If you receive AISH, knowing your AISH payment dates helps you plan ahead for rent, groceries, and other expenses. AISH payments arrive 4 business days before the first of each month. This guide covers the full 2026 AISH payment dates schedule, the ADAP transition, and what to do if a payment is late.
Key Takeaways
- AISH payments arrive 4 business days before the 1st through direct deposit, or 6 business days before by cheque.
- AISH stands for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, a program paying a monthly allowance to eligible Albertans with permanent medical conditions limiting work.
- The 2026 maximum monthly living allowance is $1,940 for a single recipient, with a monthly child benefit of $227 for the first child and $114 for each of the additional children.
- Current AISH recipients will be automatically moved to ADAP on July 1, 2026 under Bill 12, though some remain on the AISH program.
- Bree offers up to $750 at 0% interest to bridge expenses between AISH payments — no credit check, no late fees, 90 days to repay.
AISH Payment Schedule 2026: Full Alberta Dates
Here is the complete AISH payment schedule for 2026. The dates below apply to both AISH payments and income support on the same billing cycle.
AISH direct deposit payments arrive at midnight on each payment date. Cheque payments are mailed about a week before the first.
Why Payments Arrive 4 Business Days Before the 1st
Rent and utility bills are due on the 1st. Getting AISH payments a few days early lets recipients plan ahead, cover costs without late fees, and manage expenses without financial burden. People who receive payments on AISH get them monthly, so timing matters.
Direct deposit posts at midnight on each payment date. For benefits by cheque, allow mail time.
How Much Is AISH in 2026?
The program provides financial support based on your situation, with rates reviewed each year.
Standard living allowance (2026): The maximum monthly living allowance for a single recipient is $1,940 if you rent or own — a 2% increase over the 2025 rate, tied to the Consumer Price Index. This living allowance is paid as part of monthly AISH payments.
Modified living allowance: If you live in an approved continuing care home (formerly a nursing home or auxiliary hospital), you get a modified living allowance instead — a monthly personal allowance of $373 plus an accommodation rate up to a set cap. The modified living allowance follows the same schedule.
Child benefit: AISH also pays a child amount for dependent children. The first dependent child adds $227 to monthly AISH payments. Each of the other children adds $114.
Health benefits: Your AISH Health Benefits Card covers prescription drugs, dental care, an eye exam, ambulance trips, and diabetes supplies. Health benefits also cover your spouse or partner and any dependent children in your household. Coverage for dependent children continues regardless of changes to benefits elsewhere.
Personal benefits: AISH personal benefits are paid above your monthly allowance for specific needs like a special diet, child care, nutritional products, or emergency assistance. Other personal benefits may cover moving expenses, job-interview clothing, or urgent dental care. These personal benefits are issued separately from regular payments, when you request them through your caseworker.
Who Qualifies for AISH?
Assured Income for the severely handicapped is for eligible Albertans who cannot earn a living because of a permanent medical condition. To qualify, you must meet medical criteria and financial rules. People who receive benefits under the program also qualify for health coverage and other benefits.
Medical criteria: You must have a severe, permanent medical condition that substantially limits your ability to earn a living, with no treatment or training that would improve it. Assured income for the severely handicapped covers permanent disabilities, not temporary conditions.
Age and residency: You must be at least 18 and under Old Age Security age. You must live in the province and be one of the Canadian citizens or permanent residents. You cannot be in a correctional facility or certain mental health facilities.
Financial criteria: The program reviews your assets and AISH income rules. Non-exempt income — CPP Disability and the Disability Tax Credit — reduces monthly payments dollar for dollar.
Eligible Albertans start the application process by applying online on the Alberta government website or sending a paper application to the local AISH office.
ADAP: What Changes on July 1, 2026
Bill 12, passed December 9, 2025, created the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). ADAP launches July 1, 2026 and changes disability financial assistance for people who currently receive AISH.
