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008. Myth-Busting AISH: Is It Really “Easy to Get”?
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Gordon and Annie tackle one of the most persistent and most harmful myths about the Alberta Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program:
“AISH is easy to get.”
Spoiler: It’s not.
This conversation breaks down the reality of the AISH eligibility process, the misconceptions driving public commentary, and the lived experience of families who navigate the system every day. With major changes coming in 2026 through the proposed ADAP program, understanding the foundations of AISH, what it requires, why people struggle, and how the process really works, is more important than ever.
Why this matters:
- Misinformation hurts disabled Albertans.
- Families need to know the truth so they can advocate effectively.
- AISH is already difficult and changes may make it even harder.
- Public narrative shapes legislation.
- Understanding the real barriers helps reduce stigma and increase empathy.
Key Takeaways:
1. AISH is not easy to get — or to keep.
Despite public claims, AISH has strict medical, financial, and eligibility requirements. Many applicants are denied, and current recipients undergo ongoing reviews.
2. The medical criteria are rigorous and often misunderstood.
A disability must be severe, permanent, and must prevent the ability to earn a livelihood. Even small wording choices on medical forms can result in rejection.
3. Doctors aren’t always equipped to complete the form accurately.
Psychologists can't submit the medical portion, even if they know the client best. Many family doctors don’t know the applicant well enough, creating gaps in documentation.
4. Family support can unintentionally mask the severity of a disability.
Applicants often appear more capable than they are because their family provides ongoing structure, prompting, and daily support making it essential to describe functioning without that help.
5. AISH’s financial rules are strict and complex.
An applicant must:
- Have less than $100,000 in non-exempt assets
- Meet income limits
- Be 18–65
- Be an Alberta resident
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Any change in income, assets, or living situation must be reported.
Memorable Lines:
“AISH isn’t easy to get. It’s hard to get on, and it’s hard to stay on.”
“People appear more capable because their families work tirelessly behind the scenes.”
“If AISH were truly easy, we wouldn’t see the number of rejections and clawbacks that we do.”
Resources & Links:
AISH Program Overview (Government of Alberta)
https://www.alberta.ca/aish
AISH Policy Manual
https://www.alberta.ca/aish-policy-manual
AISH Application Forms
https://www.alberta.ca/aish-how-to-apply
View all episodes
By Gordon & Annie VanderLeekEpisode Summary:
In this episode, Gordon and Annie tackle one of the most persistent and most harmful myths about the Alberta Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program:
“AISH is easy to get.”
Spoiler: It’s not.
This conversation breaks down the reality of the AISH eligibility process, the misconceptions driving public commentary, and the lived experience of families who navigate the system every day. With major changes coming in 2026 through the proposed ADAP program, understanding the foundations of AISH, what it requires, why people struggle, and how the process really works, is more important than ever.
Why this matters:
- Misinformation hurts disabled Albertans.
- Families need to know the truth so they can advocate effectively.
- AISH is already difficult and changes may make it even harder.
- Public narrative shapes legislation.
- Understanding the real barriers helps reduce stigma and increase empathy.
Key Takeaways:
1. AISH is not easy to get — or to keep.
Despite public claims, AISH has strict medical, financial, and eligibility requirements. Many applicants are denied, and current recipients undergo ongoing reviews.
2. The medical criteria are rigorous and often misunderstood.
A disability must be severe, permanent, and must prevent the ability to earn a livelihood. Even small wording choices on medical forms can result in rejection.
3. Doctors aren’t always equipped to complete the form accurately.
Psychologists can't submit the medical portion, even if they know the client best. Many family doctors don’t know the applicant well enough, creating gaps in documentation.
4. Family support can unintentionally mask the severity of a disability.
Applicants often appear more capable than they are because their family provides ongoing structure, prompting, and daily support making it essential to describe functioning without that help.
5. AISH’s financial rules are strict and complex.
An applicant must:
- Have less than $100,000 in non-exempt assets
- Meet income limits
- Be 18–65
- Be an Alberta resident
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Any change in income, assets, or living situation must be reported.
Memorable Lines:
“AISH isn’t easy to get. It’s hard to get on, and it’s hard to stay on.”
“People appear more capable because their families work tirelessly behind the scenes.”
“If AISH were truly easy, we wouldn’t see the number of rejections and clawbacks that we do.”
Resources & Links:
AISH Program Overview (Government of Alberta)
https://www.alberta.ca/aish
AISH Policy Manual
https://www.alberta.ca/aish-policy-manual
AISH Application Forms
https://www.alberta.ca/aish-how-to-apply