provincial · Alberta
ADAP (new Jul 2026)
The Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) launched on July 2, 2026. It pays a $1,740/month core benefit plus health benefits. It serves Albertans 18 and older whose severe disability significantly limits employment, either all the time or on and off (episodically). It is built for people who can still work: you can earn up to $45,240 a year net and keep receiving financial benefits.
- Verified Aug 22, 2026
- provincial program · Alberta
At a glance
- Worth:
- $1,740/mo · keep earning to $45,240/yr
- Who:
- You have a severe disability that significantly limits employment, either all the time or on and off. It must significantly restrict your employment, but it must not prevent it.
- Apply:
- Official program page
What it could be worth
Amount
$1,740/mo · keep earning to $45,240/yr
- Core benefit: $1,740/month. It is $1,532 if your cohabiting partner (the person you live with) is also on AISH or ADAP, which is an 88% share.
- Earnings exemptions: $700/month fully exempt for a single client, $1,100/month if you have dependants, and $1,500/month for a cohabiting partner on AISH or ADAP.
- You can earn up to $45,240/year in net employment income and still receive financial benefits. That is the highest earnings limit among similar Canadian programs.
- Employment and training supports: up to $590 per 12-month period for costs related to work.
- AISH clients who moved to ADAP in July 2026 receive a $200/month transition benefit. It keeps their total at their previous AISH amount until December 31, 2027.
Example: A single ADAP client works part-time and earns $1,200 net a month. The first $700 does not count. The deduction on the remaining $500 is small, so they keep close to the full $1,740 core benefit while working toward the $45,240/year limit.
How it benefits you
- Episodic disabilities (conditions that come and go) qualify. The test is a severe disability that significantly limits employment, all the time or on and off. The disability does not need to permanently prevent employment.
- You can keep working. The first $700/month of net earnings (pay after deductions) is exempt for a single person, which means it does not reduce your benefit. The exempt amount is $1,100 if you have dependants. Above that, each extra dollar you earn reduces your benefit by less than a dollar. You keep benefits up to $45,240/year net.
- Health benefits continue no matter how much you earn from work. They cover drugs, dental, optical, diabetic supplies, and ambulance for you and your family.
- Employment supports are built in. These include one-on-one help tailored to you, career planning, assistive technology, and supported job placements. If you cannot find a job after receiving these supports, you keep your financial and health benefits.
- If your condition gets worse and you can no longer work, you can apply for an AISH assessment.
What you need to qualify or apply
Needs the DTC first: this program unlocks once your Disability Tax Credit is approved. How the DTC works
Eligibility
- You have a severe disability that significantly limits employment, either all the time or on and off. It must significantly restrict your employment, but it must not prevent it.
- You are at least 18 and not eligible for Old Age Security, live in Alberta, and are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You do not live in a correctional facility or a designated mental health facility.
- You meet the financial rules for assets and income.
- Like AISH clients, you must tell the program if a Canada Disability Benefit or Disability Tax Credit (DTC) application is approved or denied.
How to apply
- Submit the single Disability Income Assistance (DIA) application. It covers both ADAP and AISH.
- If you meet the basic and financial requirements, an adjudicator (the person who reviews your file) looks at your medical information. They decide whether you qualify for ADAP. They may also send you to a medical panel for AISH.
- Applications are reviewed in the order they arrive. Applicants who are palliative or terminally ill are given priority.
- If your medical condition or your ability to work changes, you can apply for an AISH assessment.
Documents you may need
- Medical or psychological reports that describe how your disability limits employment.
- Financial information (income and assets) for you and your spouse or partner.
- Proof that you live in Alberta, your age, and your citizenship or permanent-resident status.
Read more from the official source
Checked alberta.ca — Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) · Sep 13, 2026
Amounts and rules can change — always confirm on the official source before applying.
This page is general information, not a CRA or provincial determination — amounts and rules can change. Not sure where you stand? The free benefits check walks you through it, or a Registered Social Worker can review your full situation.