Direct answer
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. It 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.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
Age: Child must be under 18 years old.
Personal development and growth: daily living skills programs, behaviour support programs, communication and social skills, mobility and developmental programs.
SSAH: any disability (physical or developmental), covers respite and skill-building, waitlist varies by region.
Step 1: Gather documents — written diagnosis, proof of Canadian residency/citizenship (birth certificate, PR card), proof of Ontario residency (utility bill, school registration, driver's licence).
Age: Child must be under 18 years old.
Residency: Must live in Ontario and be legally entitled to live in Canada.
Disability: Must have a documented physical or developmental disability creating ongoing functional limitations.
Support need: Must require support beyond what families typically provide for daily activities.
Living situation: Must live at home with their main caregiver — not in a government-funded residential program.
Personal development and growth: daily living skills programs, behaviour support programs, communication and social skills, mobility and developmental programs.
Family relief and respite: caregiver relief services, support workers for home-based care, community-based respite programs, short-term out-of-home respite.
SSAH does NOT cover clinical therapies (ABA, SLP, OT). Those are funded through the Ontario Autism Program.
SSAH: any disability (physical or developmental), covers respite and skill-building, waitlist varies by region.
OAP: autism diagnosis required, covers clinical therapies (ABA, SLP, OT), 5+ year waitlist.
Families can apply for both simultaneously — they are not mutually exclusive. While 69,166 children wait for OAP core services, SSAH can provide interim respite relief.
Step 1: Gather documents — written diagnosis, proof of Canadian residency/citizenship (birth certificate, PR card), proof of Ontario residency (utility bill, school registration, driver's licence).
Step 2: Complete the application — online at ontario.ca or on paper. You have 90 days to complete the online application.
Step 3: Submit and wait — the ministry reviews 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 joint custody, only one parent applies for funding.
Ontario MCCSS
Special Services at Home — ontario.ca/page/special-services-home
Side-by-side comparison of SSAH, ACSD, caregiver-mediated services, ODSP, Passport Funding, the Disability Tax Credit, and Jordan's Principle. Eligibility, wait times, and overlap rules.
Caregiver respite for autism is funded through MCCSS Community Living programs, separate from OAP. ODSP provides up to $110/month disability-related benefit. Families can access both.
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.
Written by Spencer Carroll
Founder & Autism Advocate