Alberta disability advocates fear new program will lead to increase in poverty

Alberta disability advocates are frustrated the province is moving ahead with plans to launch a new disability benefit program, saying it will increase poverty for those on assistance.

Calgary’s Kavin Sheikheldin, who suffers from epilepsy, says she and many others on the income assistance program are concerned about a new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).

“It’s going to cause more confusion for people who are already stressed with other things,” said Sheikheldin, a recipient of AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped).

The proposed change means those on AISH could be transferred to the new program that would allow them keep more earnings from employment, but would pay $200 less per month. Applicants for disability benefits will be assessed for both AISH and ADAP when the program launches in July.

Sheikheldin worries she’ll be pushed off the current AISH program when she’s not able to work full-time in a tough economy.

But Alberta’s minister for social services says the new program has received support from some provincial disability advocates, adding it will provide benefits for Albertans who don’t qualify for the old benefit.

“We’re not going to continue to leave behind thousands of Albertans who can’t get on permanent disability supports in Alberta but still need some level of disability support between health benefits,” said Minister Jason Nixon.

Sheikheldin says she and many others on the program aren’t able to work long-term. She adds the job economy in the province isn’t good for anyone, let alone disabled Albertans looking for entry-level work.

“People who used to be on AISH who would be transferred to this new ADAP would have to find a job that’s suited to their needs, but there’s not enough jobs out there,” she said.

The new program comes into effect July 2026.

–With files from Darcy Ropchan