What Should Albertans Know About AISH Payment Dates in 2025?
Have you ever wondered exactly when your AISH payments will arrive in 2025? For many Albertans who rely on the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, knowing the exact payment date is critical.
Rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and medication all need to be carefully planned around these monthly deposits. A day’s difference in payment can affect whether bills are paid on time or whether someone needs to rely on emergency resources.
Understanding how AISH payment dates are determined, how the schedule works month by month, and how to plan around them can remove much of the stress associated with financial uncertainty. This article provides a complete breakdown of the AISH payment schedule for 2025, explains how the dates are calculated, and offers guidance on budgeting and preparing for potential delays.
What is the AISH Program and Who Qualifies in 2025?
The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program is a financial support system run by the Government of Alberta. It is intended for Albertans whose permanent medical conditions prevent them from earning a sustainable income through employment.
Eligibility for AISH in 2025 remains the same as in previous years. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, live in Alberta, and demonstrate that a permanent disability severely limits their ability to earn a living. In addition, financial eligibility is assessed to ensure the program supports those most in need.
Recipients receive a base monthly amount of $1,685, with possible supplements if they face additional living costs such as child care, modified diets, or medical expenses. Payments are generally deposited directly into a recipient’s bank account or mailed as a cheque.
For those who depend on this support, the reliability and predictability of AISH payment dates are crucial.
How Are AISH Payment Dates Determined in Alberta?
The Government of Alberta uses a consistent rule to schedule AISH benefits. Payments are always released four business days before the first of the month. The logic is simple: by issuing funds a few days before the start of the month, recipients are able to access money in advance for rent, bills, and essential needs.
However, there are two important adjustments to this rule. First, if the calculated date falls on a weekend, payments are moved to the preceding Friday. Second, if the date falls on a statutory holiday, payments are also moved earlier. This ensures that recipients never have to wait until after the first of the month for their benefits.
This system has been in place for years, and it creates a reliable pattern. But calculating dates by counting back four business days can sometimes be confusing, especially when weekends and holidays complicate the calendar. That is why the Alberta government provides an official payment schedule, which we will explore in detail below.
What is the AISH Payment Date for January 2026?
January is one of the trickiest months to understand when it comes to AISH benefits, because the payment is issued in the last week of December of the previous year.
If we take January 1st, 2025, which falls on a Wednesday, and count back four business days, the expected payment would land on December 26th, 2024. However, December 25th is Christmas Day, a statutory holiday, and December 26th is Boxing Day, another holiday in Alberta. Because of this, the payment cannot be issued on those days.
The Government of Alberta instead schedules the payment for Monday, December 30, 2024. This ensures that recipients have access to funds before the start of the new year.
This example highlights why AISH payments are not simply four days before the first of the month in practice. Holidays and weekends require adjustments, and those adjustments can move payments earlier than many recipients might expect.
What Are the AISH Payment Dates for Each Month in 2025?
The most reliable way to track AISH is through the official schedule, which lays out deposit and cheque mailing dates for the entire year. For 2025, the payment dates are as follows:
| Benefit Month | Payment Date | Day of Week |
| January 2025 | December 30, 2024 | Monday |
| February 2025 | January 28, 2025 | Tuesday |
| March 2025 | February 25, 2025 | Tuesday |
| April 2025 | March 26, 2025 | Wednesday |
| May 2025 | April 25, 2025 | Friday |
| June 2025 | May 28, 2025 | Wednesday |
| July 2025 | June 25, 2025 | Wednesday |
| August 2025 | July 29, 2025 | Tuesday |
| September 2025 | August 27, 2025 | Wednesday |
| October 2025 | September 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| November 2025 | October 28, 2025 | Tuesday |
| December 2025 | November 26, 2025 | Wednesday |
This table is the simplest reference point for recipients. By marking these dates in advance, individuals can align their rent payments, bill due dates, and grocery budgets more effectively.
Why Do AISH Payment Dates Sometimes Change?
