How much SSAH funding can a family receive in Ontario?

Ontario does not publish a fixed province-wide SSAH minimum, maximum, or standard monthly amount. SSAH is a discretionary program. The ministry assesses an eligible child’s needs and family circumstances, then determines funding according to available program resources.

Who is eligible for Special Services at Home?

A child must be under 18, live in Ontario and meet the program's current residency or immigration-status requirements, and need more support than is expected for their age because of a physical or developmental disability. The child must live at home with their main caregiver, or live separately without government-funded residential support.

What expenses does SSAH cover?

SSAH can reimburse approved expenses in three categories: support for day-to-day activities, activities that support growth and development, and respite services or caregiver supports. The approval letter and program rules determine what an individual family may claim.

Does SSAH pay for ABA, speech therapy, or occupational therapy?

No. Ontario lists assessments and hands-on clinical therapy, including ABA, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counselling, psychotherapy, and psycho-educational assessments, as expenses that SSAH does not reimburse.

How do I apply for SSAH?

Apply through Ontario’s online SSAH application or submit the paper form to your local Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services regional office. An online application must be completed within 90 days. Do not submit duplicate applications for the same child.

How long do I have to submit SSAH expenses?

Ontario says families have one year from their Funding End Date to submit eligible expenses. For example, a March 31, 2026 Funding End Date has a March 31, 2027 expense deadline. Late expenses are not reimbursed.

Can I ask for a review if SSAH is denied?

Yes. The first-level review request must be made in writing to the Ministry regional office director or designate within 20 business days after receiving the decision letter. The decision letter explains the review process.

How long does SSAH take to reimburse an expense?

Ontario does not publish a standard number of days for SSAH reimbursement processing. The program only says to contact the business services unit listed in your approval package once an invoice has been outstanding for more than 30 business days—so treat that as the point to follow up, not a guaranteed payment date.

Special Services at Home

SSAH eligibility, expenses, deadlines, and review steps.

SSAH can reimburse approved respite and personal-development supports. Ontario does not publish a universal minimum, maximum, or standard monthly entitlement.

Open Ontario’s SSAH page

Check fit

The child and living arrangement must meet Ontario’s current disability, age, residency, and home-support rules.

Autism diagnosis alone does not set an amount
The ministry makes the decision

Describe support needs

Connect requested supports to daily activities, growth and development, respite, and caregiver circumstances.

Use specific examples
Attach requested evidence

Spend only after approval

The approval letter and current program rules decide what may be reimbursed.

Keep invoices and dates
Clinical therapy is not an SSAH substitute category

Track deadlines and review rights

Use the dates and review instructions in the decision and funding letters.

Submit expenses before the stated deadline
Request review in writing when applicable

Take the next step with the rule in front of you.

Open Ontario’s SSAH page

SSAH eligibility, expenses, deadlines, and review steps.

Check fit

Describe support needs

Spend only after approval

Track deadlines and review rights

Take the next step with the rule in front of you.

Put your SSAH plan together

Evidence for this guide

The source chain stays visible.

SSAH eligibility, expenses, deadlines, and review steps.

Check fit

Describe support needs

Spend only after approval

Track deadlines and review rights

Take the next step with the rule in front of you.

Put your SSAH plan together

Evidence for this guide

The source chain stays visible.