EDMONTON -- Alberta is proposing changes to financial trusts to further assist people with disabilities.
Social Services Minister Irfan Sabir says new legislation would exempt assets in trusts when determining whether someone was eligible for funds under the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program.
Trusts are estate planning tools that help provide ongoing care and financial help for people with disabilities.
The bill does not propose changes to how trust income would be treated under the program.
Income from a trust could still reduce how much a person was eligible to receive.
Sabir says the intent is to give peace of mind to those with disabilities and to family members trying to help them through trusts.
"AISH benefits help people with their daily needs and provide resources necessary to let them live as independently as possible " Sabir told a news conference Monday.
"Albertans with disabilities and their families will be better able to plan for their children's future."
