What is Interim Funding in the Ontario Autism Program?

Interim funding, officially called the OAP Childhood Budget, provides temporary financial support to families while they wait for core clinical services. As of December 2026, approximately 17,500 children receive interim funding ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 annually based on family income and child's age. This is significantly less than core clinical services funding.

Children with an autism diagnosis who are registered with OAP but not yet receiving core clinical services may qualify for interim funding. Eligibility considers factors including length of time on waitlist, family income, and child's age. However, interim funding has limited capacity and not all waiting children receive it.

OAP interim funding (Childhood Budget) amounts range from $5,000 to $35,000 per year based on a means test considering family income and child's age. The maximum is available to lower-income families with younger children. Higher-income families may receive reduced or no interim funding despite having a child on the waitlist.

To apply for OAP interim funding, you must first be registered with OAP. Contact Access OAP at 1-833-425-2445 to express interest in interim funding. You will need to complete an application providing information about family income, child's age, and length of time on waitlist. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks.

No. OAP interim funding (Childhood Budget) ends when your child begins receiving core clinical services. At that point, the higher needs-based core clinical funding takes over. Families cannot receive both interim and core clinical funding simultaneously.

Interim funding can be spent on a broader range of services than core clinical funding, including eligible autism services, tools, and equipment. However, purchases must be made through the OAP Childhood Budget direct payment option or reimbursement process. Not all autism-related expenses are eligible.

Core Clinical Services funding is needs-based ($6,600-$65,000/year) and must be used with OAP-approved service providers for specific therapies. Interim funding (Childhood Budget) is income-based ($5,000-$35,000/year) and offers more flexibility in purchasing eligible services and equipment. Interim funding is temporary until core clinical services become available.

Yes. Unlike core clinical services which are needs-based but not income-tested, interim funding (Childhood Budget) is income-tested. Lower-income families receive higher amounts up to $35,000, while higher-income families may receive reduced amounts or no interim funding at all.

As of December 2026, approximately 17,500 children receive OAP interim funding (Childhood Budget) out of 87,692 total registered children. This means only about 20% of waiting children receive interim support, leaving 80% with no funding while waiting 5-7 years for core services.

Yes. Receiving OAP interim funding does not prevent parents from working. However, your employment income is considered in the means test that determines your interim funding amount. Higher family income may reduce the interim funding amount your child receives.