Special Services at Home (SSAH) is an Ontario grant that provides funding for **personal growth, development, and family relief (respite)** for children with physical or developmental disabilities. [MCCSS] Families can use these funds to hire a support worker to help the child learn new skills or to provide the primary caregivers with a temporary break from caregiving duties.
SSAH funding is separate from the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and is managed by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Funding amounts are based on the individual needs of the child and the availability of Ministry resources. There is typically a waitlist for SSAH, so families are encouraged to apply immediately following a diagnosis.
A mother of two children, one of whom has autism and requires 1-on-1 support for community outings, receives $3,000 annually in SSAH funding. She uses the funds to hire a local university student as a support worker for 4 hours a week. This allows the child to practice social skills at the park while the mother spends dedicated time with her other child.
MCCSS
Verified Source (2026)
Ontario.ca
Verified Source (2026)
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Verified Facts
$965M, Ontario allocated to the Ontario Autism Program in 2026-27
According to the FAO (2020 report), OAP funding covers less than one-third of estimated need at 2018-19 service levels
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement