End The Wait Ontario
End The Wait Ontario
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Complete guide to SSAH funding for families of autistic children and adults. Learn eligibility, how to apply, the reimbursement process, and maximize your funding.
Annual SSAH amount
While waiting for OAP
How you spend it
SSAH (Special Services at Home) is an Ontario government program that provides funding to families of children with developmental disabilities, including autism. It helps pay for services and supports that allow children to live at home with their families.
What SSAH Is:
What SSAH Is NOT:
Approved expenses that SSAH funding can be used for
Temporary relief for caregivers so they can rest, attend appointments, or handle other responsibilities.
Programs that build your child's skills and your ability to support them.
Supports that help your child participate in community activities.
Items that support your child's safety, health, or development.
Who qualifies for SSAH funding in Ontario
Children under 18 years old who have a developmental disability (including autism). Some regions may allow applications up to age 17 or 18 for transition planning.
The child must have a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or other diagnosed developmental condition. A diagnosis from a qualified professional is required.
The child must live at home with their family. SSAH is designed to support families in caring for their children at home rather than out-of-home placement.
The child must be an Ontario resident and have a valid Ontario Health Card. Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status is required.
Families must demonstrate need for support based on the child's needs and the family's circumstances. This is assessed through the application process and considers factors like:
Step-by-step application process
SSAH applications are handled through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). Find your regional DSO office and contact them to request an SSAH application package. This is different from OAP applications—SSAH goes through DSO.
Regional DSO Contacts:
The SSAH application form asks for information about your child, their diagnosis, their needs, and your family situation. Be thorough and specific about your child's challenges and the supports you need.
You will need to include documentation such as: proof of diagnosis, Ontario Health Card, proof of residency, and any assessments or reports that demonstrate your child's needs.
Submit the completed application and all documentation to your regional DSO office. You can submit by mail, fax, or in person. Keep copies of everything you submit.
DSO will review your application and assess your child's needs. They may contact you for additional information or to clarify details. Processing times vary but typically take 4-8 weeks.
You will receive written notice of the decision, including your approved funding amount and any conditions. If approved, you will also receive information about how to access funding (direct funding or reimbursement).
How to access your SSAH funding and get reimbursed for expenses
Some families receive direct funding payments from SSAH. With direct funding, you receive money in advance and pay providers directly.
Direct Funding Process:
Most families use the reimbursement model. You pay for services upfront, then submit claims to SSAH for repayment.
Reimbursement Process:
When submitting reimbursement claims, you must include proper documentation:
Required:
Tips:
When applying, describe your child's needs in detail. Don't minimize challenges. Explain specific safety concerns, skill deficits, and how autism impacts daily life. More detail can lead to higher funding allocations.
Keep detailed records of your child's challenges, therapies, and progress. Include reports from therapists, teachers, and doctors. This documentation supports your application and any requests for increased funding.
SSAH funding is "use it or lose it." If you don't use your full allocation, it may be reduced in future years. Plan approved expenses strategically to ensure you use your full amount.
Don't let receipts pile up. Submit reimbursement claims regularly. This improves cash flow and ensures you claim within deadlines (usually one year from the expense date).
If your child's needs increase (due to growth, changes, or loss of other supports), request a reassessment of your SSAH funding. Provide documentation of the changed circumstances.
By Spencer Louis • Founder, End The Wait Ontario • Last updated: February 22, 2026
Spencer Louis is a parent advocate who has navigated the Ontario autism system personally. He has been invited by the World Health Organization to provide testimony on Ontario's autism services failures.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.
Complete guide to SSAH funding for families of autistic children and adults. Learn eligibility, how to apply, the reimbursement process, and maximize your funding.
Annual SSAH amount
While waiting for OAP
How you spend it
SSAH (Special Services at Home) is an Ontario government program that provides funding to families of children with developmental disabilities, including autism. It helps pay for services and supports that allow children to live at home with their families.
What SSAH Is:
What SSAH Is NOT:
Approved expenses that SSAH funding can be used for
Temporary relief for caregivers so they can rest, attend appointments, or handle other responsibilities.
Programs that build your child's skills and your ability to support them.
Supports that help your child participate in community activities.
Items that support your child's safety, health, or development.
Who qualifies for SSAH funding in Ontario
Children under 18 years old who have a developmental disability (including autism). Some regions may allow applications up to age 17 or 18 for transition planning.
The child must have a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or other diagnosed developmental condition. A diagnosis from a qualified professional is required.
The child must live at home with their family. SSAH is designed to support families in caring for their children at home rather than out-of-home placement.
The child must be an Ontario resident and have a valid Ontario Health Card. Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status is required.
Families must demonstrate need for support based on the child's needs and the family's circumstances. This is assessed through the application process and considers factors like:
Step-by-step application process
SSAH applications are handled through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). Find your regional DSO office and contact them to request an SSAH application package. This is different from OAP applications—SSAH goes through DSO.
Regional DSO Contacts:
The SSAH application form asks for information about your child, their diagnosis, their needs, and your family situation. Be thorough and specific about your child's challenges and the supports you need.
You will need to include documentation such as: proof of diagnosis, Ontario Health Card, proof of residency, and any assessments or reports that demonstrate your child's needs.
Submit the completed application and all documentation to your regional DSO office. You can submit by mail, fax, or in person. Keep copies of everything you submit.
DSO will review your application and assess your child's needs. They may contact you for additional information or to clarify details. Processing times vary but typically take 4-8 weeks.
You will receive written notice of the decision, including your approved funding amount and any conditions. If approved, you will also receive information about how to access funding (direct funding or reimbursement).
How to access your SSAH funding and get reimbursed for expenses
Some families receive direct funding payments from SSAH. With direct funding, you receive money in advance and pay providers directly.
Direct Funding Process:
Most families use the reimbursement model. You pay for services upfront, then submit claims to SSAH for repayment.
Reimbursement Process:
When submitting reimbursement claims, you must include proper documentation:
Required:
Tips:
When applying, describe your child's needs in detail. Don't minimize challenges. Explain specific safety concerns, skill deficits, and how autism impacts daily life. More detail can lead to higher funding allocations.
Keep detailed records of your child's challenges, therapies, and progress. Include reports from therapists, teachers, and doctors. This documentation supports your application and any requests for increased funding.
SSAH funding is "use it or lose it." If you don't use your full allocation, it may be reduced in future years. Plan approved expenses strategically to ensure you use your full amount.
Don't let receipts pile up. Submit reimbursement claims regularly. This improves cash flow and ensures you claim within deadlines (usually one year from the expense date).
If your child's needs increase (due to growth, changes, or loss of other supports), request a reassessment of your SSAH funding. Provide documentation of the changed circumstances.
By Spencer Louis • Founder, End The Wait Ontario • Last updated: February 22, 2026
Spencer Louis is a parent advocate who has navigated the Ontario autism system personally. He has been invited by the World Health Organization to provide testimony on Ontario's autism services failures.
Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is independently verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: February 1, 2026.