AISH in Crisis: Policies Driving Despair

1. Alberta Aish Beefs
2. What Can We Do?
3. Our Beloved Allies who would like to hear your story too:
4. ADAP is a deadly, ableist plan. We won’t be quiet. Rally.
5. Why Mental Health Care Matters as Much as Routine Checkups
6. SUPPORTS MENTIONED
7. References

WHAT’S GONE WRONG WITH AISH, CDB,
AND ADAP?

We’ve been hit hard, burned by Premier Danielle Smith, the UCP, ADAP, Jason Nixon, and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) mess. They promise help but take it away. They give us $1,901 a month on AISH, say it’s the best in Canada, but prices keep climbing—food, rent, everything. Then they claw back the CDB’s $200, money meant to lift us up, and use it to plug their own budget holes. They push us into ADAP, call us “unemployable” without even asking, and raise our rent by $220 a month in social housing. That’s not fair. It’s wrong. It hurts us.

But we’re not just numbers. We’re 80,000 Albertans with disabilities, fighting to live with dignity. We’re strong, and we’re not alone. Danielle Smith talks about her son’s struggles but ignores ours. Jason Nixon says he’s helping, but his rules make life harder. The UCP thinks we won’t fight back—but they’re wrong!

No more silence! We demand our CDB money stays with us. We say no to ADAP’s unfair rules. We want our rent protections back. We deserve a real chance to live, not just survive. Let’s fill the streets, call our leaders, share our stories, and make them listen. Together, we’re unstoppable.

AISH Strong—Rise Up! Keep What’s Ours! Let’s fight for our future, our homes, our lives. Join the march. Raise your voice. We’ve got this!

Contact Your Leaders: Demand Change

1) Alberta Takes Your $200 CDB Away
Alberta is the only province that claws back the $200 monthly CDB from our AISH payments.
Other provinces let people keep this money to help with costs. This feels unfair and makes it
harder to pay for basics like food or rent.

2) Applying for CDB Costs You Money
We must apply for the CDB by September 2025, or AISH might stop your benefits. Some of
You pay $100–$400 for doctor forms, but Alberta takes the $200 anyway. This feels like a trick,
as you get no extra money and pay for the forms yourself.

3) ADAP Pushes You to Work When You Can’t
ADAP (starting July 2026) expects everyone on AISH to try working, even if we’re too sick or
disabled. This ignores why we got AISH in the first place. It’s scary because we might lose
benefits if we can’t work.

4) ADAP Pays Less Money
ADAP gives ~$1,701 a month, $200 less than AISH’s $1,901. This isn’t enough when rent
and food prices are so high. It makes life harder for 79,000 AISH recipients.

5) AISH Payments Don’t Keep Up with Prices
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AISH only increases by 2% each year, even when food and rent go up faster (5–7%). Alberta
has extra money but won’t help more. This makes it tough to afford basics. The Alberta
advantage ends when you become disabled.

6) AISH Offices Are Hard to Deal With
Budget cuts mean AISH offices have new, untrained staff who give wrong answers or don’t
know what to do. You might call twice and get different advice. This wastes our time and often
causes stress and confusion.

7) ADAP Makes People Scared
ADAP’s unclear rules make people worry about losing $200+ a month starting July 2026.
Some are so scared they think about extreme choices. “Assured Income” should mean you’re
safe, but it doesn’t.

8) Medicines and AADL Help Are Being Cut
Alberta stopped covering some medicines and AADL aids (like wheelchairs) without telling us.
We now pay more out of our own pocket. This hurts your health and budget.

9) Alberta Didn’t Listen to Disabled People
Alberta planned ADAP without asking enough disabled people or groups like Inclusion
Alberta. They claim everyone supports it, but many don’t know the details. This makes people
feel ignored.

10) ADAP Punishes Extra Money
ADAP takes away benefits if we earn a little money or get gifts, unlike AISH. It’s also harder
to fight wrong decisions. This traps us with less money and fewer rights.

11) ADAP’s New Panel Might Say No
ADAP uses a new group to decide if we are disabled enough, even if AISH already said yes.
This could unfairly stop our benefits. It’s stressful to prove your disability again.

12) Confusing Letters Cause Panic
AISH sends scary letters about CDB deadlines, making people think they’ll lose benefits. The
letters are hard to understand, causing worry and extra calls to doctors.
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13) AISH/ADAP Keeps Us Poor
AISH and ADAP pay less than what we need (~$26,500 a year) to escape poverty. Long
housing waitlists (10,000+ in Edmonton) make it worse. We deserve better support.

