Many Albertans rely on AISH payment dates to plan rent, utilities, food, and medical expenses. If you receive benefits through Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) or Income Support, knowing exactly when payments arrive helps you budget with confidence and avoid late fees.
This guide explains AISH payment dates, how payments are issued, what AISH covers, eligibility rules, and what to do if your situation changes.
What Is AISH?
AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) is an Alberta government program that provides financial and health support to adults with permanent medical conditions that prevent them from working.
AISH is part of Alberta’s income support system. Because of this, AISH and Income Support payments are issued on the same schedule each month.
The amount each person receives varies based on individual needs and family size, but the payment dates apply to everyone.
AISH Payment Dates: How the Schedule Works
AISH and Income Support payments are issued 4 business days before the first day of each month.
- Direct deposit: Funds are deposited 4 business days before the 1st
- Cheque by mail: Cheques are mailed 6 business days before the 1st
Payments are released at midnight on the scheduled date.
AISH Payment Dates for 2026
Below is the full AISH payment dates schedule for 2026. These dates also apply to Income Support.
| Payment Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | December 22, 2025 |
| February | January 27, 2026 |
| March | February 24, 2026 |
| April | March 26, 2026 |
| May | April 27, 2026 |
| June | May 26, 2026 |
| July | June 26, 2026 |
| August | July 28, 2026 |
| September | August 26, 2026 |
| October | September 24, 2026 |
| November | October 27, 2026 |
| December | November 25, 2026 |
| January 2027 | December 22, 2026 |
These dates change slightly each year due to weekends and holidays, but the rule stays the same: 4 business days before the first of the month.
How You Receive AISH Payments
AISH payments are now issued by direct deposit.
To set up direct deposit, you can:
- Complete and sign a Direct Deposit Registration form
- Attach a VOID cheque or printed bank details
- Submit the documents to your AISH worker
Your bank can also help you complete the form if needed.
If you change bank accounts, you must notify an AISH worker immediately to avoid missed payments.
What AISH Covers
AISH provides several types of financial and health support, depending on what you qualify for.
Living Allowance
The living allowance helps with basic housing and daily expenses. You may qualify if you:
- Rent or own a home
- Live with family or friends
- Live in a group home
- Are experiencing homelessness
If your partner has income, your allowance may be reduced. Some recipients qualify for a modified living allowance, especially those in approved continuing care homes.
Child Benefit
If you have dependent children, you may receive a monthly child benefit. The total amount depends on how many children you have.
Health Benefits
AISH health benefits cover you, your spouse, and dependent children. Coverage includes:
- Prescription drugs
- Certain over-the-counter medications
- Dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, dentures, and X-rays
- Eye exams and glasses
- Diabetes supplies
- Emergency ambulance services
- Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) items
Personal Benefits
Personal benefits cover costs that go beyond your monthly allowance. These are assessed based on need and eligibility.
Examples include:
- Medical equipment and supplies
- CPAP machines and oxygen
- Physio, chiro, massage, and acupuncture
- Hearing aid batteries
- Medical alert services
- Special diets
- Adaptive clothing
- Service animal supports
- Child care and education costs
- Moving expenses
- Funeral arrangements
- Travel for medical care, court, or training
AISH Payment Amounts (2026 Maximums)
Your actual payment depends on your situation, but these are the maximum monthly amounts for 2026:
| Benefit | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| Living Allowance | $1,940 |
| Modified Living Allowance – Personal | $373 |
| Modified Living Allowance – Private Room | $2,433 |
| Modified Living Allowance – Shared Room | $2,105 |
| Modified Living Allowance – Standard Room | $1,880 |
| Child Allowance – First Child | $232 |
| Child Allowance – Additional Child | $117 |
Who Is Eligible for AISH?
To qualify for AISH, you must:
- Be 18 or older
- Live in Alberta
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Not be eligible for OAS
- Not be in a correctional facility
- Have a permanent medical condition that limits your ability to work
Financial eligibility is also assessed based on income and assets.
You can have up to $100,000 in non-exempt assets. Exempt assets include your primary home, one vehicle, disability-adapted vehicles, household items, RDSPs, and certain trusts.
Reporting Changes to AISH
You must report changes as soon as they happen, including:
- Employment or income changes
- Medical condition updates
- Relationship changes
- Number of children
- Moving
- Asset changes
- Ability to work
- Contact information changes
Reporting early helps prevent overpayments or underpayments.
AISH Overpayments
Overpayments can happen if changes are reported late or information is missed.
If this occurs:
- You will receive a Notice of Overpayment
- You have 30 days to appeal
- If not appealed, it becomes a debt
- Repayments may be deducted from future AISH payments
Key Takeaways on AISH Payment Dates
- AISH payments are made 4 business days before the 1st of the month
- Payments are issued at midnight
- Direct deposit is the fastest option
- Payment dates change slightly every year
- AISH and Income Support follow the same schedule
Knowing your AISH payment dates makes it easier to budget, plan bills, and manage expenses with confidence.
