The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program offers financial support and benefits to Albertans who can’t earn a living due to permanent medical conditions. There are a variety of AISH benefits that provide support for particular situations and help to offset costs. These benefits include a standard or modified living allowance, child benefit, health coverage, and personal items and services.
In this article we have all the details on what AISH covers, including the specific benefits for you and your family.
Key Takeaways
- The type and amounts of AISH benefits you receive depends on your marital status, dependents, and family income.
- The maximum standard living allowance is $1,787 per month.
- An AISH health benefits card can cover prescriptions, dental, vision, and medical expenses.
- Personal benefits, such as employment and childcare costs, may also be covered through AISH.
- A child benefit is available to those with dependent children.
AISH for you and your family
Disability affects individuals of all ages and lifestyles. This means that many who require resources and support may need them not just for themselves, but for their spouses and children as well. The AISH program takes this fact into account.
The type of benefits and specific amounts you receive differ based on your marital status and number of children. Both your and your spouse’s income are a factor in determining your financial eligibility for the AISH program.
You can receive a living allowance that helps with housing and other expenses for you and your family. A variety of AISH health benefits can apply to you, your spouse, and your dependent children.
If you have dependent children, then you may qualify for the AISH child benefit. This provides relief for a range of costs involved in raising children. If both cohabiting parents are AISH clients, only one parent can claim the benefit for each child.
Monthly AISH allowance
The AISH living allowance provides funds for you, your spouse, and your children for living expenses such as housing, utilities, and food. Payment takes place on the 1st of the month (or the last business day of the previous month if the 1st falls on a holiday or weekend).
Alberta recently raised the maximum standard living allowance to $1,787, effective January 1st, 2023. This comes as part of a wider effort to re-index a range of social benefits to inflation. The amount you receive can vary if you or your spouse have any non-exempt income.
The standard living allowance applies for almost all living situations, whether you rent or own, live in a private group home, live with family or friends, or are homeless. However, the modified living allowance applies to those living in an approved nursing home or similar facilities.
This modified living allowance pays for the costs associated with living in a nursing home, auxiliary hospital, or other approved facilities. In addition to those costs, the benefit can also include a personal allowance rate of $342.
These situations can quickly become complicated when one partner requires care in such a facility. The AISH program provides an income hardship exemption that may provide support in these cases.
Personal benefits covered under AISH
Alongside your AISH living allowance, you can also receive a range of personal benefits for specific situations. These benefits have additional requirements, such as having $5,000 or less in non-exempt assets and demonstrating your need for funding.
Personal benefits may apply to you or your dependant children and can include:
- various medical and mobility equipment,
- health services such as massage therapy and acupuncture,
- medical equipment and supplies not available through AADL,
- service animal supports,
- special dietary needs,
- infant and childcare costs,
- children’s education costs,
- employment and training expenses,
- funeral arrangements,
- moving expenses,
- health-related travel,
- court or training-related travel,
- leaving an abusive home, and
- emergency expenses.
To find out more about claiming these personal benefits, reach out to your AISH worker or visit: What you get with AISH.
AISH medical coverage
AISH offers health benefits covering a wide range of needs for you, your spouse, and your dependent children. If you qualify for AISH, you’ll receive an AISH health benefits card you can use to access medications, treatment, and services from a variety of healthcare providers.
Your AISH health benefits card can provide medical coverage for:
- prescription drugs,
- some over-the-counter items,
- some nutritional products,
- dental care,
- vision care,
- diabetes supplies,
- emergency ambulance trips, and
- Alberta Aids to Daily Living cost-share amount on certain items.
AISH health coverage is relatively basic in most areas. If your AISH benefits card doesn’t cover a specific drug or service you need, you can contact your AISH worker to discuss the issue and potentially apply for a health benefits exemption.
What do you think of the Alberta AISH program and benefits?
AISH coverage provides Albertans with permanent disabilities and their families with various types of support. This allows many to live more secure and dignified lives.
However, the program isn’t without its critics. Many believe that the program isn’t keeping pace with real-world expenses or that it wasn’t enough in the first place.
We would appreciate any feedback from readers who have experienced the AISH program first-hand or know someone who has. Let us know in the comments below how AISH has impacted your life and anything you believe it could do better.
FAQ
What are the AISH benefits?
Eligible Albertans can access a standard or modified monthly living allowance, child benefits, health benefits, and personal benefits through the AISH program. These encompass a wide range of specific items and services.
How much is AISH in Alberta?
The current maximum monthly living allowance is $1,787. However, your or your spouse’s income could reduce that amount, and child, health, and personal benefits can provide additional funding in specific cases.
What are the AISH emergency benefits?
AISH provides benefits for a range of medical and other emergencies. Trips to the emergency room are covered and individuals dealing with an emergency situation that puts them or their dependents at risk may also qualify.
Can you receive AISH and CPP disability?
To be eligible for AISH, you must apply for any income you may qualify for, including CPP disability, EI, and worker’s compensation. Receiving CPP disability doesn’t disqualify you from AISH, but it does raise your eligible income, which can impact eligibility and the level of benefits.
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