14) Rent Help (RAP/RAB) Costs You More
Since October 2025, AISH recipients in community housing (like Civida) pay $570 rent
instead of $349, losing $221 a month. This makes it harder to afford other things.

15) ADAP Job Tools Might Not Understand You
ADAP’s job-matching tools may not work for mental health issues (affecting 30% of
recipients). They might push you into wrong jobs, ignoring your real needs.

16) Rural People Face Extra Challenges
Rural AISH recipients must travel far for ADAP checkups, costing time and money. Service
cuts make it harder to get help. This isn’t fair for rural Albertans.

17) ADAP Hurts Families with Kids
ADAP cuts money for parents who work a little, reducing help for their kids. This makes it
harder for families to pay for food and clothes.

18) Some Faced Moving Threats (Rare)**
In past programs, some people were told to move or lose benefits, which was scary. ADAP
might do this too, hurting people who can’t move easily.

19) Some have contemplated MAid*.

In Alberta, recipients of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, surviving on a $1,901 monthly payment, face mounting financial strain from Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) clawbacks, looming Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) cuts, and rising subsidized rents. Social media platforms like X and Reddit (r/Alberta, r/Edmonton, 2024–October 2025) reveal their anguish, with some contemplating Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) not out of choice but systemic pressure. Posts, such as @veravegas013’s October 2025 cry about income loss driving MAID considerations, and Reddit threads predicting homelessness, underscore a dignity crisis. The UCP’s policies—$200 CDB clawbacks and ADAP’s $200 monthly reduction—fuel outrage, amplified by advocates like NDP MLA @MarieFrRenaud and Inclusion Alberta, who demand reform. While policy failures are evident (AISH below poverty line), some posts exaggerate UCP intent or misstate MAID eligibility. Policymakers cite budget constraints, but advocates highlight systemic neglect, framing MAID as a symptom of eroded human rights.

Firsthand Stories

X Posts:

1. @veravegas013 (Oct 21, 2025): “Ask @ABDanielleSmith why some on AISH consider MAID due to UCP income cuts.” (Links policy to desperation.)
2. @PrimeExampleMG (Oct 21, 2025): “AISH policy changes cut my income; I’m fundraising to avoid homelessness.” (Shows immediate financial peril.)
3. @LyndaK9Ko (Oct 22, 2025): “ADAP’s unclear clawbacks leave 80,000 AISH recipients anxious.” (Highlights transition fears.)

Reddit (r/Alberta):

u/AllAboutTheXeons (Mar 29, 2025): “AISH’s $1,901 can’t cover $1,483 rent.” (Grounds despair in economics.)

u/lessssssssgoooooo (Aug 22, 2025): “ADAP shafts invisible disabilities; expect homelessness, MAID spikes.” (Predicts dire outcomes.)

u/canbeanburrito (Aug 22, 2025): “My father on AISH considers MAID; clawbacks, rent hikes threaten homelessness.” (Personalizes crisis.)

Contact Your Leaders: Demand Change

Tell decision-makers to stop CDB clawbacks and rethink ADAP. Contact Honourable Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services (ALSS.Minister@gov.ab.ca, 780-643-6210, 227 Legislature Building, Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6). Also reach NDP MLA Marie Renaud (edmonton.meadowlark@assembly.ab.ca, 780-427-2292) to amplify your voice.

Mail or Email Jason Nixon:

Nixon, Jason, Honourable
Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services
Members of Executive Council
Executive Branch
227 Legislature Building
10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B6
Phone: 780 643-6210
Fax: 780 643-6214
E-mail: ALSS.Minister@gov.ab.ca

Allies and Support: You’re Not Alone

-Inclusion Alberta Advocates for people with developmental disabilities, pushing
against CDB clawbacks and ADAP’s employment rules for AISH recipients. Also
supports Income Support and FSCD reforms under SCSS. Reference:
https://inclusionalberta.org/

-Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD) Empowers disabled individuals by
addressing AISH application barriers and funding cuts. Promotes accessible housing
and anti-discrimination for Income Support users. Reference: https://vadsociety.ca/

-Albertans Advocating for Change Together (Alberta ACT) Campaigns for AISH to
prevent homelessness and dispel myths. Targets equitable funding for Income Support
and senior programs. Reference: https://www.albertaact.org/

-Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG) – Social Benefits Advocacy Program Provides free
legal help for AISH denials and appeals. Assists Income Support and senior benefit
recipients under SCSS. Reference: https://clg.ab.ca/

