Some AISH recipients transition to new disability program July 1

Starting July 1, some Albertans on the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program will move to Alberta's new Disability Assistance Program, a transition that has triggered serious concerns among disability advocates.

ADAP is designed for people with disabilities who can still work. It allows single individuals to earn up to $700 per month before facing any benefit deductions, compared to $350 under AISH. But the maximum monthly benefit drops to $1,740 from AISH's $1,940.

On Premier Danielle Smith's radio show Saturday, disability advocate Heather Fairbairn raised alarm over rising suicide threats tied to the changes. "The growing number of people contemplating or mentioning suicide due to the upcoming changes is alarming," Fairbairn said. Screenshots from Facebook groups show individuals saying they've exhausted therapy and medication options and see no hope for a decent life under the new rules.

"It's people who have just been through years of hardship and struggling to make ends meet and things are getting more expensive, yet our AISH is being cut," Fairbairn said.

The province notified recipients in mid-May about their transition status. Those with severe and profound developmental disabilities, terminal medical conditions, residents of continuing care homes, and those 60 or older will remain on AISH. Transitioning recipients will receive a $200 monthly top-up until December 31 and can access one free medical assessment if they want to appeal back to AISH.

Press secretary Jonah Pickle said in a statement that "every life lost to suicide is a tragedy" and that help is available for those who need it.