Get the best disability insurance Alberta plans in 2024
- Monthly benefits not subject to taxation
- Professional rehabilitation program
- Premium waiver in case of total disability
- 4 optional coverage endorsements available
The iA Financial Group's Superior Program offers maximum coverage of $120,000 and covers professional classes from 4A to C. With a minimum work time of 21 hours per week, this insurance does not require a minimum pre-tax income. It stands out with non-taxable monthly benefits and a vocational rehabilitation program. Ideal for newcomers, it includes four optional riders and can be renewed up to the age of 70.
- Total or partial disability
- Combines with group insurance
- Premium refunds
Beneva's Disability Insurance offers a maximum coverage of $72,000 and covers professional classes from 4A to B without requiring a minimum income. Renewable until the age of 65, this plan stands out with its premium refund feature and the possibility of combining with group insurance. It includes four optional riders and does not require a medical questionnaire, offering great flexibility.
- Option for total or partial disability
- 13 optional coverage endorsements available
- Included rehabilitation benefit
- Indemnity periods of 24, 60, 120 months
Canada Life's The Independence Protection Insurance offers maximum coverage of $300,000, one of the highest in the market. It covers professional classes from 4A to B and requires a minimum net income of $35,000 per year. This plan includes 13 optional riders, a partial disability option, and flexible benefit periods of up to 120 months. Non-cancellable until age 65, it is suitable for part-time and seasonal workers without a medical questionnaire.
- Premiums guaranteed for the first 5 years
- Critical illnesses automatically included
- Premium return at 20 years
Humania's Prohealth Accident and Sickness Insurance offers a maximum coverage of $120,000 and covers all professional classes without minimum income requirements. Renewable until age 65 with guaranteed premiums for the first five years, it includes critical illnesses as a standard feature and provides a premium refund every 20 years. Ideal for all professionals, it is accessible without a medical questionnaire.
- Offers a wide range of products tailored to different profiles and needs
- Competitive premiums and rates
- Personalised cover and optional benefits
- Access to disability assistance and support services
RBC's Professional Series® Policy offers a maximum coverage of $72,000 for professional classes from 4A to A, with a minimum income requirement of $6,000 per year. It is non-cancellable until age 65 and includes partial and residual disability benefits, as well as seven optional riders. Designed for full-time professionals, this insurance is accessible without a medical questionnaire but requires a minimum of 30 hours of work per week.
If you're unable to work because of a disability or injury in Alberta, the AISH and AADL programs provide essential financial and health benefits. However, for fuller coverage, adding a private disability insurance Alberta plan is wise.
While AISH income offers specific support, a private disability insurance Alberta plan can cover up to 60-85% of your income, creating a stronger safety net. This guide will help you find the right disability insurance, tell you how to apply for AISH, what disabilities qualify for AISH, and more.
Use our free comparator to compare the best disability insurance Alberta plans and get free personalized quotes so you can find a plan that suits you best.
Disability insurance Alberta: 6 Key takeaways
- Disability insurance covers 60%-85% of your income if you can't work due to illness or injury.
- In Alberta, disability benefits may reach 70% of pre-disability income.
- AISH offers financial and health benefits for eligible Albertans with severe handicaps.
- Disability insurance costs range from 1% to 9% of your yearly wage in Alberta.
- Opt for long term disability insurance Alberta plans for comprehensive coverage.
- Use the HelloSafe free tool to compare the best disability insurance plans and get quotes.
What is a disability insurance Alberta plan?
Disability insurance in Alberta is a product that can assist you and your family if you are unable to work due to an unexpected sickness or accident. On average, disability insurance covers between 60% and 85% of your usual income for a set period, up to a maximum amount, if due to an injury or sickness:
- You are temporarily unable to work or
- You are permanently incapacitated.
The term "permanent" relates to the nature of the impairment. It does not imply that you will continue to receive advantages indefinitely.
Employers typically provide disability insurance often called group disability insurance, but you can also obtain your plan through a life and health insurance agent. Whether you're self-employed, you also can purchase disability insurance, which will cover a large portion of your business expenses if you're unable to work.
These plans are either long-term disability insurance or short-term disability insurance. Several providers give you the option to convert your short-term plans into long-term as well.
If you're seeking a reputable disability insurance carrier or if you're unhappy with the one you now have, try our comparison tool. Quickly get free quotes, and compare the pricing and coverage features of the best disability policies in the market right here.
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Does Alberta offer provincial disability benefits?