Even though the schedule is clear, some recipients notice slight variations in when funds arrive. These differences are not random. Most often, the reason is the presence of statutory holidays such as Christmas, Canada Day, or Thanksgiving.
For example, if a calculated payment date lands on a holiday Monday, deposits will typically appear the preceding Friday. Likewise, if banking systems are slow to process deposits, funds may show up later in the day rather than early in the morning.
Occasionally, the Alberta government makes adjustments to ensure payments align with holiday schedules or to accommodate special circumstances. That is why checking the official Alberta.ca page regularly is recommended, especially in months with multiple holidays.
How Can AISH Recipients Receive Their Payments?
There are two main delivery methods for AISH payments in Alberta:
Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure option. With direct deposit, funds are electronically transferred to a recipient’s bank account on the scheduled date. There are no delays related to postal services, and recipients do not need to physically visit a bank to deposit their cheque.
Mailed cheques remain an option, although they are less reliable. Cheques can be delayed by postal service issues, weather conditions, or long weekends. In rare cases, cheques may be lost or misdelivered, requiring replacements from the AISH office.
Because of these risks, most recipients are encouraged to set up direct deposit. This can be done by submitting a void cheque or direct deposit form to AISH, ensuring that payments arrive on time each month.
What Should Recipients Do if an AISH Payment is Delayed?
A delayed payment can create significant stress for AISH recipients, but it is important to understand why delays happen and what can be done.
If a payment is not visible on the morning of the scheduled date, it may simply be processing through the banking system. Waiting until later in the day often resolves the issue. If the payment has still not appeared by the next day, recipients should first verify that their banking details are up to date.
For those who receive cheques, Canada Post delivery times can vary. Weather disruptions or statutory holidays can slow down delivery. In such cases, contacting the local post office may provide clarity.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, recipients should contact AISH Client Services directly. The office can confirm whether the payment was issued and provide next steps for resolving the delay.
How Can AISH Recipients Manage Their Monthly Budget?
Living on a fixed income requires careful planning. AISH recipients receive their funds once a month, meaning the payment must cover all expenses until the next deposit arrives. This is why understanding the payment schedule is so important.
One effective strategy is to divide the monthly payment into categories: rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and personal expenses. Rent and utilities should always be prioritised, as missing these payments can create long-term difficulties. Food and transportation come next, ensuring basic needs are met.
It can also help to plan purchases around sales or discount days, especially for groceries. Many recipients also set aside a small amount, even if it is just $20 each month, as an emergency fund. Over time, this creates a small cushion to cover unexpected expenses such as medical prescriptions or household repairs.
Community resources such as food banks, subsidised utility programs, and non-profit services can provide valuable support when budgets are tight. Planning with the AISH payment schedule in mind ensures that funds stretch as far as possible.
What Are the Most Common Questions About AISH in 2025?
How much is the monthly AISH payment in 2025?
The base amount is $1,685 per month. Depending on living arrangements and special needs, some recipients may qualify for additional supplements.
Do AISH payments count as taxable income?
No. AISH benefits are not considered taxable income in Canada, and recipients do not need to report them when filing taxes.
Can AISH be combined with other benefits?
Yes, but with limitations. For example, those who qualify for Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) can receive it alongside AISH. However, the AISH amount may be reduced depending on total household income.
What if a recipient moves outside Alberta?
Moving permanently outside Alberta ends eligibility for AISH. Other provinces have their own disability support programs, and applicants would need to apply separately.
Can AISH payments be garnished to cover debts?
In most cases, no. AISH income is protected from creditors. However, overpayments or certain government debts may be deducted.
How do recipients update banking information?
Banking details can be updated by contacting the AISH office directly and providing a void cheque or official bank form. This ensures direct deposits go to the correct account.
Will AISH rates change in 2025?
At the time of writing, no increase to AISH benefits has been announced for 2025. Recipients are advised to check Alberta.ca for the latest updates.
