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.
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.
Plan Institute is a Canadian non-profit and registered charity that helps people with disabilities and their families plan for a good life. Its free national Disability Planning Helpline offers one-on-one support with the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), the Canada Disability Benefit, wills and trusts, and future and financial planning. Plan Institute also offers free webinars and online courses on the RDSP, DTC, and building personal support networks. The helpline is free, confidential, and available across Canada by phone, email, and online request form.
Languages: English, Interpretation in ASL and other languages on request
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.
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.
