Employment & Vocational Services in Alberta

A provincial program that helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic illness, or terminal illness by covering a portion of the cost of basic medical equipment and supplies needed for daily living.

NEW program launching July 1, 2026, for people with severe disabilities who ARE able to work. Features the highest employment income exemption in Canada. A single combined application covers both AISH and ADAP. All existing AISH clients will transition to ADAP on July 1, 2026, and can request reassessment for AISH through December 31, 2027. Regulations expected Spring 2026.

Alberta's primary income support for adults with a permanent disability that severely limits their ability to earn a living. Includes health benefits for the recipient, spouse, and dependent children. CRITICAL: Alberta claws back the $200 CDB from AISH recipients dollar-for-dollar. Priority processing is available for terminal and palliative cases. Budget 2025 included $49 million in cuts to the AISH program, though the government claims no income loss due to CDB offset — advocates strongly dispute this.

A new federal benefit providing $200/month for persons aged 18-64 with low income who have Disability Tax Credit approval. First month of eligibility was June 2025 with payments starting July 2025. Back payments available up to 24 months from application date. Most provinces have exempted the CDB from provincial benefit calculations, but Alberta claws back CDB from AISH recipients dollar-for-dollar.

A monthly taxable benefit for people who have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan and are unable to work due to a severe and prolonged disability. Includes a children's benefit of $301.77/month per child. Quebec residents apply through the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) instead.

A federal autism strategy developed in collaboration with the autistic community, families, service providers, researchers, and provincial/territorial governments. AIDE Canada (Autism & Intellectual Disabilities Knowledge Exchange Network) is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada as part of this strategy, providing online resources, an inventory of services, and 6 in-person locations across Canada.

A federal dental care plan administered through Sun Life, available to eligible Canadians including those with Disability Tax Credit qualification. Covers essential oral health services including preventive care, restorative services, and other dental treatments.

An ESDC-funded program where nonprofits provide one-on-one navigation support to help people with disabilities find and apply for benefits they are entitled to, including DTC, CDB, RDSP, CPP-D, and provincial benefits. Organizations are funded across all provinces and territories to provide free assistance.