AISH Loans (Canada): Complete Guide for 2026

January 28, 2026

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If you're receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped in Alberta and need money before your next payment, you have options. Many Canadians on disability benefits face unexpected expenses that can't wait. This guide covers how to qualify for AISH loans, what they cost, and better alternatives to expensive payday loans for disability recipients.

TL;DR:

AISH payday loans cost $14 per $100 borrowed (365% APR) and must be repaid within 42-62 days in Alberta
Most online lenders accept government benefits as a valid form of income—no employment income required
AISH itself offers emergency personal benefits up to $1,083 that most recipients don't know about
Bree offers interest-free cash advances up to $750 with no credit checks and up to 90 days to repay

What Are AISH Loans?

AISH loans refer to payday loans or cash advances available to Albertans receiving income for the severely handicapped. The AISH program provides financial assistance to eligible adults with a permanent medical condition that prevents them from earning employment income. This disability income qualifies recipients for various loan products.

Many lenders accept AISH benefits as a valid source of income. This means you can qualify for a payday loan even without a job. The lender looks at your regular government deposits rather than your credit score or employment status. Disability benefits are considered a reliable income source by most approved lenders.

To be eligible for AISH, you must:

Be at least 18 and not eligible for Old Age Security
Live in Alberta as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Have a medical condition that limits your ability to work
Not be in a correctional facility or certain mental health facilities
Meet financial eligibility criteria (under $100,000 in assets)

The maximum AISH payment in 2025 is $1,901 per month. While this covers basic living costs for many Albertans living with disabilities, unexpected expenses can leave you short before your next direct deposit arrives. Many disability recipients face this challenge monthly.

Note: Alberta is launching the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) in July 2026. Current AISH recipients will be transitioned to either ADAP or a restructured AISH program. The proposed AISH core benefit will increase to $1,940/month, while ADAP will offer $1,740/month. A transition benefit will maintain current payment levels until December 2027 for those moving to ADAP.

Can You Get a Payday Loan on AISH?

Yes, you can get a payday loan while receiving AISH benefits in Canada. Many payday lenders and online lenders accept government benefits as income sources. You don't need employment income to qualify for these loans.

To get approved for an AISH payday loan, most lenders require:

Proof you've received AISH for at least 3 months
A Canadian bank account with online banking
Valid ID and home address verification
Minimum monthly income of $800 (disability benefits qualify)
A valid phone number and email

The loan application process is simple. Most applicants get approved within minutes. Once you're approved, funding arrives via e transfer—often the same day or within hours. Some lenders offer 24/7 funding, including weekends. Even applicants with bad credit can get approved if they meet income requirements.

Important: A payday loan does not affect your AISH benefits. These loans are not counted as income, so they won't reduce your monthly payment from the AISH program.

How Much Do AISH Payday Loans Cost?

AISH payday loans in Alberta cost $14 for every $100 borrowed. This equals a 365% APR—making payday loans one of the most expensive ways to borrow money.

Loan Amount	Payday Loan Fee	Total to Repay
$300	$42	$342
$500	$70	$570
$1,000	$140	$1,140
$1,500	$210	$1,710

But the costs don't stop there. If you miss a loan repayment, you'll face additional fees:

Dishonoured payment fee: Up to $20 from the lender
Bank NSF fee: $45-$48 from your financial institution (capped at $10 starting March 2026)
Late interest: 2.5% per month on the balance

A single missed payment on a $500 payday loan can cost you $115-$118 in fees alone.

The Debt Trap Is Real

One Calgary man on AISH borrowed $400 for a damage deposit. Twenty months later, he'd paid nearly $2,000 in fees—and still owed the original $400. He couldn't break the cycle because each month he had to borrow again to cover expenses after repaying the loan.

This is why payday loans should be a last resort for anyone on limited income.

Free Options Before You Borrow

Before taking out any loan, check if you qualify for free financial support through the AISH program itself:

AISH Emergency Personal Benefits

Most AISH recipients don't know this exists. You can request emergency benefits up to $1,083 for:

Emergency shelter or repairs
Food (up to $17/day per dependent child)
Utility arrears (once per 3 years)
Essential medical equipment
Clothing for children (up to $174)

Contact your AISH worker to apply. You may need to repay some benefits, but there's no interest.

24/7 Emergency Hotline

Call 1-866-644-5135 anytime—nights, weekends, and holidays. This Income Support Contact Centre can assess eligibility for emergency food and transportation benefits.

Other Free Resources

Credit Counselling Canada: 1-866-398-5999 (free debt help)
Food banks: Stretch your income further
211 Alberta: Connect to local community resources

Better Alternatives to Payday Loans

If you still need to borrow, consider these options before a payday loan:

Cash Advance Apps (0% Interest)

Bree offers interest-free cash advances up to $750 for Canadians on disability benefits. Unlike payday loans, Bree charges 0% APR—no interest rates to worry about.

