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Side-by-side comparison of SSAH, ACSD, caregiver-mediated services, ODSP, Passport Funding, the Disability Tax Credit, and Jordan's Principle. Eligibility and where to apply.
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These programs can help. None replaces OAP core funding. SSAH funds respite and skills-development, ACSD gives monthly support for extra costs, and OAP runs services before Core Funding. The Disability Tax Credit opens access to the RDSP and Child Disability Benefit, and Jordan's Principle funds First Nations children. Adult programs such as ODSP and Passport start fresh at 18.
Start more than one application in your first weeks after diagnosis rather than waiting for one program to finish before beginning the next. Keep a simple list of every program applied to, the date submitted, and who to contact, so you can track several files at once. Ask your regional office directly whether a program requires Ontario Autism Program enrolment first, since some supports can be requested independently while others expect you to already be registered. For a First Nations family, apply for Jordan's Principle in parallel with everything else. Urgent requests can be made through the Jordan's Principle Call Centre. As your child nears adulthood, begin adult-program applications a year ahead of the transition, since none of these supports carry over automatically once childhood programs end. Check each program's own rules, since each one sets its own eligibility.
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SSAH (Special Services at Home) provides funding for respite and skills-development. ACSD (Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities) provides monthly financial support for low- and moderate-income families. Both are administered by MCCSS and can be applied for alongside OAP.
OAP itself includes caregiver-mediated and foundational family services that are accessible before Core Funding starts. These are part of OAP, not a separate program. Sign up through the AccessOAP portal or call 1-833-425-2445.
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is federal. Being eligible for provincial disability programs does not affect DTC eligibility. It is the gateway to the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Child Disability Benefit.
Jordan's Principle funds services for First Nations children when other programs are slow or do not cover. Apply through Indigenous Services Canada (1-855-572-4453). Urgent requests can be made through the Jordan's Principle Call Centre, which is open 24 hours a day.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides $1436/month income support plus health benefits for adults 18+ with documented disabilities. The application process may take a few months. Start the application up to six months before your child's 18th birthday to avoid a gap when OAP eligibility ends.
Passport Funding (through Developmental Services Ontario) provides at least $5,665/year (up to $45,604 based on need) for community participation and respite for adults 18+ with developmental disabilities. Passport agencies keep a list of people waiting for additional Passport funding. DSO can confirm eligibility from age 16, and services start after 18, so register with DSO at 16.
These adult programs do not transfer from OAP - each needs its own application, and services start at 18. Plan the transition in the year before your child turns 18.
In the first week after diagnosis, register for OAP and apply for the DTC (T2201). Start both early.
In the first month, apply for SSAH and ACSD through your MCCSS regional office. Both can be started without OAP enrolment.
For First Nations families, apply for Jordan's Principle in parallel - it can fund services when other programs leave a gap or delay.
| Program | Existing description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SSAH and ACSD | SSAH (Special Services at Home) provides funding for respite and skills-development. ACSD (Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities) provides monthly financial support for low- and moderate-income families. Both are administered by MCCSS and can be applied for alongside OAP. | MCCSS |
| OAP caregiver-mediated and foundational family services | OAP itself includes caregiver-mediated and foundational family services that are accessible before Core Funding starts. These are part of OAP, not a separate program. Sign up through the AccessOAP portal or call 1-833-425-2445. | MCCSS |
| Disability Tax Credit (DTC) | The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is federal. Being eligible for provincial disability programs does not affect DTC eligibility. It is the gateway to the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and the Child Disability Benefit. | CRA |
| Jordan's Principle | Jordan's Principle funds services for First Nations children when other programs are slow or do not cover. Apply through Indigenous Services Canada (1-855-572-4453). Urgent requests can be made through the Jordan's Principle Call Centre, which is open 24 hours a day. | Indigenous Services Canada |
| Source | What it supports | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| MCCSS | Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services - SSAH, ACSD, and OAP program guidelines | 2026-04-30 |
| CRA | Canada Revenue Agency - Disability Tax Credit Form T2201 requirements | 2026-04-30 |
| Passport Program (ontario.ca) | Passport funding starts at $5,665 a year, up to a maximum of $45,604, based on assessed need. | 2026-09-28 |
| Indigenous Services Canada | Jordan's Principle application contact: 1-855-572-4453 | 2026-04-30 |
Several programs help: SSAH (respite and skills), ACSD (monthly disability support), OAP's own caregiver-mediated services (available before Core Funding), ODSP and Passport Funding (for adults 18+), the federal Disability Tax Credit, and Jordan's Principle for First Nations children. Each program has its own rules, so check how they work together.
Yes. SSAH is run by MCCSS regional offices, and OAP intake is run by AccessOAP, an independent intake organization funded by MCCSS. They are separate funding streams. Apply to both.
Many autistic children may qualify for the federal Disability Tax Credit. It must be approved by the Canada Revenue Agency based on a Form T2201 completed by a qualified medical professional. The DTC opens access to the RDSP, the Child Disability Benefit, and the Canada Disability Savings Grant.
Yes - ODSP (income support), Passport Funding (community participation and respite for adults with developmental disabilities), and DSO (gateway to adult developmental services). Apply for DSO services and Passport through your local DSO, and apply for ODSP online or through the Social Assistance Support Line. The ODSP application process may take a few months, and Passport agencies keep a list of people waiting for additional Passport funding.
Jordan's Principle is a human rights principle, largely defined by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, that makes sure First Nations children do not face gaps or delays in getting government services. Apply through Indigenous Services Canada (1-855-572-4453). It can fund autism therapies, equipment, and services that other programs do not cover or are slow to deliver.
MCCSS
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services - SSAH, ACSD, and OAP program guidelines
Canada Revenue Agency - Disability Tax Credit Form T2201 requirements
Passport funding starts at $5,665 a year, up to a maximum of $45,604, based on assessed need.
Checked
Indigenous Services Canada
Jordan's Principle application contact: 1-855-572-4453
Most Ontario and federal programs that help while waiting for OAP can stack with each other. Apply to several at once, wait times vary.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: April 30, 2026.
What are OAP Foundational Family Services?
Foundational Family Services (FFS) are free OAP supports available without a waitlist, including parent workshops, coaching, and resource navigation. While valuable for learning strategies, FFS does NOT include direct therapy for children; families still face multi-year waits for Core Clinical Services that address skill development.
Source: Ontario Autism Program · Open source record
How much does Ontario fund for autism treatment?
Core Clinical Services funding ranges $6,600-$65,000 a year, set by the Determination of Needs. The total OAP budget is $965 million for 2026-27, up from $779 million in 2025-26 (Ontario Budget, March 26, 2026). Families choose their own providers with this funding.
Source: 2026 Ontario Budget · Open source record
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