Funding & financial supports
This is the category families ask about first and understand least. Government programs come first, then charities that help pay for things. Each has its own application, and your child's care team can help with the forms.
Ontario programs
Special Services at Home
OntarioMoney for respite and for activities that build a child's skills, for children with a developmental or physical disability.
Visit ontario.ca (opens in a new tab)Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
OntarioMonthly help with the extra costs of a severe disability, for lower and middle income families with a child under 18.
Visit ontario.ca (opens in a new tab)Assistive Devices Program
OntarioProvincial funding toward wheelchairs, walkers, orthoses, communication devices and more.
Visit ontario.ca (opens in a new tab)Enhanced Respite for Medically Fragile and Technology Dependent Children
OntarioExtra respite funding for children who need constant medical care.
Visit ontario.ca (opens in a new tab)Complex Special Needs funding
OntarioSupport for children with several complex needs that regular programs cannot meet.
Northern Health Travel Grant
OntarioHelp with travel costs when a northern family must travel far for specialist care.
Visit ontario.ca (opens in a new tab)
In plain language
Two Ontario programs help with ongoing costs: Special Services at Home and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities. A third, the Assistive Devices Program, helps pay for equipment. Charities can help with what those programs leave out.
Federal programs
Disability Tax Credit
CanadaA tax credit that also opens the door to the two programs below.
Visit canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Child Disability Benefit
CanadaA monthly tax-free payment for families of a child who qualifies for the Disability Tax Credit.
Visit canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Registered Disability Savings Plan
CanadaLong-term savings, with government grants and bonds added.
Visit canada.ca (opens in a new tab)Jordan's Principle
CanadaMakes sure First Nations children get the health, social and school supports they need.
Visit sac-isc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
Charities that help pay
Easter Seals Ontario equipment funding
Province-wideHelp with equipment costs that the Assistive Devices Program and insurance do not cover, for children with physical disabilities.
Visit easterseals.org (opens in a new tab)Easter Seals Ontario Incontinence Supplies Grant
Province-wideA yearly grant toward diapers and supplies for children aged 3 to 18 with a lasting disability.
Visit easterseals.org (opens in a new tab)Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity
Province-wideFinancial help for Ontario families of children 21 and under who are seriously ill or have a permanent disability.
Visit jenash.org (opens in a new tab)Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsyFunding help for members with cerebral palsy.
Visit ofcp.ca (opens in a new tab)March of Dimes Canada, Home and Vehicle Modification Program
Province-wideFunding and help for ramps, lifts and vehicle changes.
Visit marchofdimes.ca (opens in a new tab)Muscular Dystrophy Canada equipment program
Neuromuscular conditionsEquipment funding for neuromuscular conditions.
Visit muscle.ca (opens in a new tab)SMILE Canada Support Services
Province-wideFinancial help, parent coaching and navigation for children and youth up to 21.
Visit smilecan.org (opens in a new tab)Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program
Many communitiesShort-term loans of basic equipment.
Visit redcross.ca (opens in a new tab)Access 2 Card (Easter Seals)
CanadaFree or discounted entry for a support person at attractions and theatres.
Visit access2card.ca (opens in a new tab)
Website links open each organization's own site in a new tab. We share them for information only. Advocating for Better is not connected to these organizations and is not responsible for their services or websites. Please confirm details directly with them.
Programs checked October 2026 on Government of Ontario and Government of Canada pages and each charity's own website.
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