AISH After a Severe Car Accident: What You Need to Know About Alberta’s Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped

posted in: Personal Injury

A life-altering car accident has changed the course of your life, leaving you to wonder, “What comes next?” Please know that you are not alone. The Injury Team at KMSC Law can assist you with your injury claim and by providing guidance on programs like AISH, which may be available to assist you in navigating the next chapter of your life.

Below, we discuss our client’s most common questions regarding AISH.

What is AISH?

AISH stands for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped. It is a benefits program ran by the Province of Alberta. The program is meant to help alleviate the hardships that come with a medical condition that is likely to remain permanent and has ultimately limited one’s ability to earn a living.

Can a car accident make me eligible for AISH?

If a car accident has caused you a medical condition that is likely to remain permanent and has ultimately limited your ability to earn a living, then you could be eligible for AISH if you meet the relevant criteria.

What criteria would make me eligible for AISH?

The criteria for AISH are classified in three different categories: age and residency, medical, and financial.

Age and Residency Requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old and not eligible for an Old Age Security Pension.
• You must reside in Alberta and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• You must not be in a correctional facility or a mental health facility.

Medical Requirements:

• Your medical condition is likely to remain permanent and be a primary factor that limits your ability to earn a living.
• To confirm your medical condition, AISH will review what is available to you regarding medical treatments, therapies, rehabilitation, and training options before proceeding with your claim.

Financial Requirements:

• You can work and still be eligible for AISH.
• AISH examines the income and assets of both you and your spouse or partner, but they do not consider a dependent child’s income.
• When obtaining AISH, you must also apply for all other income that you may be eligible for. Such other income programs may include Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D), employment insurance (EI) or Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) benefits.
• Treatment of income depends on what type of income it is, whether you are a single or in a family, and who receives the income. There are categories of what income is exempt, non-exempt and partially exempt.
• Assets are items of value like cash, investments, property and vehicles. There are also categories of what kind of assets are exempt, non-exempt, and partially exempt.

What kind of benefits can I receive?

Depending on the information you provide in your application package, you may be eligible for a living allowance, child benefits, health benefits, or personal benefits.

What does the timeline look like?

The turnaround time depends on the number of applications AISH receives from Albertans, along with how promptly you provide all the supporting documentation that is required within the application. By preparing a complete application package from the very beginning, there is a greater chance you will receive benefits quicker.

Completing each step of the application carefully is important to ensure you minimize any potential delays that may arise from missing information or mistakes.

What is the actual AISH application?

There are two steps that need to be completed to obtain AISH. The first step is to complete the “AISH Application – Applicant Information” which is eight pages and requires personal information and supporting documents. The second step is to complete the “AISH Application – Medical Report” which is to be completed by your doctor. These applications can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/aish-how-to-apply.

For the “AISH Application – Medical Report”, you may be required to pay a fee for a doctor to complete it. If that is the case and you need help paying the fee, please contact Alberta Supports Contact Centre for options. Once completed, the doctor can send the “AISH Application – Medical Report” with the supporting documents to either AISH directly or provide you with a copy to submit with your application package.

How do I submit my AISH application?

You can submit a completed AISH application along with the supporting documents through one of the following methods:

• Online
• Fax: 1-877-969-3006 (toll-free, Alberta)
• Mail: AISH, PO Box 17000 Station Main, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4B3

Do I need to do anything once my application is submitted?

If there is a change to your marital or partner relationship status, medical condition, address, phone number or other contact information, ability to work or take training, or rehabilitation, you must contact an AISH worker to report the same. These types of changes could impact your AISH eligibility and/or benefits.

If you are ever unsure about whether something will impact your AISH benefits, you can contact an AISH worker to help you assess. Furthermore, if you have questions about the status of your AISH application, you can phone: 587-759-6810 (Edmonton area), or 1-877-759-6810 (toll free, Alberta), for updates regarding the same.

For further information about AISH, visit the relevant Government of Alberta website here.

KMSC Law Can Help

If a car accident has left you with questions about your AISH benefits, seeking legal advice is essential. The dedicated Injury Law Team at KMSC Law understands the unique challenges faced by Albertans receiving AISH. We’re here to help you understand the potential implications of a car accident on your benefits and guide you through any legal complexities.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your situation, assess your options, and provide clear information about your rights. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we successfully resolve your case. Contact KMSC Law today to learn how we can support you during this difficult time.