How Much Does PDD Pay in Alberta? 

As a caregiver for a loved one with developmental disabilities you understand that having access to financial support is vital to their wellbeing. 
 
The Alberta Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Program is a provincially funded program that aims to connect individuals 18 and older to support services and programs to live a full life. 

While there is no set amount the Alberta government disburses as PDD payments to parents of disabled adults, they consider several factors affecting your unique position to ensure your family member is covered on essential needs.  
 
PDD will either be billed directly by your service provider, however, if under a family managed service agreement (FMS), the family will be invoiced by the service provider and reimbursed by PDD. 

While your PDD check is based on a customized support plan, here’s what the Alberta government spent across the last 5 years for different PDD services. 

The funds an individual receives from the PDD Program will vary. It will depend on a person’s unique needs for their situation. 

If you’re on PDD and looking for a group home for your adult family member in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer or other cities in Alberta, we offer residential care for adults over the age of 17 with a range of developmental disabilities. 

To qualify for PDD, you must have a developmental disability from childhood. This ailment must be severe enough to impair daily activities and adult independence.  

What Does the Alberta Government Need to Pay For PDD?

The Alberta Government asks for various assessments to determine a person's PDD amount.  
 
These professional documents are essential for influencing funding amounts: 

A professional diagnosis or assessment* provides relevant information for PDD workers. They will use it when calculating funding amounts. A proper assessment will cover behavioural, learning, reasoning, and thinking abilities.  

Acceptable professional documents can include:

• Psycho-Educational Diagnosis 
• Psychological Assessment Report 
• Neuropsychological Assessment 

You can receive a professional diagnosis from:

• Registered psychologists 
• Family doctors 
• Mental health specialists 
• Teachers 

*Not all assessments are free. You may have out-of-pocket expenses to get these documents.  

Additionally, it’s important to include confirmation of other government services you receive. These programs may include:  

• Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) 
• Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) 
• Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) 

Having a detailed assessment is beneficial if you have unique support needs. These documents ensure you receive the support you need for daily living.  
 
PDD is intended to be used as a specialized support program rather than monthly income. 

What Types of Services Can PDD Payment Cover?

The PDD Program provides appropriate subsidies and allowances to eligible individuals.  

These various services include:  

• Adult Group Homes 
• Adult Day Programs 
• Home Care Assistance 
• Respite Care 

Some examples of PDD Alberta services are:  

• Local community groups for individuals to take part in and engage with others 
• Employment support for learning new skills or receiving appropriate job placement 
• Short and long-term respite care for caregivers 
• Home living supports for building better independence 

The PDD Program is not a form of income for individuals with a disability. It provides programs and services to enrich the life of an individual with a disability.  

Who Is Eligible for PDD In Alberta?

To qualify for PDD, individuals must meet strict eligibility requirements. The Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act outlines the necessary qualifications for benefits.   

There are three separate parts applicants must meet to receive PDD in Alberta. They are age, residency, and disability criteria.   

For an individual to be eligible for PDD, they have to: 

• Be at least 18 years old 
• Reside in Alberta 
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident 
• Have a developmental disability from before turning 18 

The PDD Program outlines specific disability criteria. An eligible individual may have:  

• An IQ of 70 or less  
• A developmental disability from birth 
• A developmental disability that occurred in childhood  
• A significant intellectual limitation that requires assistance for daily activities and living 
• A significant limitation of adaptable skills which requires daily support  

Although this is an adult program, individuals can apply for PDD benefits at the age of 16. Using an advance-application can ensure support is in place when an applicant turns 18.  

Parents of adult children with disabilities may have questions about the PDD Program. Some common concerns may be:  

• How much does PDD pay to support an adult child with autism?  
• Can I appeal a PDD decision? 
• What can I do if my adult son’s PDD benefits stop suddenly? 
• What developmental disabilities does PDD recognize?  

The PDD support program is exclusive to Alberta. Individuals moving here from another province or territory can apply for PDD benefits.  

However, they only receive access to services once they meet the PDD eligibility requirements.

Stay Updated on the Latest PDD Program Changes

The Alberta Government establishes the guidelines in the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act. These regulations receive updates as necessary.  

It can be challenging for caregivers to follow changes in the PDD Program. Entrust recognizes the need to understand eligibility and available services properly.  

We stay updated on the latest changes, so you don’t have to. Our team supports you with essential information, like government allowances and new criteria.  

Exploring funding options? Dive deeper to realize why Entrust stands as the perfect ally in your quest for living a meaningful, empowering life. Book a consultation with a disability support worker to understand your options under the PDD program in Alberta. 

Let Entrust be your guiding light to navigating disability community resources and services. Get in touch with us here.

About the Author

Adam Paull

Born, raised, and educated right here in Edmonton, Adam Paull has found a home at Entrust giving back to a community that has given so much to him. Adam has come by this line of work very honestly, as the son of a Special Education Teacher, gaining the experience to work with individuals with developmental delays at a young age. Adam was hired at Entrust as a Community Support Worker, spent time as a Mentor in the FFL Program, and is now lucky enough to be a part of the tremendous Service Manager team.