ACSD - Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities

Program Name:

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program
For information call: 519-438-5111

Location:
c/o Ministry of Children and Youth Services

217 York St. Suite 203 P.O. Box 5217 London, ON N6A 5R1

Description:

The Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) program provides financial assistance to parents to help with the extraordinary cost related to their child's severe disability. It is a direct funding program for low and moderate income families.

Who Can Apply?

Parents, family members, legal guardians and individuals 16 of years of age and over may apply.

Who is Eligible?

Residents of Ontario
Children under the age of 18
Children who have a severe disability which results in a functional loss
Live at home with familiy or legal guardian
Have extraordinary cost which are incurred directly as a result of the disabiliy

What are extraordinary costs?

Transportation to and from medical appointments
Specialized clothing
Trained sitters
Caregiver respite
Specialized learning and development equipment
Social opportunities

What is included in the benefit?

The amount of financial assistance is determined based on your yearly extraordinary expenses and your gross family income. Minimum monthly payment is no less than $25 per month and no more than $440 per month.

A drug card, includes presrciption drugs
A dental card, basic coverage
Vision and Hearing Service
Items related vision and hearing services
The consumer contribution for an Assistive Device under the Assistive Device Program, provided through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
The cost of an assessment for an assistive device and the cost of batteries and repairs necessary for mobility devices

How do I apply?

You can apply by filling out an application on your own or with the assistance of an agency or a professional. An application and expense report can be obtained through your local Regional Office. You will need the following information in order to determine eligibility for this program:

An application form-signed
A completed Expense Report
A medical statement or psychological assessment clearly confirming the diagnosis of your family member's disability
Verification of Birth for the qualifying child
A copy of the child's health card

How is the decision made?

Applications are reviewed and assessed by a Special Agreements Officer who determines eligibility and the amount of money a family can receive based on:

The age of the child
Household gross income
The number of children in the home
The extent to which the child is severely limited in activities pertaining to normal living
The expenses that the parent/guardian is incurring or might incur solely by reason of the severe disability of the child

Family Size (including parents)	Full basic entitlement may be paid to: (gross family income)	You may be eligible for some entitlement up to: (gross family income)
Up to 4	$42,000	$62,641
Up to 5	$43,000	$63,641
Up to 6	$44,000	$64,641
Up to 7	$45,000	$65,641
THE INCOME LEVELS WILL BE RAISED BY $18,000 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL CHILD WITH A DISABILITY TO CALCULATE THE NET ENTITLEMENT.

What are the Income Qualifications?

The ACSD program is intent for low to moderate income families. If the family's income were above the set limits, the benefit would not be given, or may be reduced according to the provincial sliding scale.

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information on Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, please contact one of the following:

Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MYCS) Regional Office (click title to view MYCS website)

Ontario Disability Support Program Office; St. Thomas 519-631-3032 or Toll Free 1-800-561-3886.(Telephone numbers are also listed in the blue pages of your telephone book)

A Municipal Ontario Works Office; St. Thomas 519-631-9350

Provincial Respite Services Network 2018 Update