The PDD support program is exclusive to Alberta. Individuals moving here from another province or territory can apply for PDD benefits.
Apr 24, 2024
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.
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:
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.
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.
This guide covers what FSCD offers and provides resources for more information. Knowing the program and eligibility requirements helps make the process smoother for applicants.