Yes, Alberta offers provincial disability benefits through various programs, the most notable being the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program. AISH provides financial and health benefits to eligible Albertans with a permanent disability that prevents them from earning a living.
In addition to AISH, the province also has Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL), which supports individuals with long-term disabilities, chronic illnesses, or terminal illnesses by covering some costs of medical equipment and supplies. These programs are designed to assist eligible residents in managing the financial and health-related challenges associated with disabilities.
How much are disability benefits in Alberta?
The benefit amount that an employee will receive will be around 70% of the employee's pre-disability income, effective after the elimination period has ended.
Assuming you qualify for AISH Alberta, you could get a monthly living allowance (up to $1,685), a monthly child benefit, health benefits to cover topics such as prescription drugs and dental treatments, and a variety of other benefits tailored to your unique circumstances.
What disabilities qualify for AISH?
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH):
To qualify for AISH disability benefits you must:
- Have a permanent medical condition that stops you from earning a living and that cannot be remedied through medical treatment, therapy, rehabilitation, or training;
- Be at least 18 years old, not eligible for Old Age Security;
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Live in Alberta.
To learn more about the formal process AISH uses to establish an applicant's eligibility, visit their official website.
Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)
The AADL is designed to assist anyone with a long-term disability, chronic sickness, or terminal illness with the cost of basic medical equipment and supplies such as:
- Oxygen;
- Walking aids;
- Wheelchairs, and other medical supplies.
To be eligible for AADL, you must be evaluated by a medical professional to determine your eligibility and determine your basic medical needs. Your assessment must be conducted by an accredited AADL specialist to qualify for some medical equipment.
How long is a short-term disability in Alberta?
A period of disability that lasts less than a year and qualifies for income replacement compensation is referred to as short-term disability. The period of incapacity might range from 17 to 52 weeks, depending on the plan.
Therefore, to be qualified for short-term disability, you must be unable to perform the fundamental responsibilities of your job.
How to apply for short-term disability in Alberta?
To apply for short-term disability you do it by filling out a form and sending it to the insurance company or benefits administrator. Next, they'll assess your claim and either approve or deny it. If you are approved, you will be paid biweekly for 17 to 52 months.
It's important to understand that your plan determines the length of your benefits, but since it is a short-term disability program, it will always be under a year.
Be it short-term or long-term, private disability insurance plans typically offer more comprehensive coverage than provincial disability benefits. If you want to get disability insurance, look no further. Use our free tool below to explore the best disability insurance Alberta plans, get free quotes, and start saving right now.
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What are AISH payment dates in 2024?
In 2024, payments for the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Income Support (IS) will be made four business days before the first of each month.
| Month of assistance | Benefit payment date | Days between payments |
|---|---|---|
| February | 02-01-2024 Thursday | 41 days |
| March | 02-26-2024 Monday | 24 days |
| April | 03-25-2024 Monday | 27 days |
| May | 04-25-2024 Thursday | 30 days |
| June | 05-28-2024 Tuesday | 32 days |
| July | 06-25-2024 Tuesday | 27 days |
| August | 07-26-2024 Friday | 30 days |
| September | 08-27-2024 Tuesday | 31 days |
| October | 09-24-2024 Tuesday | 27 days |
| November | 10-28-2024 Monday | 33 days |
| December | 11-26-2024 Tuesday | 28 days |
How to do an AISH application?
You have 2 options to apply for disability in Alberta: online or not online.
How to apply for AISH online?
The process is simple, all you need to do is
- Access their application portal.
- Fill out the information requested and upload all the necessary paperwork.
How to apply for AISH via mail?
If you don’t have regular access to the internet or just prefer to get things done the old way, that’s ok too. You can download the AISH Application Form in PDF here, fill it out, and send it to:
- Mail: AISH, PO Box 17000 Station Main, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4B3
- Fax: 1-877-969-3006 (toll-free, Alberta)
What about the medical report?
If the doctor has given you the Medical Report form you can submit it as part of your online AISH application, or you can download the AISH Medical Report form from the Alberta disability program right here. Your physician is required to fill it out.
Have trouble with the PDF?
If you're experiencing issues with opening fillable PDF forms on certain mobile devices or web browsers, try the following steps: First, save the PDF form to your computer by clicking or right-clicking the link and choosing the download option. Then, open the form using Adobe Reader, where you can fill it out and save your changes. Should you continue to encounter difficulties, please reach out to PDF form technical support for assistance.
