Province says feedback from residents helping guide development of ADAP ahead of July launch
Alberta’s government says feedback from residents is helping shape a new disability support program designed to provide more flexibility for those who want to pursue employment while continuing to receive assistance.
The proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) is currently being developed by the province’s Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services. The program will be offered alongside the existing Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program and is scheduled to launch July 1.
According to the province, consultations with Albertans with disabilities, advocacy groups and service providers have played a key role in shaping the program’s development.
“Your feedback is directly helping to shape this program, and helping ensure we get this right for our friends and neighbours who will rely on it,” said Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Jason Nixon in a statement thanking Albertans who participated in the engagement process.
One of the key changes announced as part of the program’s development is an increase to the employment income exemption for single clients receiving ADAP. Individuals will be able to earn up to $700 per month before their employment income begins to affect their financial benefits.
The province says Albertans enrolled in ADAP will also be able to earn more than $45,000 annually while continuing to receive financial assistance, which it notes would be the highest employment income limit among comparable disability assistance programs in Canada.
Health benefits will remain available to recipients regardless of their employment income, according to the ministry.
The government also confirmed that certain current AISH recipients will automatically remain on the existing program unless they choose to move to ADAP. This includes individuals with severe developmental disabilities, those receiving palliative care, residents of continuing care homes and people aged 60 and older.
For those who transition to ADAP but later wish to return to AISH, the province says it will cover the cost of one medical reassessment, with no time limit on when that support can be accessed.
The new program has been shaped through more than a year of engagement with medical professionals, disability advocates, service providers and Albertans living with disabilities and their families.
According to the province, thousands of Albertans participated in the process through surveys, written submissions, public tele-town halls, online resources and meetings with advocacy groups.
Further details about the Alberta Disability Assistance Program will be outlined in regulations expected to be released later this spring. The program is currently scheduled to launch July 1.
For more information about the Alberta Disability Assistance Program visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program.
