Raising a child with a disability can come with additional costs, stressors and challenges. In order to better support parents and caregivers, there are multiple government services, benefits and tax credits that are designed to ease financial pressures and create new opportunities for those caring for a child with a disability. The CLKD Family Support team has gathered information on some of the most common programs and are available to help families with applications or to provide more information about eligible expenses. The information in this guide is subject to change at any time - please follow the links for the most up to date and accurate information.
Canada Child Benefit A tax-free monthly payment to help families with the costs of raising children under 18 years of age. Payments are based on income and families can receive up to $6,765 per child under age 6 and up to $5708 per child age 6 to 17. Ontario also has the Ontario Child Benefit program that provides up to an additional $121 a month for low and moderate income families. More Information
Disability Tax Credit A non-refundable tax credit that can be claimed by an individual with a disability or their supporting person (parents/guardians). The basic disability amount is $8,576 and those under 18 years of age may be able to claim an additional $5,003. Necessary Documentation: The Disability Tax Credit can be claimed once the CRA has approved Form T2201 – Disability Tax Credit Certificate. This form must be filled out by a medical practitioner. More Information
Information on how to claim the disability amount for a dependent: Learn More
T2201 – Disability Tax Credit Certificate: T2201 Form
Child Disability Benefit A tax-free monthly payment made to families caring for a child under 18 years of age with a severe and prolonged physical or mental disability. In order to receive the Child Disability Benefit, you must be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit and the Disability Tax Credit. The benefit is adjusted based on income and the maximum annual benefit is $2,886. Necessary documentation: If you already receive the Canada Child Benefit and have submitted the T2201 – Disability Tax Credit Certificate, you do not need to apply for the Child Disability Benefit. You will receive it automatically along with your Canada Child Benefit payment. Learn More
Canada Caregiver Credit A non-refundable tax credit that can be claimed for a dependent with a physical or mental impairment. For a child under 18 years of age that requires significantly more assistance in attending to personal needs compared to similarly aged children, you may be entitled to claim up to $2,273. Necessary Documentation: The CRA may ask for a signed statement from a medical practitioner showing proof of the impairment and the expected duration. For children, the statement should also show that the child is and will likely continue to be dependent on others for an indefinite duration. You do NOT need a signed statement if the CRA has also approved Form T2201 – Disability Tax Credit Certificate. Read More
Funding Programs for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Special Services at Home A funding program to help families caring for a child with a developmental and/or physical disability. Eligible expenses: Activities that help children learn or improve skills and abilities, camps, recreation programs, respite, support worker(s) to enable participation in community activities, routine homemaking tasks (light housekeeping, meal prep, laundry etc. in order to reduce caregiving burden on parents) Application: One time application Funding: Annual amount, managed by CLKD or directly by families Receiving funds: Families are required to purchase items or arrange support workers and submit receipts for reimbursement More Information
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities A funding program for low to moderate income families caring for a child with a severe disability. Eligible expenses: Travel to doctors appointments, hospitals and other disability-related appointments, special shoes or clothing, respite, assistive devices, prescription drugs, dental and vision care Application: Annual application Funding: Monthly amount based on income, paid directly to families Receiving Funds: Families receive funds directly each month and are asked to track expenses More Information
Easter Seals Ontario Easter Seals has played an important role in providing support for children and youth with physical disabilities. Eligible expenses: purchase of essential mobility and accessibility equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, porch lifts and ramps, toileting aids and bathing equipment. Easter Seals also helps by providing summer camp opportunities, incontinence Supplies Grant Program and the Top-Up Program. Application: Online Child registration form and applications Funding: Depends on request Receiving funds: Families are directly given funds More Information
Autism-Specific Funding Ontario Autism Program (subject to change in 2021) A funding program to support children with autism. Eligible expenses: See link for list of eligible expenses Application: One time application for initial funding Funding: Annual budget, paid directly to families Receiving funds: Families receive funds in advance and are expected to submit receipts and invoices on an annual basis. More Information