Ontario

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

Complex application

Tax filing not required

If you are a parent or guardian who is caring for a child with a severe disability you may be able to get financial support through the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) Program. This program provides financial support for low-income and moderate-income families to cover some of the extra costs of caring for a child who has a severe disability.

Eligible parents and guardians can receive between $25 and $500 a month to help with disability-related costs, such as:

  • Travel expenses to doctor appointments and hospitals.
  • Special shoes/clothes.
  • Trained caregivers.
  • Parental relief.

How much a family receives depends on:

  • The family's income.
  • The severity of the disability.
  • The difficulties the child has.
  • The extraordinary costs related to the disability.

You may be able to get this benefit if you are a parent or guardian of a child who:

  • Is under 18 years of age.
  • Lives in Ontario.
  • Lives at home.
  • Has a severe disability that creates extraordinary costs.

Social Insurance Number

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

To apply:

  1. Contact your local regional office and ask for an application form.
  2. Complete the application form and return it to the regional office along with any documentation asked for.
  3. A special agreements officer will review your application and will contact you if they need more information.
  4. You will receive a letter stating whether or not you qualify for a grant and, if so, how much you will receive.

Last updated: August 31, 2021