If you live in Alberta and want to know about funding assistance for hearing aids, there is a government program that may be able to help. The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic or terminal illness. If eligible, you can receive funding assistance for basic medical equipment and supplies. This includes the purchase of hearing aids. You may be eligible for benefits through AADL if you:
Are an Albertan with a valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan card, and
Require assistance because of a long-term disability or chronic/terminal illness.
AADL is a cost-share program. Albertans pay 25% of the benefit cost to a maximum of $500 per individual or family per year. Low-income Albertans and those receiving income assistance do not pay the cost-sharing portion.
Eligible applicants can use the funding towards the purchase, or repair of hearing aids. If you are*:
Under the age of 18 – you may be eligible for 2 hearing aids once every 5 years
18 to 24 years old, and are pursuing full-time post-secondary studies – you may be eligible for 2 hearing aids once every 5 years
18 to 64 year old, and have a low income – you may be eligible for funding towards 2 hearing aids or a personal listening device once every 5 years
65 years or older, and have a low income – you may be eligible for funding towards 2 hearing aids or a personal listening device once every 5 years
65 years or older, but have a higher income – you may be eligible for funding towards 1 hearing aid or a personal listening device once every 5 years.
* Restrictions apply. Speak to your hearing care provider to understand your eligibility or what other financing options may be available. Your level of income is based on your last tax return. If you do not qualify through AADL, you still may get funding if you meet the requirements of the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program. Contact your local HearCANADA centre today to understand the best options available to you.