Automatic transition: Current AISH recipients will be automatically moved to ADAP on July 1, 2026. Those with a severely handicapped AISH profile — severe and profound developmental disability (or receiving Persons with Developmental Disabilities services), or palliative or terminal condition — remain on the program and continue to receive payments. Recipients with permanent disabilities that fully prevent work stay on AISH.
Lower benefit rate: ADAP pays $1,740 per month — $200 less than AISH. A transition top-up maintains your current rate until December 31, 2027 if you were already on the program.
Higher employment exemption: ADAP is for people with permanent disabilities who can work part-time. Single recipients can earn up to $700 per month before financial assistance is reduced, and up to $45,000 per year while still receiving payments. Health benefits continue regardless of earnings.
Medical reassessment: To requalify under the severely handicapped AISH criteria after July 1 (outside auto-stay groups), you may need a new medical assessment.
Of roughly 79,300 people who receive AISH, about 16.4% had employment income in 2023–24.
What to Do If Your AISH Payment Is Late
Most AISH payments arrive on time. When payments are late, follow these steps.
1. Check your bank account again. Direct deposit payments can take a few hours to post. Check at midnight and in the morning.
2. Wait one day. Holiday weekends can push payments.
3. Contact Alberta Supports. If payments are still missing after 5 business days, call Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992 or contact your caseworker.
4. Update AISH if banking details changed. A change of bank account is the most common reason for missed payments. Let the program know right away if you switch banks, move, or change anything from the previous month.
5. Report other changes. Contact your AISH worker when your income, living situation, or medical condition changes. If you no longer qualify for these benefits, let the program know — any AISH received in error must be repaid.
Bridging the Gap Between AISH Payments
AISH pays once a month. The last week is often tight — groceries run low, prescriptions need a refill, or unexpected expenses come up. The gap between when money runs out and your next AISH payment can squeeze recipients who receive payments on a fixed monthly cycle.
Free options first: If you face an emergency before your next payment, ask about personal benefits or other AISH benefits. These payments may cover eligible expenses the same month.
Avoid payday loans. Payday loans charge $14 per $100 borrowed — about 365% annual interest. A $500 payday loan costs $70 in fees. That is money you cannot lose from next month's payments.
Try Bree instead. Bree is a cash advance app that accepts AISH payments as eligible income. Get up to $750 at 0% interest — no credit check, no late fees, 90 days to repay. Bree does not eat into future AISH benefits or next month's payments. Bank NSF fees also dropped to $10 on March 12, 2026.
FAQs
Does AISH pay on the 1st of the month?
No. Direct deposits go out 4 days before the 1st. A paper cheque is mailed about a week earlier.
What time does direct deposit arrive?
Direct deposit posts at midnight on the scheduled date. Your bank may take a few hours to show it.
Can I get paid by cheque instead?
Yes, but direct deposit is faster and safer. Mail delivery takes several days.
Will ADAP follow the same AISH payment schedule?
The Alberta government has not yet confirmed the ADAP schedule after July 1, 2026. Current AISH recipients moving to ADAP should watch for updates.
Will a Bree cash advance affect my AISH benefits?
A cash advance is not employment income, but AISH treats many incoming deposits as non-exempt income. Speak with your caseworker about how a cash advance is treated before you take on any loan or advance against your benefits.
The Bottom Line
Knowing your AISH payment dates helps you plan ahead. AISH payments arrive 4 days before the first — time to cover rent, utilities, and basic living costs. With the ADAP transition on July 1, 2026, staying informed about AISH payments and your benefits matters more than ever.
Between AISH payments, Bree offers a cheaper way to bridge the gap — up to $750 at 0% interest, no credit check, flexible repayment that fits your benefits.
Apply for a Bree cash advance today.
References:
- https://www.alberta.ca/aish-and-income-support-payment-date-change
- https://www.alberta.ca/aish
- https://www.alberta.ca/aish-what-you-get
- https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program
- https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/03/minister-champagne-announces-new-10-cap-on-nsf-fees-and-other-measures-to-lower-banking-costs-for-canadians.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit.html
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