Moving from Alberta to British Columbia
Here’s what changes for disability benefits and support programs.
What you keep
These federal benefits follow you anywhere in Canada. No need to reapply when you move:
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC)— your CRA certification carries over.
- Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)— tied to DTC eligibility, paid by Canada Revenue Agency.
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) — account stays with your bank, government grants and bonds continue.
- CPP Disability (CPP-D)— federal pension, not affected by province.
- Child Disability Benefit— tax-free monthly supplement to Canada Child Benefit.
Update your address with CRA and Service Canada within 30 days of your move.
What changes: AB vs BC
Leaving behind
Alberta
Adult income support
Up to $1,901/mo
AISH
Asset limit
Financial eligibility criteria apply
Earnings exemption
Varies; ADAP launching July 2026 with highest exemption
Autism (under 6)
FSCD (needs-based, no cap)
Autism (6-18)
FSCD (needs-based, no cap)
Health benefits
Full health benefits for recipient, spouse, and children
Home care
FSCD (children); PDD (adults 18+)
Respite
Through FSCD and Enhanced Family Support
Assistive devices
AADL — 25% co-pay (0% for AISH recipients)
Waitlist severity
Significant (FSCD and PDD)
Apply for
British Columbia
Adult income support
Up to $1,483.50/mo
Disability Assistance
Asset limit
No asset limit for PWD
Earnings exemption
$16,200/yr annualized
Autism (under 6)
Up to $22,000/yr (under 6)
Autism (6-18)
$6,000/yr (6-18)
Health benefits
Medical, dental, optical, diet, transportation
Home care
At Home Program (children); Home & Community Care (adults)
Respite
Through CLBC for adults; At Home Program for children
Assistive devices
PharmaCare; BC Centre for Ability; SET-BC (students)
Waitlist severity
Moderate
What to do
Before you move
- Notify AISH that you're leaving the province (avoids overpayment recovery later).
- Request copies of your medical records, diagnostic reports, and any assessment documents.
- Print or save any approval letters from provincial programs — you may need them for the new province.
- Research waitlists in your destination so you can apply early.
Week 1 in your new province
- Update your address with CRA and Service Canada (DTC, CDB, RDSP, CPP-D, Child Disability Benefit).
- Register for the new province's health card (most have a 90-day waiting period — keep your old card valid until then).
- Apply for Disability Assistance — bring proof of disability, identification, and income documents.
First month
- Apply for autism, developmental, or disability-specific funding programs in the new province.
- Get on waitlists for assistive devices, respite, and home care programs (these can be long).
- Find a new family doctor or pediatrician — many provinces have shortages.
First three months
- Connect with local disability organizations for community support and advocacy help.
- Review your RDSP — your account stays the same but you may want to update your beneficiary address.
- If you receive CPP-D, your monthly payment is unchanged but your provincial top-ups may differ.
Find help in British Columbia
Browse local disability services and support organizations in your new province: