Individualized Funding Approaches for Children

Special Services at Home (SSAH) Funding

The Special Services at Home program helps families who are caring for a child with a developmental and/or physical disability. It is funded and managed by the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services.

The program helps families pay for services in or outside the family home as long as the child is not receiving support from a residential program. For example, the family can hire someone to:

  • help the child learn new skills and abilities, such as improving their communications skills and becoming more independent
  • provide respite support to the family – families can get money to pay for services that will give them a break, or respite, from the day-to-day care of their child.

The amount of funding a family receives depends on:

  • the type and amount of service the child needs
  • what other help is available in the community
  • what kind of support the family is already receiving.

For eligibility requirements and to learn how to apply, visit the website.

See more here: http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/specialservices.aspx

Enhanced Respite Funding

This grant is paid to families who are caring for a child who is medically fragile and/or depends on a technological device, and requires care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is provided in addition to other respite services. Families may be eligible for up to $3,500 per child, per year.

Families who may qualify for this grant have children who:

  • rely on medical and technological equipment, such as mechanical ventilators, apnea monitors, renal dialysis, urinary catheters, colostomy bags, or
  • are administered drugs intravenously, or
  • rely on tracheotomy tube care, suctioning, oxygen support or tube feeding

For eligibility requirements and to learn how to apply, visit the website.

See more here: http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/respite.aspx

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

If you are a parent caring for a child with a severe disability, you may be able to receive financial support through the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program. This program provides financial support for low- to moderate-income families to cover some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability.

A parent or a legal guardian whose child is under 18 years of age, lives at home, and has a severe disability may be eligible to receive help under this program depending on the family’s income. Depending on the income and size of the family, the program may provide between $25 and $500 a month to help with various costs. 

For more about what costs are covered and to learn how to apply, visit the website.

See more here: http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/disabilities.aspx

Ontario Autism Program

Children and youth who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by a qualified professional are eligible for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). Children receive services and supports until the age of 18.  Families can select the services and supports that are most important to you and your child. 

Overview: Childhood budgets provide money directly to you to purchase the services and supports that are most important to you and your child. Families with children under age six are eligible to receive $20,000 per child, while families with children aged six and older are eligible to receive $5,000 per child. 

For more details, eligibility requirements, and how to register your child, visit the website.

See more here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-autism-program#section-1

Learn more about Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and what services and supports can be purchased with the budgets.

Please note: These descriptions of individualized funding programs in Ontario are for information purposes only. The Individualized Funding Coalition for Ontario does not provide support to access funding or detailed information about each program. Please go to the various government sites for more information on how to apply to the programs.