Special Services at Home Funding(SSAH)
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Description
SSAH Ontario: Special Services at Home
SSAH Ontario is a government fund. It is for families raising a child under 18 with a developmental or physical disability.
- Income level: Your family income does not matter. There is no income test.
- Approval basis: Funding amount is based on your child’s needs and what other support your family already has access to.
🟢 Community Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
|---|---|
| High flexibility (sensory tools, camps) | Long waitlists (months to years) |
| Can hire adult siblings or grandparents (with conditions) | Reimbursement model: pay first, get paid back |
| Can combine with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) | Funding amount varies by family |
| Stops completely on the child’s 18th birthday |
SSAH Ontario: Eligible vs. Ineligible Expenses
✅ What you CAN buy through SSAH Ontario:
- Support workers: paid help for life skills, outings, or respite
- Sensory tools: weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, specialized swings
- Activities: camps, cooking classes, adaptive swimming, 1-on-1 camp support
- Learning tools: tutors, specialized learning software, flashcards
- Family care: paying an adult sibling (18+) or a grandparent, under specific conditions (see below)
❌ What you CANNOT buy:
- Clinical therapy: speech therapy (SLP), occupational therapy (OT), or ABA therapy
- Basic living costs: food, rent, home improvements, private school tuition
- Payments to: yourself, your spouse or co-parent, a step-parent, or anyone under 18
Rules on Paying Family Members
- An adult sibling (18+) who is not the main caregiver CAN be paid.
- A grandparent CAN be paid, but only if they are not the child’s main caregiver.
- A parent, step-parent, or spouse CANNOT be paid, under any circumstance.
SSAH Ontario: Quick FAQ
Can I combine SSAH Ontario with OAP?
Yes. They are separate budgets. One does not reduce the other.
Is an official autism diagnosis required?
No. You need written documentation from a regulated health professional describing your child’s functional limitations.
How much money will my family get?
There is no fixed or published dollar range. Amounts vary widely between families based on need and existing support.
What if my child’s needs change or get harder to manage?
Submit a Change of Circumstance application online at any time.
How to Apply for SSAH Ontario
- Get documentation from a regulated health professional (doctor, psychologist, OT, SLP, nurse practitioner, behaviour analyst, or social worker).
- Apply online through the Ontario Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) Portal. You have 90 days to finish and submit once you start.
- Describe your child’s support needs clearly in the application.
- Get paid. Pay for services first, then submit receipts through MyDirectPlan or a paper form. Allow about 30 business days for processing.
Check out additional funding resources here.
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