Funding Information
There are a number of payment and funding options available to help cover the cost of therapy services.
AUTISM FUNDING PROGRAM
The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) provides two Autism Funding Programs:
Autism Funding: Under Age 6
The Autism Funding Under Age 6 provides up to $22,000 per year per child to assist in purchasing intervention and therapy services.
Autism Funding: Ages 6-18
The Autism Funding Ages 6-18 program provides up to $6,000 per year per child to assist them with the cost of purchasing intervention and therapy.
The funding is available in all regions of the province and is intended to assist parents in purchasing intervention services that best suit their child’s needs.
If your child has been diagnosed with ASD, and you wish to enroll in the Autism Funding Program, contact your local Ministry of Children and Family Development office to complete a funding agreement.
AT HOME PROGRAM
The At Home Program assists parents with some of the extraordinary costs of caring for a child with severe disabilities at home through a range of health supports and services.
It provides assistance in two main areas: Respite and Medical Benefits.
The At Home Program is for children and youth with severe disabilities who are:
- Assessed by an At Home Program assessor as dependent in at least three of the four functional activities of daily living (eating, dressing, toileting, and washing); and
- living at home with a parent or guardian.
To apply for the At Home Program, contact toll-free: 1 800 613-3232 or Victoria: 250 387-9649
BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit
The new BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit provides direct funding for children (ages 0 to 19) who have lifelong disability resulting in significant and/or complex needs.
- Eligibility and funding amounts are based on a child’s level of need, not household income:
- Base tier: $6,500 per year
- Higher tier: up to $17,000 per year, determined through support planning with a ministry worker or other professional
- Money must be used for disability-related supports that improves a child’s functioning and daily life.
- Families can choose from three payment options, offering flexibility to meet their needs
BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement
The new BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement is a monthly payment to help middle- and low-income families with the cost of raising a child with support needs.
- Families will automatically receive the supplement if they:
- Are approved for the Canada Disability Tax Credit
- Meet household income thresholds, and
- File their tax return each year
- Families can receive up to $6,000 per year per child, depending on household income.
- Payments are deposited monthly with the Canada Child Benefit.
- First payments begin July 2027, based on the 2026 tax return.
- Families can decide how to spend the money, allowing more flexibility and autonomy.
EXTENDED HEALTH BENEFITS
Individuals may have extended health care benefits offered through their employer, which may cover therapy provided by a Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist or Clinical Counselor.
Please review your extended health care plan to determine coverage and direct billing eligibility.
JORDAN’S PRINCIPLE
For more information, visit https://jordansprinciplehubbc.
CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) is administered by the Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Under the Crime Victim Assistance Act, victims injured as a result of certain crimes may be eligible for financial assistance or benefits.
If you or your child is a victim of a crime and would like more information, please contact toll-free in BC: 1-866-660-3888
OUT OF POCKET
Individuals may choose to pay for their child’s services without the help of funding.
To accommodate this, Little Steps Therapy Services accepts Visa, Mastercard, Cash, and Cheques, and Interac E-Transfers.
