Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
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Caring for a loved one with complex needs can come with additional financial and planning requirements. These government benefits, tax credits, and other programs exist to ease the burden.
Caring for a loved one with complex needs can come with additional financial and planning requirements. These government benefits, tax credits, and other programs exist to ease the burden.
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
What they do: Provincial income support providing essential monthly living allowances, prescription drug coverage, and vision care benefits for adults with permanent disabilities.
Website: ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program
If you’d like to talk to a parent with experience navigating the ODSP application process, please click here
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) - (Age 18 Years+)
What they do: DSO is the point of access for adult developmental services that are funded by the Ontario Government. In Ottawa, we are served by the DSO Eastern Region. Once a DSO application is made and accepted, you will be eligible to participate in the Passport Program, qualify for the ODSP, and have access to Ontario Government funded services and supports (subject to availability). Although services start at age 18, it is highly recommended to apply at age 16. DSO has housing navigators and can provide urgent assistance to support adults.
Website: dsontario.ca
If you’d like to talk to a parent with experience navigating the DSO application process, please click here
Passport Program (Age 18 Years+)
What they do: Approve and administer provincial funding that helps adults with developmental disabilities pay for community participation, continuing education, respite care, and independent living skills. Approximate minimum per year $5600 as of August 2026. Apply through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). The Passport Program is administered in Ottawa by the March of Dimes Canada.
Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/passport-program-adults-developmental-disability
ACCESS 2 Card Program (All ages)
What they do: Easter Seals Canada’s program which provides support to make entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities are more available to people with permanent disabilities who are required to use a support person to venues and events. The person with a disability pays for their entrance cost and the support person’s entrance cost is either free or discounted. Cineplex, Landmark Cinemas, and many local Ottawa venues accept the Access 2 Card. There is an annual fee and application process for the ACCESS 2 Card Program.
Website: https://access2card.ca/
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) (Age Under 18 Years)
What they do: A monthly benefit provided to low-to-moderate-income families to help offset the extraordinary costs of raising a child under 18 with a severe disability. As of August 2026 monthly amounts of $25 to $678 a month may be available through ACSD.
Website: ontario.ca
Special Services at Home (SSAH) (Age Under 18 Years)
What they do: Funding designed to help primary caregivers hire personal support or respite workers to assist children with developmental disabilities in their daily home life.
Canada Revenue Agency -Disability Tax Credit (Any Age) and Other Benefits, Credits and Programs
What they do: A non-refundable tax credit that helps individuals with impairments (or their supporting family caregivers) reduce the amount of income tax they have to pay. The Disability Tax Credit is also the gateway to setting up a Registered Disability Savings Plan, receiving the Canada Disability Benefit (Age 18-64), and various other tax credits.
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html
Canada Revenue Agency – Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) (Age 60 and Younger)
What they do: The RDSP is a savings plan for individuals who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit and is a tax-assisted plan used to save and invest for your loved one’s future. The federal government makes contributions (known as bonds and grants) based on income to the RDSP to boost personal contributions. An RDSP must be set up with a financial institution, including most Canadian banks.
Government of Canada - Canada Disability Benefit (Age 18-64)
What they do: The Canada Disability Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment of up to $200 per month for low-income, working-age adults with disabilities.
Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit.html
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