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Under provincial rules, AISH recipients can work part-time to supplement their $1,685 monthly payments by up to $1,072 a month without a clawback. But unlike other Canadians,AISH recipients who are no longer working because of COVID-19 are not equally entitled to the same emergency relief funds.In this episode, we review the provincial and federal programs and look at these programs from the perspective of a person on AISH benefits, together with some of the other forms of financial assistance that may be worth considering as we care for those that may be financially vulnerable.We referenced the Emergency Fund Assistance for the AISH program and the contact information is as follows:For basic needs like shelter, food, clothing and transportation, please contact the 24-hour Income Support Contact Centre: Toll-free: 1-866-644-5135, Option 4Fax:  1-780-422-9681Email:  css.iscc@gov.ab.caCBC Article on grocery store accommodations: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-woman-online-grocery-shopping-1.5509009?fbclid=IwAR1VFYDW06t2L36VnoAzNwKfgihXgTgo2QKL59FMCV25SlO4eKvHE3w7lUsArticle on those with disabilities affected by Covid-19: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/covid-19-impact-on-canadians-with-disabilities-1.5525332?fbclid=IwAR3xtlTm9OmEC_bI0QyZ9ocfxbAxVpuwfEflp43mMbJGT-ilAzfME9oiMC0For more information or questions regarding the available assistance for an AISH recipient, please contact Annie @ annie@disabiityadvocates.ca or (403) 457-2558.Stay safe and keep advocating!

We felt compelled to pause our regular teaching and provide you some of our reflections regarding the past few weeks and the Covid-19 pandemic. No family has been unaffected. We don't know where the future lies but it was weighing on our hearts to share some of our thoughts in this ever-changing environment. Speaking of change, after recording the episode we received a notice that the courts are now closed in Alberta until May 1, 2020. Here is the notice from the Chief Justice: https://bit.ly/abcourtclosureThis updates what Gordon referenced regarding the March 27, 2020 closure date.Note that emergency or urgent guardianship and trusteeship matters can still be heard. Please reach out to us if there is a matter that requires immediate attention and we can discuss the application of these rules to your situation.Leave a comment on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dasupports/ Let us know how you are doing. Let's build a community of advocates that support each other as we get through this crisis.

The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped ("AISH") is a provincial income support program for Albertans who are unable to earn a livelihood due to a permanent, long term disability. The changes to the program have been in the news as of late so we thought it timely to review some of the basics regarding the program. In Part I, we described the program and why it is important. In Part II, we jump into the details of eligibility, the different exemptions to the asset test, the financial administrator and recent changes.Here are some links to the government's site for the AISH program:The program: https://www.alberta.ca/aish.aspxFor any questions you have regarding eligibility for AISH, please contact Annie at (403) 457-2559 or annie@disabilityadvocates.caFor any questions relating to trust planning for AISH recipients, please contact Gordon  at (403) 457-2558 or gordon@vanderleeklaw.caWeb: www.disabilityadvocates.ca

The Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped ("AISH") is a provincial income support program for Albertans who are unable to earn a livelihood due to a permanent, long term disability. The changes to the program have been in the news as of late so we thought it timely to review some of the basics regarding the program. In Part I, we describe the program and why it is important. Here are some links to the government site for the AISH program:The program: https://www.alberta.ca/aish.aspxFor any questions you have regarding eligibility for AISH, please contact Annie at (403) 457-2559 or annie@disabilityadvocates.caFor any questions relating to trust planning for AISH recipients, please contact Gordon  at (403) 457-2558 or gordon@vanderleeklaw.ca

Today's episode focuses on the Disability Tax Credit or the "DTC". It is run by the Federal government and the Canada Revenue Agency is the agency that receives applications and determines eligibility. The DTC is a credit against taxes owed. At first blush, it would not seem relevant to a disabled person because of low income levels and therefore little or not tax to be paid. However, access to federal programs is typically tied to the DTC. We discuss the importance of getting the DTC and keeping it. Some useful links to further information relating to the DTC:Government Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.htmlForm T2201: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t2201.htmlEligibility criteria: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/information-medical-practitioners/eligibility-criteria-disability-tax-credit.htmlGlobal News article: https://globalnews-ca.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/globalnews.ca/news/6474047/canadians-disabilities-can-lose-tax-credit/amp/Dr. Wayne McLeod's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoIHSPnsEn4ERX_2rE6kkww

In this episode, we explore the areas that parents and caregivers have to address in transitioning from child services to adult services. The discussion includes the considerations of the assessments required (medical evidence), AISH application process, Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD), guardianship, trusteeship and estate planning issues. This is a longer episode as there are many issues involved in transitioning the support services for your child or family member. And when to start each of these applications has to be considered. Visit www.disabilityadvocates.ca for more information on the services offered to assist families on all aspects of transitioning to adult services in Alberta.Some other places to visit for general information are:Alberta Health Services: http://fcrc.albertahealthservices.ca/transition/Brochure from Human Services Alberta:http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/documents/transition-planning-brochure.pdf Guardianship:https://www.alberta.ca/apply-child-guardianship.aspxTrusteeship:https://www.alberta.ca/trusteeship.aspxAssured income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Program:https://www.alberta.ca/aish.aspxPersons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD): https://www.alberta.ca/persons-with-developmental-disabilities-pdd.aspxContact:Annie VanderLeek - annie@disabilityadvocates.caGordon VanderLeek - gordon@vanderleeklaw.ca

Gordon & Annie share their background as disability advocates: Gordon as the founding lawyer of VanderLeek Law and Annie as the lead team member of Disability Advocates, a division of VanderLeek Law. Be sure to subscribe to receive a new episode each Friday. Thanks for listening and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and insights to make you a better advocate for your child or loved one who has a long term disability.For more information, visit www.disabilityadvocates.ca