Passport Program Funding Guide for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

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.

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.

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.