What happens after you apply for disability in Alberta?
If you have not given all the necessary personal, financial, or medical information, an AISH staff member may ask for more details.
Upon acceptance of your application:
- You'll hear from someone on the phone and get written confirmation that you qualify for AISH;
- you will be contacted by phone or mail to arrange a meeting with an AISH representative;
- Your benefits will be retroactive to the previous month AISH has obtained all the data necessary to accept your application.
If your application is rejected you will receive a letter outlining the following:
- The reason why you are not eligible for Alberta disability benefits, there may be financial, health-related, or other factors preventing you from receiving AISH;
- How to update AISH with new details that demonstrate a change in your circumstances;
- How to contest the decision;
- How to get in touch with the nearest AISH office or the AISH Application Processing Center if you have questions.
- Discover information on other financial and health benefit programs that you could be eligible for.
How to contact AISH?
| Point of contact | Contact information |
|---|---|
| AISH Application Processing Center | Phone: 587-759-6810 Toll-free: 1-877-759-6810 Fax: 587-469-3006 Toll-free fax: 1-877-969-3006 |
| To appeal an AISH decision | Visit the AISH - Appeal a Decision page. |
| For emergency assistance | If you need help with an emergency during weekdays from 8:15 am until 4:30 pm, contact your AISH worker or local AISH Office Phone: 780-644-5135 Toll-free: 1-866-644-5135 Email: [email protected] |
| Report suspected fraud | Visit the Report suspected fraud page. |
What is the child disability benefit in Alberta?
The Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program collaborates with eligible families with children with disabilities to assist parents in the following ways:
- Providing resources and services to assist in raising the child and promoting their healthy growth;
- Maintain guardianship, decision-making authority, and the costs of raising a child until they reach the age of 18;
- Encouraging the child to participate in both home and community activities;
- Managing some of the expenses associated with the child's disability.
While these provincial benefits are essential, to get comprehensive coverage for you and your family, it is important to have a private disability insurance plan in Alberta, also given the rising healthcare costs and cost of living. If you want to explore the best disability insurance plans in Alberta and get personalized quotes, you can do it right here using our free comparator below.
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What is the best disability insurance in Alberta?
The optimal disability insurance Alberta plan varies according to your specific requirements, financial limits, and other personal factors. However, here are the top options for comprehensive and varied disability coverage from top providers like iA Financial, Canada Life, RBC, Manulife, and more.
| Insurance Plan | Key Features | Key Coverage | Get a quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| iA Superior Program (iA disability insurance) |
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| Canada Life Independence Plan |
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| Beneva |
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| Humania Income Insurance - Accident and Sickness |
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| RBC Professional Series® |
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| Manulife Personal Accident Disability Insurance (long term disability insurance manulife) |
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| RBC Quantum® |
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| Humania Assurance - Accident | A broad range of occupational classes |
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| RBC Bridge Series® |
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| RBC The Foundation Series™ Policy |
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| iA Acci-Jet Program |
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What do disability insurance Alberta plans cost?
In Canada, including Alberta, disability insurance premiums typically range from 1% to 9% of your yearly wage. In addition, the following factors can influence the price:
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Age | If you are younger, you will pay less for disability insurance and many other health-related products. Disability insurance costs are lower for younger persons since they are less likely to have a disability. |
| Gender | Recent studies show that women are more prone than men to file disability claims, which are likely to be more costly. As a result, while women may pay less for life and auto insurance, they may pay a greater premium for disability insurance. |
| Occupation | Your occupation has a greater impact on the cost of your disability program than your income. As a result, the riskier your job is, the more expensive your insurance will be. |
| Health | Insurance companies, like any other life or health insurance business, look at your medical history to see if you qualify for disability coverage and, if so, how much it will cost. |
| Smoking status | With 45,000 deaths per year, smoking (or tobacco use) is the biggest cause of disability and early death in Canada. As a result, quitting smoking provides various health benefits, including cheaper disability insurance rates and/or better insurance payouts. |
How does the Alberta disability tax credit work?
The Alberta disability tax credit has been made to increase tax equality by reducing the burden of handicap expenditures, which are unavoidable extra expenses that do not apply to other taxpayers. People with disabilities and those who care for them can reduce their income tax obligations with the help of the disability tax credit, a non-refundable tax benefit.
To qualify you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must have a serious physical or mental impairment;
- The disability has to be present for at least a year;
- At least 90% of your time must be spent under restrictions.
