AccessAbility Supports (AAS) is Prince Edward Island’s main program for people with physical, intellectual, neurological, sensory or mental disabilities. It pays for disability-related supports, like respite, home modifications and personal care. If you can’t cover your basic needs, it can also pay a monthly amount called Assured Income. You must be under 65 when you apply.
How much you’ll get
AAS isn’t one fixed payment. It has two parts.
1. Disability supports. After a capability assessment, you’re given a funding level: the amount per month you can use for approved supports. Some supports have set limits:
| Support | Most you can get (as published September 2026) |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Respite (a break for your caregiver) | $430 a month, based on your assessment |
| Home modifications | $10,000 every 10 years |
| Vehicle modifications | $6,000 every 8 years |
Home and vehicle modifications must be recommended by a licensed occupational therapist. Costly items like mobility devices may be paid out over time.
2. Assured Income. This is monthly money for basic needs: food, clothing, shelter, household and personal supplies, phone or internet, transportation, and some medical and special needs. It’s worked out from a budget. Your household’s eligible costs are compared with its income, and Assured Income covers the gap. Your Support Coordinator reviews it at least once a year.
Working while on Assured Income
You keep the first $500 you earn each month, plus 30% of anything above $500. The rest of your earnings reduce your Assured Income.
Example from the province. John earns $700 in March. He keeps $500 plus 30% of the extra $200 ($60), so $560 of his pay doesn’t affect his Assured Income. Only $140 is counted.
Some money isn’t counted as income at all, including the Canada Child Benefit, child support, foster care payments, and HST and income tax refunds.
Client contribution
Depending on your yearly income, you may be asked to pay part of the cost of your disability supports. If you get Assured Income, or you’re under 18, you don’t pay a contribution.
Who qualifies
- You have a disability diagnosed by a health professional.
- It causes significant impairment and is expected to last 12 months or more.
- You live in PEI and have a PEI health number.
- You’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You’re under 65 when you apply.
How to apply
- Call the screening line at 1-877-569-0546 (toll-free in PEI). The screener checks whether you might qualify.
- If you might, you’re booked for a capability assessment with a clinical assessor. This looks at how your disability affects daily life and sets your funding level.
- You then meet an AccessAbility Support Coordinator to build your support plan and, if needed, apply for Assured Income.
- Bring ID, proof of citizenship if you were born outside Canada, your diagnosis, and direct deposit details. For Assured Income, also bring bank statements, pay stubs from the last 31 days, proof of income and household costs, utility bills and proof of address.
A friend, family member or advocate can come to any appointment. You can learn more in the AccessAbility Supports program page.
When Assured Income is paid
Assured Income is paid on PEI’s Social Programs payment dates, near the end of each month, for the month ahead. The calendar at the top of this page shows them. Disability supports such as respite or modifications are funded through your support plan, not on these dates.
What changed in 2026
In September 2026 the province published an update on putting the recommendations of its review of AccessAbility Supports into practice. The eligibility rules above are unchanged.
Payment late, missing or different?
If your Assured Income hasn’t arrived by the end of the payment day, check with your bank first. Then call your AccessAbility Support Coordinator, or the Social Programs line at 1-877-569-0546. The department’s general line is 902-620-3777 (toll-free 1-866-594-3777).
Common reasons for a change:
- You didn’t report a change in income, work or housing.
- Your yearly review is due and documents are missing.
- An overpayment or a damage or utility deposit is being paid back. Deposits must be repaid within 12 months.
- Your bank account changed.
If you disagree with a decision, you can appeal within 30 days. Your Support Coordinator will help.
Watch for scams. The PEI government will never ask for a fee, gift cards or your password by text or email. If you’re unsure, call the department yourself.
Other help you might be missing
- PEI Social Assistance: for Islanders who need help with basic needs but don’t qualify for AAS.
- Canada Disability Benefit: a federal monthly payment for working-age adults with a disability tax credit certificate.
- CPP disability: if you’ve worked and paid into CPP. AAS expects you to apply for federal benefits you qualify for.
- Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: file your taxes every year to get it.
- Canada Child Benefit: not counted as income for Assured Income.
Common questions
What is Assured Income in PEI?
It’s the part of AccessAbility Supports that pays monthly for basic needs like food, clothing and shelter, for people with disabilities who can’t cover those costs.
Can I apply for AccessAbility Supports after 65?
No. You must be under 65 when you apply. If you’re already in the program and nearing 65, ask your Support Coordinator what changes for you.
How much can I earn on Assured Income in PEI?
You keep $500 a month plus 30% of anything above that without it affecting your Assured Income.
How do I apply for AccessAbility Supports?
Call the screening line at 1-877-569-0546. They’ll check whether you might qualify and book your assessment.
When is Assured Income paid?
On PEI’s Social Programs payment dates, near the end of each month for the following month.