health benefits.
Here is a detailed overview of the different types of benefits and payment amounts offered under the AISH program.
1. AISH Living Allowance
AISH offers a standard living allowance and a modified living allowance. The standard living allowance is paid monthly to individuals living in various situations, including homeowners, renters, those living with friends or family, and those living in private group homes.
The amount of standard living allowance you receive depends on your and your spouse or partner’s income.
Meanwhile, a modified living allowance is paid to individuals living in an accredited nursing home, designated supportive living facility, or auxiliary hospital.
Like the standard living allowance, the amount of modified living allowance you receive depends on your and your spouse’s or partner’s income.
In terms of payment amounts, you will receive a basic living allowance of $1,787 per month if you are eligible for AISH.
If you live in a hospital or nursing home, you will get an additional accommodation rate and a personal monthly allowance of $342. The maximum room rate in a nursing home is $2,201 or $72.35 per day.
If you are single, you can earn up to $1,072 from a job without affecting your AISH payments. If you earn between $1,072 and $2,009, 50% of it will be exempt from AISH calculation. However, if you earn more than $2,009, your AISH payment will decrease by $1 for every $1 you earn.
For families, the first $2,612 earned from a job is exempt from AISH calculation. If you earn between $2,612 and $3,349, 50% of it is exempt. Any income above $3,349 will reduce your AISH payment by $1 for every $1 earned.
2. AISH Child Benefits
If you have children, you may be eligible for an additional monthly payment for each dependent child through the AISH child benefit.
Like the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), this benefit aims to offset the cost of raising children in Alberta. You may receive $212 monthly for the first dependent child and up to $106 monthly for each additional dependent child.
These amounts are based on the maximum rates in 2023 and may vary in future years.
3. AISH Health Benefits
In addition to the living allowance, you and your spouse or partner may be eligible for several health benefits, including:
- Prescription Drugs: Coverage for drug costs on applicable medications, as well as nutritional products and over-the-counter items.
- Dental: Basic dental coverage, including cleaning, check-ups, fillings, x-rays, dentures, and tooth removal.
- Optical: Coverage for eye exams every two years, a single eyeglass every year for dependent children, and every two years for adults.
- Diabetic Supplies: Coverage for diabetic supplies, including infusion sets, glucose calibration solutions, insulin cartridges/reservoirs, test strips, insulin syringes, lancing devices, and insulin pen needles.
- Emergency Ambulance: Coverage for ambulance costs to the nearest emergency room.
- Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL): Coverage for approved items through the AADL program.
4. AISH Personal Benefits
If your monthly living allowance does not cover specific needs, you may be eligible for personal benefits under the AISH program.
To qualify for these benefits, you must meet certain requirements, such as having non-exempt assets below $5,000, expressing the need for the benefit, and being ineligible for other programs.
There are three types of personal benefits offered under the AISH program:
- Health-Related Personal Benefits: Coverage for health-related supports such as hearing aids, medical alert services, physiotherapy, special diets, and more.
- Personal Benefits for Children: Coverage for the cost of raising and educating your children in Alberta.
- Other Personal Benefits: Coverage for emergency expenses, funeral expenses, leaving an abusive home, home maintenance, employment and training costs, court attendance, and more.
What Is The Maximum AISH Payment?
The maximum living allowance rate, applicable to eligible individuals residing within Alberta is $1,787. This designated allowance is designed to support individuals in meeting their essential living expenses, encompassing a range of needs such as housing, food, transportation, and other basic necessities.
How To Apply for AISH
Follow this step-by-step approach to apply for AISH in 2024:
Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for AISH benefits, make sure you are eligible by reviewing the eligibility criteria on the Alberta Works website.
You must be a resident of Alberta, have a permanent disability, and meet the financial criteria to be eligible for AISH benefits.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Before beginning the application process, gather all the necessary supporting documents, such as medical reports, financial statements, and identification documents. This will make the process smoother and quicker.