-Elder Advocates of Alberta Society Defends seniors transitioning from AISH to
Alberta Seniors Benefit. Advocates for human rights across SCSS income and care
programs. Reference: https://elderadvocates.ca/

-Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association (ASCHA) Represents
housing providers, advocating for AISH and Income Support recipients on rent
assistance reforms. Supports affordable housing for seniors. Reference:
https://ascha.com/

-Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council Supports seniors on SCSS benefits,
including AISH transitions. Advocates for accessible housing and services for Income
Support users. Reference: https://www.seniorscouncil.net/

-Calgary Seniors Resource Society Offers resources for seniors, including AISH eligible
older adults, addressing elder abuse. Supports Income Support users with
SCSS referrals. Reference: https://www.calgaryseniors.org/

-Basic Income Alberta Promotes basic income to replace fragmented SCSS supports
like AISH and Income Support. Advocates for poverty reduction across programs.
Reference: https://basicincomealberta.ca/

-Vibrant Communities Calgary – Social Policy Collaborative Informs policy to
enhance AISH and Income Support adequacy. Targets SCSS reforms for
homelessness prevention and family supports. Reference: https://vibrantcalgary.com/

-March of Dimes Canada Advocates for physical disability rights, opposing CDB
clawbacks for AISH recipients. Supports FSCD and Income Support accessibility
reforms. Reference: https://www.marchofdimes.ca/

-Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS) Represents disability providers,
advocating for AISH and FSCD funding. Pushes for inclusive SCSS policies for all
disabilities. Reference: https://www.acds.ca/

-Office of the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities (Alberta Government) Guides
AISH recipients through appeals and clawbacks. Supports Income Support and senior
transitions under SCSS. Reference: https://www.alberta.ca/advocate-personsdisabilities

-Entrust Disability Services Helps families navigate AISH and FSCD applications.
Advocates for inclusive SCSS education and care reforms. Reference:
https://www.entrustdisabilityservices.ca/

Rally for Dignity: Join Us October 30

Join the People’s Alliance for Disabled Albertans (PADA) on October 30, 2025, 12–2 p.m., Alberta Legislature North Plaza, Edmonton, to demand no ADAP cuts, no CDB clawbacks, and true dignity. Bring signs, friends, or your voice. Can’t attend? Share #StopADAP or comment ‘VOLUNTEER’ to help

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Your Voice Matters: Share Your Story Anonymously

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Mental Health Matters: Resources for Strength

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as exercising, getting your eyes checked,
visiting your doctor, changing your car’s oil, or cleaning your teeth. These routine tasks keep
us healthy and our lives running smoothly, and mental health care—like seeing a counselor or
joining a support group—does the same for our minds, especially for AISH recipients facing
stress from clawbacks or ADAP changes. In Alberta, you can access free mental health
services through Alberta Health Services’ helplines (call 1-877-303-2642) or community clinics,
which offer counseling and crisis support to help you feel strong and balanced.

Mental health care is a normal part of staying well, just like physical checkups. Organizations
like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Alberta provide free programs, such as
peer support groups and anxiety workshops, while Alberta 211 (dial 211) connects you to local
resources for counseling, housing, or financial stress. Prioritizing your mental health ensures
you can handle life’s challenges, like navigating SCSS programs, with the same confidence as
maintaining your physical health or car.

Access Help Now: Free Resources

1) Alberta Health Services (AHS) Mental Health Helpline: Offers 24/7 confidential
support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local services (1-877-303-2642). Accessible
to AISH recipients, Income Support users, and seniors under SCSS.
2) Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Alberta: Provides free peer support,
workshops, and advocacy for mental health equity, addressing stresses like financial
precarity or program transitions.
3) Alberta 211: A free service connecting individuals to community resources, including
mental health counseling, financial aid, and housing support, tailored to SCSS program
users (dial 211 or visit https://ab.211.ca/).
4) Your doctor can help get counseling through AHS so that it is covered.
5) Your nearest emergency room can set you up with someone too.

