Passport Program Funding Guide for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
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Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services · Developmental Services Ontario · Verified 2026-05-13
- Annual Passport funding (typical)
- $5,665 minimum; $45,604 maximum
- Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Guide values reviewed .
Guide values reviewed . Program amounts and eligibility can change; confirm them with the administering agency.
Program facts at a glance
Guide values reviewed 2026-05-13
Program facts and sources
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of DSO offices province-wide | 9 agencies | Developmental Services Ontario |
| Minimum age for Passport eligibility | Not yet confirmed against the official amount | We are still checking the source for this figure |
| Recommended age to apply to DSO | 16 | Developmental Services Ontario |
How the Passport Program Works
The Passport Program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. It provides direct funding to eligible individuals or their families. Recipients choose their own services and manage payments to service providers.
There are two streams: community participation and person-directed planning. Community participation covers activities that build social connections and life skills. Person-directed planning helps individuals set goals and find community resources.
Funding is not automatic. DSO and Passport timing varies by region and need. Families should apply as soon as their child turns 16 and ask DSO for current local timing.
Eligible Expenses
Passport funding covers a broad range of community-based supports. Eligible expenses include social and recreational programs, day programs, and person-directed planning facilitation. It also covers respite services for primary caregivers.
The program does not cover residential costs, medical treatments, or therapies already funded by OHIP. It does not replace OAP services. Each expense must relate to community participation or caregiver respite.
Service providers do not need to be registered with DSO. Families can hire support workers directly. They must keep receipts and submit expense reports to their transfer payment agency.
DSO Application Process
Applications go through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). There are nine DSO offices across the province. Applicants need evidence of a developmental disability that began before age 18. An autism diagnosis alone may not prove eligibility.
The application includes a functional assessment and a support needs questionnaire. DSO determines eligibility and places approved applicants on the waitlist. The waitlist is prioritized based on urgency and need.
Families should bring all clinical documentation to the DSO intake meeting. This includes the autism diagnosis report, functional assessments, and any previous service plans. Complete documentation speeds up the process.
Evidence and sources
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Passport Program guidelines and eligible expenses (ontario.ca)
Developmental Services Ontario
Application process and regional office locations (dsontario.ca)
Frequently asked questions
It depends. DSO eligibility requires a developmental disability as defined by Ontario law. This includes significant limitations in adaptive functioning. An autism diagnosis alone may not be sufficient. A comprehensive assessment documenting functional limitations is needed.
Wait times vary by region and by assessed need. Contact your regional DSO office and Passport agency for current estimates. Applying early is critical.
No. Passport funding is for community participation and caregiver respite. It does not cover clinical therapies like ABA. ABA therapy for adults may be covered through other programs or private insurance.
Where the waitlist stands
Families navigating autism services in Ontario face a documented multi-year wait. Here is the Ontario data — and a two-minute way to push back, when you are ready.
Related pages
- Ontario Human Rights Code protections for parents of autistic children. How to request flexible work arrangements, family status accommodations, and know your legal rights.
- Estate planning for Ontario autism families: wills, trusts, guardianship, RDSP, and ODSP-compatible strategies to protect your child's future.
- Everything Ontario autism families need to know about Henson Trusts — how they protect ODSP eligibility, setup costs, trustee selection, and common mistakes to avoid.
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