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SSAH (Special Services at Home) is an Ontario government program providing direct funding to families caring for children under 18 with developmental or physical disabilities, including autism. SSAH covers respite care (caregiver relief) and personal development activities (daily living skills, behaviour programs, communication, social skills). It is separate from the Ontario Autism Program and does not cover clinical therapies like ABA, speech, or OT.
SSAH does not cover: Clinical therapies such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. These are funded through the Ontario Autism Program.
| Feature | SSAH | OAP |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Any disability (physical or developmental) | Autism diagnosis required |
| Covers | Respite and skill-building | Clinical therapies (ABA, speech, OT) |
| Waitlist | Varies by region | 5-7+ years |
| Can apply for both? | Yes — not mutually exclusive | |
Written diagnosis, proof of Canadian residency/citizenship (birth certificate, PR card, etc.), and proof of Ontario residency (utility bill, school registration, driver's licence).
Complete the SSAH application form online at ontario.ca or on paper. You have 90 days to complete the online application.
The ministry reviews your application for eligibility and funding amount. SSAH is a discretionary program — funding depends on available resources.
Important: Only one individual with decision-making responsibility for the child can apply. If there is joint custody, only one parent can apply for funding.
Next steps
67,399 children are waiting for OAP core services. Learn what you can do now.
Have questions about SSAH or other Ontario autism supports?
Get Help NowVerified Facts
87,692 — children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
23.1% — 23,875 children enrolled in Core Clinical Services; 20,293 have active funding agreements ()
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement
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