Description
The Family Supports for Children with Disabilities Program assists families to address the unmet needs of the child or children with the disability by providing the required support and resources.
These supports include:
- medical equipment
- medical transportation
- incontinence supplies
- costs that exceed typical child care such as day-care or after-school program aids
- relief care
- home support services
- family support workers for social inclusion activities and skill-building
- support for therapeutic-based recreation activities
- a health card (for families without health insurance.)
The program is voluntary and families are expected to work with a social worker.
There is a family financial contribution towards services for families who have the means.
Benefit Amount
Varies.
Eligibility Criteria
The program is available to:
- clients of the Department of Social Development and their dependents
- individuals who have special health needs and who qualify for assisted health care under Section 4.4 of the Family Income Security Act and Regulations
- Clients must have one of the following:
- a valid white Health Services Card showing “SUPPLEMENTARY” in the BASIC HEALTH ELIGIBILITY section, or “PR” in the ADDITIONAL HEALTH ELIGIBILITY section, OR
- a valid yellow Health Services Card with a “Y” under the OTH in the VALID ONLY FOR box a “X” under SUPP in the VALID ONLY FOR box
Additional benefit specific criteria may apply.
In situations where an applicant/client has existing coverage for a prosthetic device but would be in financial hardship to pay their co-pay, the program may assist them with the difference.
The prosthetic device must be a benefit of the program and not cost more than the maximum amount the department has determined for that benefit.
Application Process
You can access the program in two ways: call the Department of Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 and make a self-referral for your family or ask a professional working with your child to call the department on your behalf to make a third-party referral.