The Bigger Picture: Understanding All Sides

Our Path Forward: A Call to Action

References and Further Reading

 Civida. “Upcoming Changes to Rent Calculations.” https://civida.ca/shar/
 CBC News. “AISH Recipients in Community Housing Will See Rent Hike.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/aish-recipients-in-community-housing-will-see-renthike-
under-new-alberta-regulations-1.7580789
 Canada Revenue Agency. “How to Apply – Disability Tax Credit Form (DTC).”
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-creditsdeductions-
persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit/how-apply-dtc.html
 Disability Alliance BC. “What the Disability Tax Credit Means for the New Canada Disability
Benefit.” https://disabilityalliancebc.org/what-the-disability-tax-credit-means-for-the-new-canadadisability-
benefit/
 Canada Disability Benefit. “Applying for the DTC.”
https://www.canadadisabilitybenefit.ca/applying-for-the-dtc
 Inclusion Alberta. “Canada Disability Benefit in Alberta: The Facts and How to Take Action.”
https://inclusionalberta.org/canada-disability-benefit-in-alberta-the-facts-and-how-to-take-action/
 CBC News. “Alberta to Claw Back Federal Disability Benefit from AISH Recipients.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-to-claw-back-federal-disability-benefit-fromaish-
recipients-1.7493962
 Calgary Herald. “With Alberta’s Clawback, Albertans with Disabilities Pay the Price.”
https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-in-albertas-grab-for-federal-cash-albertanswith-
disabilities-pay-the-price
 Edmonton Journal. “Opinion: Alberta’s Clawback of Federal Disability Benefits Shameful.”
https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-albertas-clawback-of-federal-disabilitybenefits-
shameful
 The Tyee. “Only Alberta Will Claw Back New Federal Money for Disabled People.”
https://thetyee.ca/News/2025/05/12/Alberta-Claw-Back-Federal-Money-Disabled-People/
 Inclusion Alberta. “Media Release: Government of Alberta Requires People with Disabilities on
AISH to Apply for Federal Benefit.” https://inclusionalberta.org/connections/media-releasegovernment-
of-alberta-requires-people-with-disabilities-on-aish-to-apply-for-federal-benefit-andwill-
reduce-aish-for-those-who-receive-it/
 CBC News. “AISH Recipient, Advocates Worry About Alberta’s New Disability Benefit Program.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/aish-adap-alberta-1.7614125
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 Inclusion Alberta. “Media Release: Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) Could Leave
Thousands with Disabilities in Deeper Poverty.” https://inclusionalberta.org/connections/mediarelease-
alberta-disability-assistance-program-adap-could-leave-thousands-with-disabilities-indeeper-
poverty/
 CTV News. “Alberta Disability Advocates Warn New Benefit Program Will Deepen Poverty.”
https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/alberta-disability-advocates-warn-new-benefit-programwill-
deepen-poverty/
 CityNews Calgary. “Changes to Alberta’s Disability Income Support Put Clients on Edge.”
https://calgary.citynews.ca/2025/08/31/alberta-disability-income-support-changes-clients/
 Calgary Herald. “What’s the Difference Between AISH and ADAP? Benefit Changes Explained.”
https://calgaryherald.com/news/aish-adap-alberta-disability-financial-assistance-explained
 Inclusion Alberta. “Understanding the Proposed Changes to AISH, the New Alberta Disability
Assistance Program (ADAP).” https://inclusionalberta.org/understanding-proposed-changes-toaish-
the-new-adap-and-how-to-respond-to-the-adap-survey/
 Braceworks Custom Orthotics. “Opinion: In Alberta’s Grab for Federal Cash, Albertans with
Disabilities Pay the Price.” https://braceworks.ca/2025/07/15/health-tech/opinion-in-albertas-grabfor-
federal-cash-albertans-with-disabilities-pay-the-price/
 Entrust Disability Services. “Understanding Alberta’s Disability Program Funding Cuts and
Advocacy Effects.” https://www.entrustdisabilityservices.ca/blog/understanding-alberta-disabilityprogram-
funding-cuts-advocacy-effects/
 Edmonton Journal. “Alberta to Launch New Disability Program, AISH Will Remain.”
https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/alberta-launch-disability-program-aish
 Edmonton Journal. “Rent Increases Coming for AISH Recipients.”
https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/rent-increases-coming-for-aish-recipients-living-incommunity-
housing-starting-oct-1
 Inclusion Alberta. “Response to Proposed Changes to AISH and ADAP Survey Concerns.”
https://inclusionalberta.org/connections/response-to-proposed-changes-to-aish-and-adap-surveyconcerns/
 Inclusion Alberta. “Family Benefits and AISH/ADAP Transitions.”
https://inclusionalberta.org/family-benefits-aish-adap-transitions/
 Entrust Disability Services. “Historical Context of Alberta Works and Relocation Issues.”
https://www.entrustdisabilityservices.ca/blog/historical-context-alberta-works-relocation/
 CTV News. “Rural Access Issues for AISH Recipients.” https://www.ctvnews.ca/rural-accessaish-
recipients/
 Calgary Herald. “Geographic Barriers in Disability Assessments.”
https://calgaryherald.com/news/geographic-barriers-disability-assessments/