The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program in Alberta provides financial and health-related assistance to eligible adults with a disability.
One of the most frequently asked questions about AISH is whether recipients can work while receiving benefits.
Let’s do a deep dive into the AISH program and answer some questions.
If this article falls short answering every question you have, the best source to learn everything about the AISH program policy found here.
Can You Work While on AISH in Alberta?
Yes, you can work while receiving AISH benefits.
However, your employment income may affect the amount of AISH benefits you receive.
Both employment and self-employment income are considered, and there are specific income exemptions and clawback rates that apply.
Eligibility Criteria for AISH
Age and Residency
- Applicants must be 18 years old or older.
- Must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Must be ordinarily resident in Alberta.
Medical Eligibility
- Must have a “severe handicap,” affecting the ability to earn a livelihood.
- The impairment must be likely to continue permanently.
Financial Eligibility
- Income and assets must not exceed program limits.
- Expected to access all eligible income sources, such as CPP-Disability and OAS benefits.
Alberta Employment and AISH Benefits
The current AISH Benefit for 2023 is $1,072.
If your employment income exceeds the exemption limit, your AISH benefits may be reduced at a specific clawback rate.
See a history of AISH amounts here
Income Exemptions and Clawback Rates
AISH applies specific exemptions to employment and self-employment income, which are categorized into two types:
Single Exemption and Family Exemption.
Single Exemption
- Applies to a single person, or to each of two cohabiting partners if they are both AISH eligible and have no dependent children.
- The first $1,072 is fully exempt.
- Any amount above $1,072, and up to $2,009, is 50% exempt, leading to a maximum exemption of $1,541.
Family Exemption
- Applies to an applicant and client with a cohabiting partner, a single parent with dependent children, or an applicant and client with a cohabiting partner with dependent children.
- The first $2,612 of the applicant, client, and their cohabiting partner’s combined net employment income is fully exempt.
- Any amount above $2,612, and up to $3,349, is 50% exempt, leading to a maximum exemption of $2,981.
In cases where both partners are AISH eligible and have dependent children, one receives the family exemption, and the other receives the single exemption.
Certain amounts of employment income are exempt from affecting your AISH benefits. These exemptions vary and are subject to change
Rapid Reinstatement
If your employment income decreases, you may be eligible for rapid reinstatement of your AISH benefits.
AISH Income Exemptions and Clawback Rates
| Exemption Type | Fully Exempt Amount | 50% Exempt Amount | Maximum Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Exemption | $1,072 | Up to $2,009 | $1,541 |
| Family Exemption | $2,612 | Up to $3,349 | $2,981 |
Responsibilities and Reporting
AISH recipients and their cohabiting partners have specific responsibilities to maintain eligibility. These include:
- Seeking and accepting reasonable employment.
- Reporting any changes in circumstances, such as income or medical condition.
Appealing an AISH Decision
If you disagree with how your employment income affects your AISH benefits, you have the option to appeal.
Appeals must be filed within a 30-day deadline, and specific procedures must be followed.
In Summary
- You can work while on AISH, but your employment income may affect your benefits.
- Eligibility for AISH is determined by age, residency, medical, and financial criteria.
- AISH recipients have specific responsibilities, including seeking employment and reporting changes.
- There is an appeal process for those who disagree with AISH decisions related to employment income.