Feature	Payday Loan	Bree
Interest Rate	365% APR	0% APR
Cost for $500	$70	$0
Repayment Time	14-62 days	Up to 90 days
Credit Checks	Sometimes	None
Late Fees	$20 + 2.5%/month	None
Monthly Fee	None	$2.99 (optional)

Bree accepts AISH and other government benefits as valid income sources. Disability recipients can apply online, get approved in minutes, and receive funding via e transfer the same day. No employment income required to qualify.

Installment Loans

Installment loans let you repay over several months rather than a lump sum. Interest rates are lower than payday loans (though still high). Some lenders accept disability income and disability benefits. Look for lenders offering 6-12 month terms. You may qualify for larger amounts than payday loans if approved.

Personal Loans from Credit Unions

If you have a bank account at a credit union, ask about small personal loan options. Credit unions often have more flexible eligibility criteria than major banks and may accept AISH as income.

Credit Card Cash Advance

If you have a credit card, a cash advance costs 22-24% APR—expensive, but far cheaper than a 365% payday loan. Only use this if you can repay quickly.

How to Apply for an AISH Loan

If you've exhausted free options and decided a loan is necessary, here's the application process:

Step 1: Choose a lender that accepts government benefits. Look for licensed Alberta lenders with clear terms and positive reviews.

Step 2: Gather your documents:

Government-issued ID
Proof of AISH income (bank statements)
Bank account details for direct deposit
Home address verification

Step 3: Complete the online loan application. Most applications take 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Get approved. Many lenders provide instant decisions. Some may contact you for additional information.

Step 5: Sign your contract and receive funding. With e transfer, cash can arrive within minutes—even on weekends.

Step 6: Repay on time. In Alberta, you must repay within 42-62 days. Missing payments triggers fees and can start a debt cycle.

Do Payday Loans Affect AISH Benefits?

No. Payday loans do not affect your AISH benefits. The money you borrow is not counted as income by the AISH program. Your monthly payment stays the same whether you have a loan or not.

However, if you default and the debt goes to collections, this can affect your credit score—which may impact future borrowing from other lenders or financial institutions.

What's the Cheapest Way to Borrow on AISH?

The cheapest way to borrow money while on AISH in Canada is through an interest-free cash advance app like Bree. At 0% APR, you pay no interest—just an optional $2.99 monthly subscription.

Compare the costs of borrowing $500:

Option	Total Cost
Bree (0% APR)	$0-$2.99
Credit Card Cash Advance (23% APR)	~$10 (if repaid in 30 days)
Installment Loan (30% APR)	~$15-$75
Payday Loan (365% APR)	$70

Need emergency cash without high fees? Get up to $750 with Bree—no credit checks, no interest, and up to 90 days to repay.

Are AISH Loans Available in Other Provinces?

AISH is specific to Alberta. However, similar disability programs exist in other provinces, and many lenders accept these disability benefits too:

Ontario: ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program)
British Columbia: PWD (Persons with Disabilities)
Saskatchewan: SAID (Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability)

If you're receiving disability benefits in other provinces, look for online lenders that accept government income. Bree operates across Canada and accepts disability benefits from multiple provincial disability programs.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for an AISH Loan?

Most online lenders provide instant approval decisions within 2-5 minutes. Once approved, funding arrives via e transfer in as little as 5-15 minutes. Some lenders offer same day funding 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

Can I Pay Off My AISH Loan Early?

Yes. Alberta law allows you to repay your payday loan early without penalty. You won't face additional fees for paying before your due date. Paying early can help you avoid the debt cycle that traps many borrowers on limited income.

What Happens If I Can't Repay My Loan?

If you miss a payment, the lender can charge up to $20 plus 2.5% monthly interest. Your bank will also charge an NSF fee ($45-$48 currently, dropping to $10 in March 2026). Lenders can only contact you between 7am and 10pm and cannot use threatening language. In Alberta, all payday loans must allow repayment through an installment plan spread over at least 42 days—giving you time to catch up rather than paying everything at once.

The Bottom Line

AISH loans can help Albertans cover expenses between disability payments—but payday loans are expensive. At $14 per $100 borrowed, a simple $500 loan costs $70 in fees.

Before borrowing, contact your AISH worker about emergency benefits. Many Albertans qualify for financial assistance they don't know exists.

If you need to borrow, Bree's interest-free cash advances offer a safer alternative. With 0% interest rates, no credit checks, and up to 90 days to repay, you can cover expenses without falling into the payday loan debt trap.