2026 Complete Guide
Funding GuideFrom the OAP Childhood Budget to the Disability Tax Credit and RDSP, a complete breakdown of every funding source available to Ontario autism families in 2026.
Last updated: March 2026
What families pay
In the absence of public funding, families absorb costs the programme was designed to cover.
Registered
88,175Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Funded
20,666Have active funding
Only 23.4% of registered children
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Waiting
67,509Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Verified , CBC FOI Jan 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 88,175 |
| Have active funding | 20,666 |
| Still waiting | 67,509 |
The OAP Childhood Budget is the primary autism funding program in Ontario. It provides direct funding to eligible families to purchase approved autism services, including ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more, from approved providers.
Max/year ages 0–5
Base/year ages 6–17
Core Clinical Services max
The OAP waitlist is one of Ontario's most severe healthcare crises. As of January 2026, 88,175 children are registered with the OAP, and 76.6% (67,509children) are unfunded and waiting. Average wait for Core Clinical Services has reached 5+ years.
Children registered (January 7, 2026)
Currently unfunded
Average wait for core services
The Disability Tax Credit is a federal non-refundable tax credit that reduces the income tax you owe. For a child with autism, you may receive up to $9,428 back (2024). Crucially, DTC eligibility also unlocks the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), which can be worth far more over time.
Amount
Up to $9,428/year federal + provincial supplement
How to Apply
CRA Form T2201 signed by your healthcare provider
Retroactive
Can apply retroactively for up to 10 years
Unlocks
RDSP, Caregiver Credit, Child Disability Benefit
The RDSP is a long-term savings plan for people with disabilities (and their families). The federal government contributes Canada Disability Savings Grants (CDSG) of up to $3,500/year and Canada Disability Savings Bonds (CDSB) of up to $1,000/year for low-income families, regardless of how much you contribute. Maximum lifetime government contribution: $70,000 in grants + $20,000 in bonds.
Government Grants (CDSG)
$70,000
Lifetime maximum in grants
Government Bonds (CDSB)
$20,000
For low-income families
Requires DTC: You must have an approved Disability Tax Credit certificate to open an RDSP. Apply for the DTC first, then open the RDSP at any major bank.
The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) launched in 2025 and provides monthly income support to working-age adults (18–64) with disabilities, including autistic adults. The base amount is approximately $200/month for low-income recipients, with higher amounts available for those earning less. This is a means-tested benefit, income affects the amount received.
ODSP provides income and employment support to adults (18+) with disabilities in Ontario. For autistic adults who cannot work or have limited earnings capacity, ODSP provides monthly income support (basic needs + shelter allowance) and extended health benefits including dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
While waiting for OAP funding, there are free and low-cost services available to Ontario autism families right now, including school-based supports, community programs, and government subsidies. Do not wait for OAP to begin supporting your child.
Common Questions
Quick Reference
| Program | Amount | Who | Government |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAP Childhood Budget | $5K–$20K/year | Children under 18 | Provincial |
| OAP Core Clinical | Up to $55K/year | Children under 18 | Provincial |
| Disability Tax Credit | Up to $9,428/year | All ages | Federal |
| RDSP | Up to $70K grants + $20K bonds | All ages (DTC required) | Federal |
| Canada Disability Benefit | ~$200/month | Adults 18–64 | Federal |
| ODSP | Up to $1,228/month | Adults 18+ | Provincial |
Ontario's autism funding levels have not kept pace with demand. 67,509 children are waiting with no funded services. The Childhood Budget base amounts are far below the actual cost of evidence-based therapy. Most families must spend $2,000–$8,000/month out of pocket.
Read the Full Crisis ReportCommitment 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