Alberta to cut disability program funding by $49 million, says income for recipients remain unaffected
- News Article
- Mar 17
- 1 min read
Alberta plans to cut funding for the province’s disability program by $49 million, but says income for program recipients will be unaffected.
In Budget 2025 announced on Feb. 27 the province called it a “tough but realistic” budget with a projected $5.2 billion deficit for the future year. The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program is receiving $1.64 billion in 2025-2026 — a $49 million decrease from the previous year.
Ashley Stevenson, a spokeswoman with the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services, said the projected costs of the AISH program accounts for caseload and benefit rate increases, and anticipated contributions of the federal Canadian Disability Benefit (CDB). Those who qualify for the CDB will receive a maximum of $200 per month with expected payments to begin July 2025.
“The CDB will be non-exempt income for AISH recipients, meaning Albertans on AISH will continue to receive the same overall monthly support that they do today. We are incredibly pleased that the federal government is finally starting to pay their fair share to help support Albertans with disabilities,” Stevenson said.
There are currently 77,000 Albertans who are on AISH. The maximum monthly allowance for a person on AISH is $1,901 per month.
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