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Guide
The Passport Program provides funding for community participation, person-directed planning, and respite for adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario. Funding can pay for day programs, social skills groups, employment supports, and caregiver respite. This guide covers the application process from DSO registration to spending your approved funds.
The Passport Program is for Ontario residents aged 18 or older who are found eligible for adult developmental services through Developmental Services Ontario. An autism diagnosis by itself may not be enough. Ask DSO what records prove eligibility.
Find your local DSO office through the MCCSS website. Call or visit to start the application process. You will need proof of identity, proof of Ontario residency, and documentation of your developmental disability.
The DSO will guide you through the application form. You will describe your support needs, goals for community participation, and any respite requirements. A support coordinator may help you fill out the application if needed.
All Passport recipients receive at least $5,500 each year. You can apply for additional funding, up to a maximum of $44,275. DSO assesses your needs, and additional funding may be provided as it becomes available.
You can choose from approved agencies or hire workers directly. Services can include day programs, recreational activities, skills training, and respite care. Keep records of all providers and services for your annual reporting.
Pay providers and submit invoices to Passport for reimbursement, or use direct billing if available. Track your spending against your approved budget. Unused funds may not carry over, so plan your spending across the full funding period.
Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Passport Program guidelines and funding information (ontario.ca/page/passport-program)
Developmental Services Ontario
DSO eligibility process and office locations (dsontario.ca)
Passport funds can pay for community participation supports, person-directed planning, and caregiver respite. This includes day programs, recreational activities, social skills groups, employment supports, and hiring a support worker. It cannot be used for medical treatments or therapies covered by OHIP.
Passport agencies keep the list of people waiting for additional Passport funding. Your priority for additional funding is not based on how long you have waited. Tell DSO if your application information changes so it can reassess and prioritize you using current information.
Yes. Passport funding is not considered income for ODSP purposes. You can receive both Passport Program supports and ODSP income support simultaneously without any reduction to either benefit.
Next Steps
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 Resources
How long do families wait for Ontario autism services?
VerifiedOntario autism wait times for core clinical services now exceed 5+ years (Ontario Autism Coalition, July 2026). Funding invitations are currently reaching families who registered in August 2021 (Ontario Autism Coalition, July 2026 (reported from community intake)). This delay far exceeds the sensitive early intervention window recommended by developmental specialists.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
How many children are on the Ontario autism waitlist in 2026?
VerifiedAs of May 13, 2026, 91,974 children are registered with the Ontario Autism Program. However, only 20,711 (22.5%) have an active Core Funding Agreement. This represents ~300% growth in registrations since 2019, with 71,263 children still waiting for essential funding.
Source: MCCSS FOI via OAC · Mar 2026, FAO Report 2024 · Verify Link
Is the Ontario Autism Program underfunded?
VerifiedYes. The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) determined that $1.35 billion annually is needed to serve all registered children at 2018-19 service levels. The 2026-27 Ontario Budget allocated $965 million, leaving an estimated $385M+ annual shortfall. This gap is the primary driver of the perpetual 91,974+ child waitlist.
Source: Financial Accountability Office of Ontario [FAO] · Verify Link