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Provincial Program · Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Summer Respite Funding

NS Summer Respite

Nova Scotia's Summer Respite Funding is a one-time payment to help families of children with disabilities cover the cost of disability support services during the summer. It gives parents a break from caregiving while ensuring their child continues to receive support during the summer months.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Useful Tips for Applying

Apply early in the year so the funding is ready for the summer. The one-time payment can reach up to around $800, so plan your child's summer respite services around it. Combine it with other disability supports your child receives during the school year.

Required Documents

Documentation that your child has a disability and information about the respite or disability support services you need during the summer.

How to Apply

Apply through the Nova Scotia Department of Opportunities and Social Development, confirming that you have a child with a disability and the respite services you need during the summer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is applying too late in the summer, when the one-time payment may no longer be available. Another is not documenting the disability and the respite services needed. People also miss that the amount was recently increased, so even families who received it before may get more.

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?

Free disability-benefits navigation services are available if you'd like help understanding or applying for this benefit.

Government-funded navigation service

Independent Living Nova Scotia — Disability Benefits Navigation (DTC Navigators)

Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador)

Independent Living Nova Scotia (ILNS) operates a federally funded Disability Benefits Navigation service. ILNS DTC Navigators provide free, bilingual, one-to-one support to help people with disabilities and their families across Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) apply for the Disability Tax Credit and related federal and provincial benefits.

Languages: English, French

1-902-453-0004 (Option 4) or 1-800-725-6585 (toll-free)Website
Government-funded navigation service

Indigenous Disability Canada / BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS)

National

Indigenous Disability Canada / British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) is a national, Indigenous-led charitable organization providing cross-disability support and navigation services to Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) peoples in Canada with disabilities. It delivers the National Indigenous Navigation Services to help Indigenous persons with disabilities access the Disability Tax Credit, the Canada Disability Benefit, and other federal, provincial and territorial disability benefits.

Languages: English, French

1-250-381-7303 (BC); 1-613-899-6893 (National Coordinator, Ottawa)Website
Government-funded navigation service

Disability Alliance Canada

National

Disability Alliance Canada is a national cross-disability non-profit that provides free one-on-one support to help people navigate federal disability programs, including the Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (CPP-D), the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), and the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). They also offer educational guides, training and workshops, and help with applications, reconsiderations, and appeals.

Languages: English, French

Website

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

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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