Disability advocates say Alberta government is ‘clawing back’ benefits
Global News
Some disability advocates say the Alberta government is clawing back a federal disability benefit, but the province disputes the claim.
The Alberta government is being accused of clawing back a federal disability benefit by Disability advocates, and they’re concerned about people missing out on vital income supports.
Starting in June, eligible Canadians can claim up to $200 per month in financial support through the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).
Inclusion Alberta says the provincial government is taking the money away from Albertans who receive Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH).
“The CDB is meant to be a top-up, not a replacement for provincial disability income support,” said Trish Bowman, CEO of Inclusion Alberta. “Taking away a benefit that was intended to help reduce poverty for adults with disabilities is beyond comprehension.”
Ashley Stevenson, press secretary for the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services, told Global News in a statement that the provincial government is happy to see the federal government step in to provide support, but is also proud of offering the highest disability benefit rate in Canada at about $1,900 a month.
“AISH’s core benefit rate is $533 higher than Ontario’s equivalent program rate, $515 higher than Saskatchewan’s equivalent program rate, $417 higher than BC’s equivalent program rate, and $554 higher than Manitoba’s equivalent program rate,” Stevenson said.
“In addition to financial benefits, AISH clients receive personal and medical benefits worth over $400 per month on average. We invite all of our provincial counterparts to step up and match Alberta’s generous rates.”
Stevenson adds that the AISH rate will not change and it will have an annual indexed increase of two per cent. She said the CDB will be considered non-exempt income, “meaning Albertans on AISH will continue to receive the same overall monthly support that they do today.”
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