Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD)

• 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

Who is eligible?

• Parents of a child with a severe disability
• Guardians of a child with a severe disability
• Primary caregivers mainly responsible for the child’s care and upbringing

Who is not eligible

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

Eligible expenses

• Travel, accommodation, and meal costs for the child’s medical care or treatment, plus sibling care during related appointments
• Extra clothing, linen, laundry, diapers or incontinence supplies, and special shoes, boots, or custom orthotics related to the disability
• Special diets and medical or surgical equipment and supplies, including mobility, communication, hearing, vision, feeding, and oxygen-related items
• Family relief or respite, extraordinary childcare, and specialized day care or nursery school
• Social programs, camps, special learning or developmental equipment, and other direct disability-related costs such as service dogs or special equipment repairs

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

• After submission, the ministry reviews the application to determine eligibility.
• A special agreements officer may contact the applicant for clarification or additional supporting information.
• The decision is sent in writing by letter.
• If the applicant disagrees with the decision, they can request an internal review within 30 days of receiving it.
• If they still disagree after the internal review, they may appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal.

• 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.