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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Free disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.
National
Inclusion Canada is the national federation working to advance the full inclusion and human rights of people with an intellectual disability and their families across Canada. Its Barrier-Free Benefits program provides free one-on-one disability benefits navigation support across Canada.
Languages: English, French
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The GAIN Program (Guidance & Assistance in Navigating Disability Support) is a free service offered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC). VLRC's Disability Benefit Navigators provide one-to-one support to help people with disabilities understand and apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), and other federal, provincial and territorial credits and benefits, including help with appeals. Although operated by VLRC, the GAIN Program assists people with all disabilities, not only vision loss.
Languages: English, French
National
CAD-ASC is the national consumer organization of Deaf Canadians, providing consultation, research, and expertise on Deaf needs and rights to the public, organizations, and governments. It develops pilot programs and advocates for the rights of Deaf Canadians and the recognition of ASL and LSQ.
Languages: ASL, LSQ, English, French
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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.
