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Provincial Program · Ontario

Ontario Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

ACSD

The Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) program provides monthly financial help to parents and guardians caring for a child with a severe disability at home. The funding helps cover the extra costs of care such as respite, travel to medical appointments, specialized equipment, and other disability-related expenses.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

List every disability-related expense you can — respite, travel and parking to medical appointments, diapers, specialized diet, and equipment all count toward your amount. Apply online if your income is within the online threshold for faster processing. ACSD can be combined with the Ontario Disability Tax Credit and Special Services at Home.

Who May Qualify

You may qualify if you are a parent or guardian of a child who is under 18, lives in Ontario, lives at home with you, has a severe disability, and your household income is within the program's limits. A medical professional must confirm the severity of the disability.

Required Documents

Proof of your child's severe disability (medical documentation), your family income information, proof of Ontario residency, and details of disability-related expenses such as respite, travel, and specialized items.

How to Apply

Apply online or through your local Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services office. You will provide income information and details about your child's disability and care needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is not applying because your income seems too high — the income threshold is fairly generous (around $76,200 or less to apply online). Another is not listing all disability-related expenses, which affects the amount you receive. People also miss that ACSD is separate from the Ontario Disability Tax Credit and the Special Services at Home program, and you can receive more than one.

Preparing an application?

The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.

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Need help from a real person?

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Application denied?

If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.

Read the Appeals Guide

Resources in this area

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ClearPath

ClearPath helps individuals with disabilities and their families and caregivers across Ontario understand, access and maximize the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits and funding they may be entitled to receive.

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Disability AdvocacyOntario

Ontario Brain Injury Association

Provides information, education, advocacy, directory services and support resources related to acquired brain injury.

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Disability AdvocacyToronto / GTA

Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT)

Provides independent living skills, peer support, direct funding information and disability resources.

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Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.

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