Special Services at Home (SSAH)
Offered by Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Provincial funding for respite, personal growth and developmental support for Ontario children under 18 with a physical or developmental disability, including autism.
Special Services at Home helps families caring for a child with a developmental and/or physical disability pay for supports beyond what is typical for the child's age. Funding falls into three categories: (1) day-to-day activities support (e.g. sensory-need items, special clothing, tutoring, social-skills programs), (2) personal growth and development activities, and (3) respite / caregiver relief — hired care workers, camp fees, before/after-school, PA-day, March Break and summer care, household help and supporter training.
Eligibility
Child under 18, Ontario resident legally entitled to be in Canada, with a documented physical and/or developmental disability (autism qualifies), living at home with the main caregiver (or living separately without other government-funded residential support), needing extra support beyond what is expected for their age.
How to apply
1. Apply online via the TPON portal (tpon.gov.on.ca/indiv/#/ssah) or submit a paper form to your local MCCSS regional office.\n2. Provide medical documentation from a regulated health professional describing the child's functional limitations.\n3. If approved, submit expense-reimbursement claims within one year of the funding end date.