OAP Funding in Hamilton

OAP interim funding rates are set province-wide. Children under 6 receive $22,000/year. Children aged 6 and older receive $5,500/year. These are the current one-time interim funding amounts, once your child reaches core clinical services (after the waitlist), funding is determined by a Needs Assessment ($6,600–$65,000/year based on needs level).

The estimated wait in Hamilton is 5+ years (ETWO analysis of MCCSS FOI data). This reflects the province-wide crisis, 91,974 children are registered on the OAP waitlist across Ontario. Register as soon as your child receives a diagnosis. Your registration date determines your position.

Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) in Hamilton is served by DSO Hamilton-Niagara. Call 905-521-7150 to register for adult developmental services. DSO supports adults 18+. Wait times can exceed 10 years in many regions. Apply early, ideally before age 16.

ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) is for adults 18 and older. For children on the OAP waitlist, the relevant program is Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), which provides up to $700/month in supplemental support. Contact the ODSP Hamilton at 905-521-7280 for more information. Hamilton ODSP covers the Hamilton-Wentworth area. ACSD may help children while they wait for OAP services.

In addition to OAP, families in Hamilton may qualify for: Disability Tax Credit (DTC); Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Disability Supplement; Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD); Hamilton Community Foundation disability grants (check hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca); RDSP.

Call AccessOAP at 1-833-425-2445 immediately after your child receives an autism diagnosis. Registration date determines your waitlist position. You will complete an intake assessment and wait for an invitation to core clinical services. For children under 6, interim funding of $22,000/year is available during the wait.