Description
Offers individualized funding and services for children with special needs through the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Benefit Amount
- Under Age 6: Up to $22,000 per year.
- Ages 6–18: Up to $6,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for MCFD’s Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) services, a child or youth must:
- Age: Be under 19 years old.
- Residency: Be a resident of British Columbia.
- Diagnosis: Have a confirmed diagnosis of one of the following:
- Intellectual Disability (ID): Diagnosed by a registered psychologist, psychological associate, or certified school psychologist, meeting DSM-5 criteria.
- Global Developmental Delay (GDD): Applicable for children under 5 years old.
- Unspecified Intellectual Disability (UID): May be eligible based on assessment.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Eligibility confirmed through the Autism Funding Program.
- Other Special Needs: Including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), hearing or vision impairments, and complex health needs.
Application Process
- Contact MCFD
- Reach out to your local MCFD office and request to speak with a Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) worker.
- Prepare Documentation
- Gather necessary documents, which may include:
- Proof of the child’s age (e.g., birth certificate).
- Proof of residency (e.g., BC Services Card).
- Relevant diagnostic assessments and reports.
- Gather necessary documents, which may include:
- Submit Application
- Work with the CYSN worker to complete and submit the application for the appropriate funding program.
Appeal Process
If you disagree with a decision made by MCFD regarding eligibility or funding:
- Request Clarification: Contact your CYSN worker to discuss the decision and seek clarification.
- Formal Appeal: If unresolved, you can initiate a formal appeal through MCFD’s complaint resolution process.
- Further Steps: For disputes related to the At Home Program, contact the Manager of Medical Benefits at MCFD for information about the appeal process.