The PDD support program is exclusive to Alberta. Individuals moving here from another province or territory can apply for PDD benefits.
Mar 01, 2025
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.
| Fiscal Year | Home Living Support (CAD) | Employment Support (CAD) | Community Access Support (CAD) |
| 2018/19 | 597,152,700 | 29,997,788.04 | 151,323,900 |
| 2019/20 | 650,297,500 | 29,455,052.40 | 153,936,700 |
| 2020/21 | 649,875,900 | 23,975,998.33 | 135,231,400 |
| 2021/22 | 485,069,300 | 16,940,868.98 | 110,657,000 |
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.
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.
*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:
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.
The PDD Program provides appropriate subsidies and allowances to eligible individuals.
These various services include:
Some examples of PDD Alberta services are:
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.
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:
The PDD Program outlines specific disability criteria. An eligible individual may have:
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:
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.
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.
Parenting a child with Down syndrome can be both challenging and rewarding. For families in Alberta, numerous resources and support systems are available to help children thrive. Entrust Disability Services, with over 25 years of experience, plays a vital role in providing guidance and specialized care. This informative guide will help parents navigate early intervention...
Read MoreHere’s a step-by-step guide to getting the Alberta funding supports you need for your child or adult with disabilities. If you’ve been approved under any of these funding programs, please book a consultation with an intake co-ordinator to avail the right care for your child or adult. It can be overwhelming to apply for provincial...
Read More