Get funding for autism support services or therapy

Once a child is approved for funding, the parent or guardian will receive a letter that outlines the funding available and the funding period dates. Then, they can select service providers.

• Find the right service providers

Discuss your child's needs and therapy plan with your service provider. Work with them to complete the Request to Pay (RTP) Service Providers / Suppliers Form (PDF). Submit the form to the Autism Funding Program once it's complete. The fastest way to submit the form is through My Family Services. 

Only services that are qualified for funding are approved. This is based on international best practices and evidence to make sure that therapies or approaches will be successful.

The following are some services that do not qualify for funding:

• Child care
• Respite 
• Recreation lessons (e.g. swimming or karate)
• Medical services
• Out-of-province services

There may be some exceptions. Work closely with your service providers to write a thorough explanation that outlines how or why a specific service will be effective for your child's skill development. The service must align with your child's behaviour plan of intervention.

Submit your form only once per year.

The fastest way to submit the form is through My Family Services. You can also send the form by email, mail or fax. This option can take up to one month.

Parents receive an authorization letter once their request to pay a specific service provider is approved. They're responsible for hiring and managing their team of service providers.

Up to 20% of total funding can be allocated to buy equipment that will support your child's skill development, pay for autism-related training or travel to access services.

Change the amount of money you allocate to a service provider. Transfer money using My Family Services, ask the Autism Funding team to make the change for you, or send in the Request to Amend Invoice Payment Authorization (PDF).

After services are delivered, service providers invoice Autism Funding, which pays the service provider directly.

Services are not eligible for parent reimbursement.

Invoices must be submitted to the Autism Funding Branch within six months of purchasing the service, equipment, training or travel. The date determines which funding period the amount is taken from.

• Paying your service providers

Manage your funding online. Use My Family Services to check your funding balance, see your invoices or send a message to the funding team.

Change the amount of money you allocate to a service provider. Transfer money using My Family Services, ask the Autism Funding team to make the change for you, or send in the Request to Amend Invoice Payment Authorization (PDF).

Plan your funding for the following year. Consider what services and supports you'd like to budget for during next funding year:

• Resubmit the Request to Pay Service Providers/ Suppliers Form (PDF) for each service provider – indicate the maximum amount that a service provider can invoice during that funding period
• Plan for equipment, training or travel expenses

Provide updated information. Let the Autism Funding team know within 30 days of any changes in address, child’s care or custody, or circumstances that might impact your funding.