Update -Province Promises AISH/ADAP Recipients Money By July 31
Update - The Owl has received the following information from Jonah Pickle (Press Secretary for Assisted Living and Social Services)
Due to a technical system error, approximately 2% of the AISH and ADAP caseload experienced an issue with their August 2026 disability benefit payments.
We know how important these benefits are to the people who depend on them, which is why we're ensuring all payment issues are corrected in full by July 31, 2026.
We are working to fix the technical system error to support smooth benefit payments moving forward, and will continue to assess payments to ensure there are no further issues. Any Albertan who is unable to meet their basic needs is encouraged to call the 24-hour Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135 for emergency financial assistance.
MEDICINE HAT, AB – A technical glitch with the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) has left some Albertans without their August payments. The province confirmed it is aware of "technical issues" affecting some disability income payments and says it is working to identify impacted clients and fix the issues.
For people who rely on this income to cover basic needs, a delayed payment can mean missed rent, unpaid utilities, or an inability to buy food. The province has not provided a timeline for when all payments will be restored. In the meantime, some clients report their bank accounts show no deposit for August.
"When you live on a fixed income, there is no extra for emergencies," said one Medicine Hat resident who asked not to be named. "I was counting on that money for my rent. Now I don't know what I'm going to do."
Concerns Raised Directly to Premier Smith
Premier Danielle Smith July 24 - Kelly Allard Owl News
The anxiety over the disability program changes was on display last weekend when Premier Danielle Smith and Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright hosted a barbecue in the city. One attendee, a person on AISH who has been transitioned to ADAP, told the Premier he was worried the changes would leave him homeless.
According to the attendee, the Premier's response was: I'm sure this will work.
The attendee, who spoke with this news outlet, said he left the event feeling unheard and still uncertain about his future. The Premier's office has not commented on the exchange.
Payment Issues Add to Existing Fears
The current payment problems are compounding worries that have been building since the province announced the ADAP transition earlier this year. Many recipients were already anxious about the $200 monthly reduction in benefits that will take full effect after the transition benefit ends in December 2027.
For now, the immediate concern is the missing August payment. The province has told people with questions or urgent needs to contact their local AISH or ADAP office. In Medicine Hat, that office is located at 346 3 Street SE, and the local number is 403-529-3683. Some clients report long wait times and busy signals when calling.
Background: ADAP and AISH
The payment issues come during a major transition for Alberta's disability programs. For years, the province had a program called AISH - the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped - which provided monthly benefits to people with permanent disabilities who could not work.
In July 2026, the province launched ADAP - the Alberta Disability Assistance Program. The new program is for people with disabilities who are assessed as able to work in some capacity. People with more severe, permanent disabilities who cannot work remain on AISH.
ADAP pays $1,740 per month, which is $200 less than the AISH rate. The province says ADAP offers higher employment income exemptions, allowing recipients to earn more from a job before benefits are reduced.
What's Next
The government says it is "working to correct any payment issues in full." It has not said how many people are affected or when all payments will be processed.
Advocates are calling on the government to provide a clear timeline for resolving payment issues and to communicate more directly with affected clients. In the meantime, affected individuals are advised to contact the Medicine Hat office or seek emergency assistance from local community organizations if needed.
