Alberta is restructuring its AISH program, the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped, which provides support to people with disabilities. The changes come amid wider worries about the cost of living. Many of those who rely on the disability supports say they are fearful about the uncertainty ahead. For them, the program is a lifeline, and any change to how it works carries high stakes.
According to recipients, the biggest fear centres on a looming deadline. The concern is that, as of July 1, people could lose their income if they do not have a job and have not yet received confirmation that they are able to remain on AISH. Those affected say what they need most is a clearer understanding of where they stand. The lack of certainty, they argue, is adding to an already stressful situation.
Premier Danielle Smith was asked about the issue on her weekend radio show. She said her government is restructuring the program into three different pathways, each with varying levels of support. The aim, as she framed it, is to match the level of help to a person's ability to earn an income. The new structure is meant to sort recipients according to their circumstances.
Under the explanation given, the first pathway is for those with no possibility of earning a market income, described as a severely handicapped pathway. A second pathway is for people with partial ability, who would enter a program where they can work to the level that they are able. The third is for those who can work completely and just need the Medicare coverage, who would be able to get that. In this way, the program would offer different tracks rather than a single model.
For some families, the transition has been less alarming. Dorne, who has a young adult son named Joshua with a disability, said they have been informed that he will continue being on AISH. She offered a message to others in the disability community, telling them they are not alone and that help is available. Together, she said, they will get through this difficult period.
At the same time, Dorne suggested the problem lies less in intent than in execution. She said she truly believes the change was done with good intentions, meant to provide more supports for people who need them. Unfortunately, in her view, the way it was communicated left a lot of gaps, fuelling confusion and fear. For those struggling, the report noted that help is available by calling the national crisis line at 988.