The Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) is a monthly income and health benefit for adults whose severe disability makes work hard but not impossible. It started on July 2, 2026, alongside AISH, and pays on the same day as AISH and Income Support: by direct deposit 4 business days before the 1st, for the month ahead.
If you were on AISH and want to know why you were moved, our AISH guide explains the switch. This page is for people on ADAP now or thinking of applying.
How much you’ll get
| Who | Monthly amount (from July 2, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Single person on ADAP | $1,740 |
| Moved from AISH to ADAP in July 2026 | $1,740 plus a $200 transition benefit, until December 31, 2027 |
| Couple, both on AISH or ADAP (from the August 2026 benefit) | $1,532 each on ADAP (88% of the single rate) |
| Child benefit | $300 for the first child, $117 for the second, $88 for the third, $59 for the fourth, $30 for each additional child |
The $200 transition benefit is not cut for couples.
ADAP also covers health benefits for you, your partner and your children: basic dental care, eye exams and glasses, prescriptions, diabetic supplies and emergency ambulance.
Example 1: You moved from AISH to ADAP in July 2026 and have no other income. You get $1,740 plus $200, so $1,940 a month, until December 31, 2027.
Example 2: You are new to ADAP, single, and earn $700 a month after deductions. All $700 is exempt, so you keep your full $1,740 and your pay, about $2,440 in total.
What you can earn
ADAP was built for people who can do some work. The first part of your monthly employment earnings is fully exempt:
| Your situation | Earn before your benefit changes |
|---|---|
| ADAP, single | $700 |
| ADAP, with one or more dependent children | $1,100 |
| Cohabiting partner (AISH or ADAP) | $1,500 |
Above that amount, your benefit goes down gradually. The deduction starts at less than a cent per dollar and grows as you near $45,000 a year. You can earn up to $45,240 a year in employment income and still get some ADAP. Use the AISH and ADAP benefit estimator to check a new job before you start.
Your own CPP disability, EI or WCB payments come off your benefit dollar for dollar. If your earnings end your monthly ADAP, you can keep essential health benefits up to age 65.
Who qualifies
- You are 18 or older and not eligible for an Old Age Security pension.
- You live in Alberta and are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You have a severe disability that significantly limits your ability to work, all the time or on and off, but does not stop you working.
- Your non-exempt assets, with your partner’s, are worth $100,000 or less. Your home, a vehicle, an RDSP and reasonable household items don’t count.
- You apply for other income you may qualify for, such as CPP disability and the Canada Disability Benefit.
If your disability permanently stops you from working, you will usually qualify for AISH instead. One application covers both.
How to apply
- Fill in the Disability Income Assistance application online at alberta.ca, or on the paper form.
- Ask your health professional to complete the Disability Assistance Medical Report. They may charge a fee.
- Include your Notice of Assessment from your tax return.
- For status questions, call 1-877-759-6810 (587-759-6810 in Edmonton).
- If you are approved, you get a phone call and a letter, and your benefit is backdated to the month the program had everything it needed.
What changed in 2026
- ADAP began July 2, 2026. AISH clients aged 60 or older, palliative, living in continuing care, or with a severe developmental disability stayed on AISH. Most others moved to ADAP.
- You can ask to go back to AISH. If you moved in July 2026, you can apply for AISH at any time, and Alberta pays for one medical report.
- Couples get 88% each from the August 2026 benefit when both partners are on AISH or ADAP.
- New child benefit rates started with the August 2026 benefit.
- Earnings of $700 a month ($1,100 for parents) are now fully exempt.
The $200 transition benefit ends on December 31, 2027.
The Canada Disability Benefit and ADAP
You must apply for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) and the Disability Tax Credit, and tell ADAP the result using the federal disability supports form. The CDB is counted as income, so your ADAP goes down by about the same amount. If a doctor’s fee for the tax credit form is a barrier, ask your worker: ADAP can cover it.
Payment late, missing or different?
Deposits are made at midnight on the payment date, so the money should be in your account that day. Cheques are mailed 6 business days before the 1st and can take longer.
If the payment isn’t there, or the amount looks wrong:
- Check your monthly statement, which shows the income that was counted.
- Make sure ADAP has your current bank account and address.
- Think about recent changes: new earnings, a CDB approval or a new partner.
- Call your local AISH and ADAP office or the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 (weekdays 7:30 am to 8 pm).
- For an emergency after hours, call the 24-hour Income Support line at 1-866-644-5135.
Watch for scams. The government never asks for fees, gift cards or passwords by text or email. If in doubt, hang up and call the number above yourself.
Other help you might be missing
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit and the Canada Child Benefit: tax-free payments for parents, based on your tax return.
- Canada Workers Benefit: a tax credit for people with low earnings.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: the renamed GST/HST credit, paid four times a year when you file your taxes.
- Alberta Income Support: can help while your ADAP application is being reviewed.
ADAP is only for people who are not eligible for OAS. Before you turn 65, apply for OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and look at the Alberta Seniors Benefit.
Common questions
Is ADAP the same as AISH?
No. They share one application and the same payment dates, but AISH is for people who can’t work because of a permanent disability. ADAP is for people who can do some work, and it lets you earn more.
How much is ADAP per month?
$1,740 for a single person from July 2, 2026. People moved from AISH in July 2026 also get a $200 transition benefit until December 31, 2027.
Can I switch from ADAP back to AISH?
Yes. You can apply for an AISH assessment if your health or ability to work changes. If you moved from AISH in July 2026, Alberta pays for one medical report whenever you choose to apply.
Does ADAP affect my Canada Disability Benefit?
ADAP counts the CDB as income, so your ADAP goes down by about the same amount. You still have to apply for it and report the result.