Step 3: Fill out Part A of the AISH Application Form
Download the AISH application form from the Alberta Works website and fill out Part A of the form.
This section will ask for personal and financial information, including your employment and education history, income and asset information, and other details.
Step 4: Have Your Doctor Fill Out Part B of the AISH Application Form
Ask your doctor to fill out Part B of the AISH application form, which includes information about your medical condition.
Your doctor may charge a fee for this service, but it can be covered if you are on Income Support or other benefits.
Step 5: Submit the Application Form
Once both parts of the application form are completed, you can submit the form and supporting documents either by
- faxing it to 1-877-969-3006,
- mailing it to P.O. Box 17000 Station Main, Edmonton Alberta T5J 4B3,
- taking it to the nearest AISH office, or
- submitting it online through the Alberta Works website.
Step 6: Wait for a Response
Once you have submitted the application form, wait for a response from AISH. They will review your application, and if there is any missing information or documents, they will follow up and ask for them.
If your application is approved, you will receive a letter and a phone call to schedule an appointment with an AISH worker.
You will be required to provide additional documentation to complete the process. You will be eligible to receive benefits backdated from the date you provided AISH with all necessary documentation for your application.
If you don’t get a response or approval within 30 days of submission, you can appeal in writing to AISH.
AISH Payment Options
The AISH payment is made to eligible Albertans through direct deposit. There are two options for setting up direct deposit.
The first option is to fill out the Direct Deposit Registration form and attach a voided cheque that contains your banking information, including your name, branch number, bank number, and account number.
The second option is to visit your bank and have them help fill out the form and provide the necessary information.
If the direct deposit cannot be set up, the recipient should contact their AISH worker for assistance.
Will AISH Increase in 2024?
The AISH Benefit is set to increase by 6% and will be adjusted to match inflation, according to the announcement in conjunction with the 2023 Alberta Budget. This results in a commitment of $260 million, extending until the fiscal year 2024.
AISH payment amounts increased in January 2023. Consequently, we expect the 2024 AISH increase to also be implemented in 2024. Recipients are anticipated to receive monthly payments exceeding $1,787.
However, the specific rate of the AISH increase in 2024 will not be known for some time, and Albertans will need to wait for further details.
RECOMMENDED READINGS
- Social Assistance Payment Dates
- CPP Survivor Benefits
- BC Income Assistance Dates (2024): Benefits & Eligibility
- SAID Payment Dates (2024): Eligibility, Benefits & Rates
Final Thoughts on AISH Payment Dates 2024
AISH is a vital support program for residents of Alberta living with disabilities that prevent them from working. The program provides financial and medical benefits, including monthly payments and covered expenses, to eligible individuals.
It’s important to know that AISH payment dates are on the first day of each month, but if that day falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment will be made on the last business day of the previous month.
To qualify for AISH, you must meet specific criteria, including age, residency, medical, and financial requirements, and have a permanent medical condition that significantly impacts your living ability.
It’s important to remember that your circumstances may change over time, and you must seek assistance from AISH workers or visit the AISH office if necessary. Additionally, consider applying for other benefits to increase your financial security in the long run.
Finally, It is crucial to use the benefits received from AISH judiciously to ensure long-term financial stability.
FAQs on AISH Payment Dates 2024
Can You Work While on AISH?
Yes. You can work while receiving the AISH payment. Thus, you’re encouraged to work to the extent you can to improve your situation.
Is AISH Payment Taxable?
No, AISH payments are not taxable. This implies that you can spend the money however you like without including it during tax filing.
Will AISH increase in 2024?
Yes. AISH will increase its benefits payment by 6% in 2024. Albertans who are eligible will receive an additional $100 in monthly Affordability Payments for the first six months of 2024 (January to June).
At what age does AISH end?
65 years. When AISH recipients turn 65, they are automatically enrolled for provincial senior benefits, and AISH ends.
They may then qualify for Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits.
