Albertans receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) will benefit from changes to the program this month.

As of October 1, the following changes have been implemented:

• Clients can apply for extra benefits. Personal income support benefits will help AISH clients meet extra needs like caring for a guide animal, special diets or emergency travel. These benefits are expected to provide eligible clients with assistance to cover both monthly and one-time expenses.
• The earnings exemption has been increased. The increase will allow AISH clients to keep more of the money they earn through working. Changes to some of the rules about how income is treated will reduce the effect that outside income, like inheritances or cash gifts, will have on the AISH living allowance.

In addition, the monthly living allowance was increased on April 1 this year. It will increase again on April 1, 2006 to a maximum of $1,000 a month.

More information

• Information booklet – Renewing AISH: October 2005 Changes (pdf)
• AISH program facts and changes
• More AISH information
• News release