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Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD)

Monthly support for families caring for severely disabled children

Offered by
Government of Ontario
Official source: ontario.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 25 - $ 678
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Parents of a child with a severe disability
See full eligibility

Overview

Provides up to $665 per month to help eligible families cover the extraordinary costs of caring for a child with a severe disability. Support can help pay for disability-related needs such as medical travel, special clothing and respite care.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$678
Minimum funding
$25
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Ontario
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
$ 76,920 maximum revenue
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Youth (<40)
Legal structures
All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

ACSD payment and income limits increased

Ontario increased the ACSD maximum monthly payment to $678 and raised the household income eligibility threshold to $77,640, and the application form now notes a French version is available.

See more

Ontario increased the maximum monthly ACSD payment from $665 to $678, and the program page now says the July 2026 increase took effect on July 1, 2026. The household income eligibility threshold also increased from $76,920 to $77,640, and the application form now notes that a French version is available.

Official source: ontario.ca
August 1, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Parents of a child with a severe disability
  • Guardians of a child with a severe disability

Who is not eligible

  • Tourists or visitors in Canada for a short period or temporary purpose

Eligible expenses

  • travel to doctors’ appointments, hospitals and other appointments related to the child’s disability
  • special shoes and clothes
  • parental relief such as respite

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Disability-related costs already covered by private insurance
  • Costs covered through other programs such as the Assistive Devices Program, Ontario Works, or the Ontario Disability Support Program
  • Travel costs to visit the child
  • The portion of expenses already covered by other supports, such as Easter Seals Ontario for incontinence supplies

Eligible geographic areas

  • Ontario

Activities funded

  • Support for a child’s disability-related medical travel and treatment needs
  • Arranging respite and family relief care linked to the child’s disability
  • Accessing social, camp, childcare, or specialized day care supports for the child
  • Obtaining disability-related learning, developmental, and assistive supports for daily living

How to apply

  • Step 1: Choose application method
    • Apply online through the Ontario portal or download the paper application form.
    • Submit a separate application for each child.
  • Step 2: Gather information and documents
    • Prepare household income details, the child’s medical and functional information, and a summary of extraordinary disability-related costs.
    • Collect the required supporting documents.
  • Step 3: Complete the application
    • Fill out the application and attach the required documents.
    • If applying online, you can save your draft and return later, but it must be completed and submitted within 90 days.
  • Step 4: Submit the application
    • Submit the online application through the portal, or send the paper application to your local ministry regional office.
    • If needed, get help from a community agency, health care professional, social worker, family member, friend, or another person involved in the child’s care.

Documents Needed

  • Proof of the applicant’s Canadian citizenship or immigration status and Ontario residency
  • Proof of the child’s Canadian citizenship or immigration status and a copy of the child’s Ontario health card
  • Medical and supporting documentation verifying the child’s disability
  • Most recent CRA Notice of Assessment for the applicant and spouse, if applicable
  • Most recent Canada Child Benefit notice

Processing and Agreement

  • Once we receive your application, a special agreements officer will review your application and may contact you if they need more information.
  • You will receive a letter stating the decision on whether you qualify for ACSD.
  • If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to ask for an internal review within 30 days of receiving the decision.
  • If you disagree with the result of the internal review, then you may appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal.

Additional information

  • The maximum monthly payment is tied to inflation and adjusted each July.
  • The Canada Disability Benefit does not affect eligibility or payment amounts.
  • Only one application can be submitted per child; a separate application is required for each additional child.
  • Applicants must report any changes to their information to their local regional office.

Contacts

1-877-877-1113

Official sources

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD)

Application form

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD) Program

What is the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD)?

Provides up to $665 per month to help eligible families cover the extraordinary costs of caring for a child with a severe disability. Support can help pay for disability-related needs such as medical travel, special clothing and respite care.

How much funding can be received?

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD) Funds up to $678 of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD) program?

To be eligible for the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD) program, you must: Parent, guardian, or primary caregiver Child under 18 with a severe disability living at home Household income of $76,920 or less

What expenses are eligible under Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD)?

travel to doctors’ appointments, hospitals and other appointments related to the child’s disability special shoes and clothes parental relief such as respite

Who can I contact for more information about the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD)?

You can contact Government of Ontario or by phone at 1-877-877-1113.

Where is the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD) available?

The Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD) program is available the province of Ontario.