Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped

History

The AISH program, established in 1979, provides financial and health related assistance to eligible adult Albertans with a disability. AISH was the first program in the country designed for the permanently disabled. It was unique as there were no asset limits. In 1998, a $100,000 assets limit was introduced to AISH, as politicians became concerned over "millionaires" on the program.

In the 2004 provincial election, AISH was the subject of some controversy following supposedly derogatory remarks made by Premier Ralph Klein, stating, of a group of AISH recipients, "they didn't look handicapped to me." it is also important to note that the Alberta AISH program has been widely known to force it's recipients to remain below the poverty line. Due to the lack of accountability, within the Alberta government, the AISH legislation also prevents clients from seeking adequate, and fair, due process during the appeals process. Clients may appeal any decision against them, but that the board will not grant them any form of reconciliation as their legislation prevents them from taking any real form of action. Clients will also be held accountable for any, and all, errors which are made by employees of AISH and the department from which it operates. The result of this will force clients into greater poverty as AISH takes every opportunity to claw back funds from the most vulnerable Albertans.

After winning the 2012 Alberta provincial election, Premier Alison Redford decided to shift the ministry responsible for the AISH program, from Seniors (to which it is now part of the new Health ministry) to the new Human Services ministry.

Benefits

The benefits listed below for AISH recipients can be all or partially given to each client, based on need and on the discretion of the AISH Director. Also, as long as the AISH client has personal total net assets of less than C$100,000 (NOT including the assets of the primary residence AND mode of transportation, like a car), these benefits can be given to him/her. To verify that the AISH benefits are given to the properly-selected clients, an honor system financial update must be given to his/her assigned AISH worker every calendar year. In other words, the AISH recipient must declare any monetary assets (like a savings account, bonds, etc.) and a given month's bank statements of transactions, in which an AISH base amount was deposited into.

A client can receive income from the national Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits, while receiving the AISH monthly income and its health benefits. The CPP amount is deducted, dollar-for-dollar from the AISH benefit. When the AISH client reaches the minimum age of 65 for receiving full CPP, all AISH benefits terminate and the client's file is permanently closed. However, with the cooperation between AISH and CPP authorities, the AISH base monthly income amount becomes the monthly CPP one for the client at that moment.

Monthly Income

Every AISH recipient receives a base monthly payment of C$1,588 as of April 1, 2012. However, for those living in an approved living facility (for example, a nursing home), the maximum base monthly amount is C$315 plus the monthly accommodation rate cost.

Also, in addition to this monthly payment, a recipient can receive net employment income up to C$800 per month without his/her AISH income being affected. For families, it is up to net income of C$1,950 per month.

For a client making net employment income between C$800 and C$1,500 a month, there is a 50% exemption of AISH income, for the maximum total income (employment + AISH) of C$2,738 a month. For families, the same 50% exemption applies to those making between C$1,950 to C$2,500 net income, for that maximum total income of C$3,813 a month.

Monthly Income Comparisons

Along with AISH in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario have basically similar income support for persons with disabilities programs. In B.C. it is called the British Columbia Employment & Assistance for Persons with Disabilities (BCEA); the Ontario equivalent is called the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). The B.C. program gives their individual clients C$906 ($931+$52 cash or bus pass since sept 1 2016) a month; the Ontario program provides theirs C$1,098 a month.

Health Benefits

The following sections below are the main essential benefits an AISH recipient can have access to, along with the base monthly payment.

Prescription Medications

Most prescription medications are paid for by AISH benefits. The majority of what a doctor will prescribe, from common antibiotics, to such medications as Ritalin and Zyprexa, is covered by AISH. However, there are medications, generally, although not always, newer medications, that are not covered by the benefits. Medication coverage is decided upon by a government committee.

Dental Coverage

AISH allows for a bi-yearly, (every 6 months) dental checkup and cleaning. In addition to this, AISH benefits also cover necessary fillings.

Optical Coverage

AISH allows one routine eye exam and a new pair of eyeglasses every 2 years.

Essential Diabetic Supplies

For AISH recipients that need diabetic supplies to manage their diabetes.

Ambulance Service

AISH benefits will cover fees for ground ambulance service to the nearest hospital which can provide the medical treatment required.

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)

AISH clients are exempt from paying their cost portion of items, subject to AADL approval.

Subsidized Transit

Five cities and towns and one county in Alberta currently have subsidized transit options available to AISH recipients. All transit systems involved require that AISH clients verify their status as current AISH recipients, before he/she is given a subsidized monthly pass. The list below shows the current transit systems that have such options.