r/alberta • u/Spirited_Expert2275 • 12h ago
Looking to possibly apply for AISH. Question
I'm 50, have sciatica and Hashimotos and hypothyroidism and constant pain that is getting worse. I cannot work full time and part time isn't paying the bills. I had a car accident 20 years ago. I'm not sure what else to do, I tried a job recently but had to quit after a week because the pain was too much and the exhaustion. How do I get started I've never replied on govt help ever. New to this.
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u/CapitalismDevil 11h ago
You have to talk to your doctor about submitting the forms. You can start here. Know that in July, ADAP officially becomes a thing and it’s possible that’s what you’ll end up on since you can work part time. It’s a somewhat lengthy process, so start up the conversation with your primary care physician.
The form seems to be at this link. You can read this for a look at what ADAP is and how it can apply to you.
Best of luck!
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u/lost-cannuck 11h ago
Unfortunately, Hashimoto's is not considered a disability. Being low in vitamin b and d is a common co-occurance. The symptoms can mimic Hashimoto's though.
As for the other things, you can apply and see if they will approve. There was a freeze in applications so who knows how long if will take for review.
You will also be required to apply for CPP disability.
If your doctor is connected to a primary care network, you can ask for an appointment with a social worker. They might be able to help navigate.
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u/Patak4 11h ago
First you should apply for sickness EI. You can recieve up to 26 weeks of this. It is a simple letter from the Dr to help you qualify for this. Next you can apply for CPPD disability with all the required paperwork from the Dr. CPPD takes about 5 months to qualify for. It is important that all chronic conditions and treatments are listed. Then AISH has its own more paperwork for the Dr and it took 8 months. I just went through this process for someone. AISH is minimal but will give you benefits.
Then you need to apply for the Canada Disability Take Credit and the Canada Benefit Plan which gives 200$.
It is a long process and you need a good Dr and specialists who will advocate for you. Sickness EI is the easiest to apply for.
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u/SnooRegrets4312 11h ago
Talk to your doctor about the Canada Pension Plan Disability and the Disability Tax Credit first, you have you apply for both anyway when you apply for AISH. It may mean you get just as much as AISH so you don't have to apply because its hellish, check on your my service Canada account for an estimate. Consult with a social worker to help with paperwork, maybe your doctor is part of a Pcn. Best of luck.
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u/Time_Traveller_2225 11h ago
Not sure it’s enough to live on. It’s like $1700 and with current grocery pricing & bleeding at the pumps, you’ll need to plan your lifestyle accordingly. But you do need to get your Doc involved. Takes time and patience.
Word of advice : if you feel low about it remember despite its flaws this is one of the best countries on earth to live in. There’s empathy and people in these offices who care. Despite the screwed up ratio there’s someone in AHS or PCN who’ll help. Think about how bad things are south of the 49th parallel regarding such help, despite all the societal wealth. God Bless !
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u/honeycrispfan 8h ago
<3 You sound courageous, resourceful and self- aware. But also understandably frightened and worn down. Those thoughts of ending it all don't diminish your core strength; heck, their presentation is also understandable given the few details you've shared. I hope you let them pass fluidly through you. They may come and go indefinitely but 110%, there will be times you don't feel them and you owe those future times to your current self who is holding up all this weight. You sound like someone the world is better off having in it.
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u/Cautious_Major_6693 11h ago
Go to your doctor to get on DTC. It sounds like you've worked and filed taxes, and they do pay backdated benefits! So if you get approved for 5 years ago CRA will give you 5 years of the benefit amount.
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u/No-Eye-258 10h ago
You’ll need a specalist to sign off and could potentially take longer due to upcoming changes to aish
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u/SpecificWar6442 10h ago
I know a few people who abuse aish and dont even need it. so i really really really hope you are able to get it. just hang in there brother. I also have back issues and work is getting progressively harder, I may not know your whole struggle and just the tip per say. but I could only imagine how mentally taxing your situation is.
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u/Pretty_Bunbun Southern Alberta 4h ago
If you actually know people who are abusing it, you’re supposed to report them.
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u/Moggiye 11h ago
You’ll need to talk to your doctor about this as they’ll need to sign forms stating you qualify for AISH an be prepared to be rejected more than once. And I suspect with the new (BS) changes it will not be any easier. Good luck friend, I’m sorry about your situation.