Alberta’s government benefit programs to be re-indexed starting next year

Alberta’s Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped and Persons with Developmental Disabilities (AISH) and other government benefit programs will be re-indexed starting next year, Premier Danielle Smith said.

Those receiving AISH and other provincial programs will see their benefits rise starting Jan. 1 next year, a move that Smith said will combat inflation. AISH benefits will be reflected on the Dec. 22 cheques.

Additionally, those receiving the quarterly benefits from the Alberta Child and Family Benefit will also see their payments rise by six per cent next February, while those on the Alberta Seniors Benefit will see an increase in their January cheques.

“Affordability is our government’s top priority. It has to be. No one can enjoy peace of mind when financial pressures are mounting,” Smith said at Monday’s news conference.

“These are difficult circumstances for many people… As long as the affordability crisis lasts, Alberta will be in families’ corner.”

Examples of monthly benefit rate changes for Jan. 1, 2023: (Examples are based on the maximum core monthly benefit rates for single people with no children)

• $1,685 to $1,787 – AISH
• $745 to $790 – Income Support (expected to work)
• $866 to $919 – Income Support (barriers to full employment)
• $286 to $303 – Alberta Seniors Benefit

In a news release on Friday, president of Inclusion Alberta had questions about the re-indexing.

“We sincerely appreciate the premier’s announcement of indexing AISH and a one-time payments of $600 to individuals with developmental disabilities and others,” said Monica Braat, who is also the parent of an adult son with a developmental disability.

“However, there are still thousands of Albertan children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families eligible for supports and receiving none. Others have had their funding for supports reduced or denied.”

“If the announcement to index PDD means a program increase overall but only tied to inflation, this will be completely inadequate to address the many adults with developmental disabilities who are receiving no support at all,” said Inclusion Alberta CEO Trish Bowman.

“A plan is urgently needed to address the waitlists and reduction of supports experienced by those waiting for or currently receiving PDD or Family Support for Children with Disabilities funding.”

1:18 ‘‘We had to address these issues’: Smith explains why government improved AISH supports

Smith addressed the plans during her televised address last Tuesday to provide financial relief amid the ongoing inflation and affordability crisis, and talked about changing AISH when issuing mandate letters to her ministers earlier this month.

AISH supports about 70,000 Albertans with permanent medical issues that prevent them from earning a living by providing a basic benefit of $1,685 per month, according to the province.

“The indexing of financial assistance benefits is a critical policy change in addressing the pressures of the cost of living for many older Albertans,” said Karen McDonald, executive director of Sage Seniors Association.

“These cost pressures make life even more challenging and precarious for seniors who are experiencing significant vulnerability.”

“The affordability crisis is one that impacts all Albertans but especially the most vulnerable,” said Joy Bowen-Eyre, CEO of The Alex.

“Those receiving Income Support and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped payments are at higher risk of living in poverty. Many who qualify for these supports have struggled to make ends meet, drastically impacting their quality of life. The reindexing of these critical social programs is an important step to support vulnerable Albertans.”

0:48 Alberta Premier Smith says unvaccinated bill would need ‘broader changes,’ sparking delay

The United Conservative government de-indexed AISH in 2019 because the province needed to find ways to “exercise restraint” and work to erase the $63-billion debt.

University of Calgary study published in July found that Alberta’s de-indexation policy cost residents more in taxes: Albertans paid $118.6 million more in taxes in 2020 because of the province’s de-indexation policy.

Smith also accused the federal government of causing inflation through government spending and attacking Alberta’s economy, and said Alberta’s fiscal situation is in a position where the government is able to provide financial relief for citizens who need it.

“These are just first steps and there’s much more to do,” she said during her televised speech.

1:18 ‘‘We had to address these issues’: Smith explains why government improved AISH supports

Community and social services critic Marie Renaud criticized Smith’s plans in a statement on Monday, saying the UCP is now reversing bad decisions it made in 2019.

She also accused the province of lacking compassion for Albertans because the de-indexing of AISH and other government benefits have affected vulnerable people in many communities.

“For three years this government has stood idly by and let our fellow Albertans fall deeper into the abyss. Re-indexing supports, on a go-forward basis, is the very least this government can do,” Renaud’s said in a statement.

“This move, which only comes six months before an election, clearly shows this government’s motivation and lack of compassion and understanding of what people have gone through for three devastating years.

“They cannot ignore the fact that people suffered for years during a pandemic and record-high inflation, and must make these adjustments retroactive.”

1:57 Smith unveils plan to tackle affordability crisis in Alberta

— With files from Emily Mertz and Phil Heidenreich, Global News