Respite & Family Support Services in Ontario

A provincial program providing monthly payments to help with the extra costs of caring for a child with a severe disability. Rate increased 2.8% in July 2025. Also covers assistive device assessments and device consumer contributions. CDB is exempted from ACSD calculations.

A new federal benefit providing $200/month for persons aged 18-64 with low income who have Disability Tax Credit approval. First month of eligibility was June 2025 with payments starting July 2025. Back payments available up to 24 months from application date. Most provinces have exempted the CDB from provincial benefit calculations, but Alberta claws back CDB from AISH recipients dollar-for-dollar.

A monthly taxable benefit for people who have contributed to the Canada Pension Plan and are unable to work due to a severe and prolonged disability. Includes a children's benefit of $301.77/month per child. Quebec residents apply through the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) instead.

A federal autism strategy developed in collaboration with the autistic community, families, service providers, researchers, and provincial/territorial governments. AIDE Canada (Autism & Intellectual Disabilities Knowledge Exchange Network) is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada as part of this strategy, providing online resources, an inventory of services, and 6 in-person locations across Canada.

A federal dental care plan administered through Sun Life, available to eligible Canadians including those with Disability Tax Credit qualification. Covers essential oral health services including preventive care, restorative services, and other dental treatments.

An ESDC-funded program where nonprofits provide one-on-one navigation support to help people with disabilities find and apply for benefits they are entitled to, including DTC, CDB, RDSP, CPP-D, and provincial benefits. Organizations are funded across all provinces and territories to provide free assistance.

A non-refundable tax credit for individuals with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. The DTC is the gateway to other federal benefits including the Canada Disability Benefit, RDSP, and Child Disability Benefit. Can transfer unused portion to a supporting family member for a refund of up to approximately $1,400.

Ontario's program for children and youth with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Registered through AccessOAP. Currently under an interim funding model with the government working toward a needs-based model using a Determination of Needs process (4-hour virtual interview). Services include ABA, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and mental health supports. Waitlists are significant, and families report costs of $26,000-$130,000/year for autism supports.