Government increases AISH benefit by $400 per month

The Government of Alberta is increasing the maximum monthly financial benefit for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) clients by $400 per month to $1,588, effective April 1.

“A healthy society looks after its most vulnerable,” said Premier Alison Redford. “This increase reflects the compassion of Albertans and will help individuals on AISH enhance their quality of life.”


The program also provides employment income exemptions to clients and their spouses, enabling them to retain a portion of their earnings. The thresholds for the employment income exemptions will double, from $400 to $800 per month for single AISH clients and from $975 to $1,950 per month for AISH clients with cohabiting partners or dependent children. Doubling the employment income exemptions for AISH clients will also come into effect April 1. About 17 per cent of AISH clients and/or their cohabitating partners (more than 7,500 households) report some form of employment income.

“We value all AISH clients, including those who have the opportunity to earn some form of employment income,” said George VanderBurg, Minister of Seniors. “Allowing AISH clients to keep more of their paycheck will give them more freedom to live a better life.”

In 2012-13, the AISH program will provide financial assistance and health benefits to about 46,000 Albertans with a severe and permanent disability that substantially limits their ability to earn a living.

Budget 2012 provides $271 million to cover the cost of increasing the maximum monthly benefit for AISH recipients by $400 per month and doubling the AISH program’s employment exemption thresholds. The total 2012-13 budget for the AISH program is nearly $1.1 billion.