Non Partisan Association

The NPA supports fundamental reform of Alberta's Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program through indexing benefit levels to the provincial minimum wage. This structural change would ensure income adequacy while providing automatic adjustments that maintain purchasing power.

Current Program Context

AISH provides monthly income support to adults with permanent disabilities that substantially limit their capacity for employment. The program serves as the primary income source for recipients, covering basic necessities including housing, food, utilities, and disability-related expenses.

The Adequacy Gap

Current AISH benefit levels have not maintained pace with Alberta's cost of living:

Cost Category	Impact on Recipients
Housing	Rental costs have outpaced benefit increases
Food	Grocery inflation erodes purchasing power
Utilities	Energy costs create budget strain
Transportation	Mobility costs limit community participation
Medical Expenses	Out-of-pocket costs for equipment and supplies

Minimum Wage Indexing Mechanism

The proposed reform would tie AISH payments directly to Alberta's hourly minimum wage through a transparent formula:

• Calculation Basis: Monthly benefit equivalent to full-time earnings at minimum wage
• Automatic Adjustment: Benefit increases when minimum wage rises
• Predictable Structure: Clear, formula-based determination of benefit levels
• Immediate Responsiveness: No lag between economic changes and benefit adjustment

Policy Rationale

Economic Adequacy

Minimum wage increases typically reflect cost-of-living pressures. Indexing AISH to minimum wage ensures benefits remain adequate as economic conditions change, without requiring separate legislative or regulatory action.

Dignity and Participation

Adequate income enables not merely survival but meaningful community participation. People with disabilities who cannot work deserve income levels that support dignified living—housing security, nutritional adequacy, and social engagement.

Administrative Efficiency

Automatic indexing eliminates the need for periodic benefit reviews and the political uncertainty of discretionary increases. The mechanism provides stability for recipients and reduces administrative burden.

Equity Principle

If minimum wage represents the minimum income necessary for survival in Alberta, people unable to work due to disability should receive at least equivalent support. Anything less implies their basic needs are somehow lesser—an indefensible position.

Implementation Benefits

• Reduced Poverty: Adequate benefits prevent recipients from falling into deep poverty
• Housing Stability: Sufficient income supports stable housing situations
• Health Outcomes: Financial security reduces stress and enables better health management
• Community Integration: Resources for transportation and participation

AISH reform through minimum wage indexing represents a fair, practical approach to ensuring people with disabilities have the financial security they need to live with dignity in Alberta.