Alberta disability advocates concerned about potential AISH clawbacks

Disability advocates are frustrated by a move from the provincial government that means those on income support won’t see an expected $200 boost.

“So not only will this impact me, but it also impacts my friends here,” said Alana Gersky, an AISH beneficiary.

At an event to mark World Down Syndrome Day, many were frustrated by the cost of living.

“Why are they targeting people with disabilities, the most vulnerable of our population?” said Natalie Zyla, a mother of a disabled child. “Everything has gone up, and a lot of these people depend on their families to help them, but families are tapped out.”

The Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services says the rate for AISH (the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) will not change, and it will still remain fully funded. However, the CDB will be considered non-exempt income for AISH recipients. This means Albertans on AISH will continue to receive the same overall monthly support that they do today.

The ministry also stressed that Alberta’s funding for adults with disabilities is higher compared to other provinces, like B.C., Ontario, and Saskatchewan, by as much as $500 a month.

The executive director of the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society says the rate only accounts for the cost of living in the province.

“So, the additional $200 from the federal government would only help a small bit,” said Janet Tryhuba, executive director of the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society. “We certainly didn’t want to see that impact their existing AISH benefits.”

Tryhuba hopes the province reverses the decision so that Albertans on AISH and their families can fully benefit from the new federal support.

“There is hope, but we don’t have any indication of a decision in that direction,” said Tryhuba.

“It was never about our families getting rich off of $200 a month,” said Zyla.