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The absence of a hike in supports for those with developmental disabilities in Thursday’s budget is ringing alarm bells among some social policy advocates.

While the budget did advance social spending in areas such as a new, $147-million child benefit, there was no increase in the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped benefit.

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It was last hiked in 2012, from $1,188 to the current $1,588 a month, while the eligibility requirement was also relaxed that year.

But, in the meantime, those dependent on AISH are having an increasingly difficult time making ends meet, said Colleen Houston of Disability Action Hall of the Calgary Scope Society.

“We’re asking it to be indexed to the cost of living,” she said.

“People are being forced to live together in poverty … people can’t even afford basic sanitary and hygiene items.”

She said a more comprehensive approach to poverty, such as a guaranteed basic income and affordable housing, are needed.