Disabled Albertans on a government assistance program will now be able to earn more money and still qualify for benefits, thanks to a policy change by the province this week. However, disability advocates say the change will only help a small portion of people who use the program.

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), is a government program that offers up to $1,088 a month to 35,000 disabled Albertans. Under the new rules, people receiving AISH can now earn as much as $1,500 a month without anything being deducted from their monthly cheque. Those with children can earn as much as $2,500. Previously, the limit was $500.

“Many AISH clients are earning more today because of Alberta’s economy,” says Jennifer Guzzwell, a spokesperson for the province’s Ministry of Seniors and Community Supports. “(The increase) gives them an incentive to work.”

However, disabled activists point out that only 19 per cent of people who take AISH have jobs, and $1,800 a month isn’t enough for many of them to live on.

“This is not enough. We need an increase in the base rate of AISH,” says Colleen Huston, a member of Disability Action Hall, which advocates for the rights of disabled people. “We’re calling for the base rate to be at the cost of living.”

AISH rates were last raised in January, and the government has committed to reviewing them every two years. In addition to income support, some recipients of the program are also entitled to prescription drugs, dental and child care. (AM)