Autism Funding in BC

In BC, we have access to provincial government funding for autism services through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). People 18-years-old and under are entitled to funding after they receive a diagnosis of Autism. In some regions you will have access to a pilot MCFD Family Connection Centre instead of individualized autism funding. You will need to choose which option is the best fit for you and your child.

1. Provincial Autism Funding in BC (via MCFD / CYSN)

• Children and youth (≤ 18 years) with a diagnosis of ASD are eligible for funding through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). AutismBC
• In some regions, instead of individualized funding, families access services via Family Connection Centres (FCCs). AutismBC
• In the pilot FCC regions (Kelowna, Smithers, Terrace & Prince Rupert) and others, funding is centralized and intake is managed via a standardized process. AutismBC

Funding Amounts & Eligibility by Age Group

• Funding is prorated in the first and final year depending on the child’s birthday. AutismBC
• For the first year, if fewer than 7 months remain before the child’s next birthday, the funding term may be extended (up to 19 months). AutismBC

3. Starting Services, Reimbursements & Equipment

• It is risky to begin therapy/services before funding is approved, because the approved period might differ and the family could be liable for costs.
• You cannot pay for services and later request reimbursement.
• For equipment, you can request reimbursement (within six months of purchase) if a justification for equipment (JFE) is approved.
• Reimbursement requires official receipts (date, amount, vendor) and proof of payment. Shipping-only receipts (e.g. from some online orders) are not accepted.
• Submit reimbursement via the “My Family Services” portal, email, mail or fax; it can take up to 30 business days.

4. Processing & Timeline

• After diagnosis and regional worker submission, the Autism Funding Unit may take about a week to process and activate funding.
• To use the online portal, families need a BCeID; the portal might take additional time to reflect funding.
• In pilot regions, families don’t need a regional worker meeting — the diagnosis can be sent directly via email.

5. Other Government Programs & Supports

• Disability Tax Credit (DTC): A non‑refundable tax credit for people with disabilities or their supporting persons.
• Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): Savings plan for people eligible for the DTC.
• Canada Workers Benefit (CWB): Refundable tax credit for low-income individuals/families, with a disability supplement.
• Child Disability Benefit (CDB): Monthly, tax-free payment for families with children under 18 who have severe impairments; child must qualify for the DTC.
• At Home Program (AHP) – BC: Supports children/teens with severe disabilities or complex health needs; medical benefits under this program are available.
  • Note: In areas like Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii, Smithers, Terrace, there is a different application process for the AHP’s medical benefits.

6. Tips & Best Practices

• Use your extended health benefits (if available) to cover therapies (OT, speech, psychology, etc.) as much as possible.
• Don’t leave funding unspent if you can use it toward eligible services.
• Apply for grant funding (e.g. through Variety BC) for specialized therapies.

7. Contacts & Resources

• Autism Funding Unit: for help with paperwork and processes — phone, email, regional offices.
• Autism Information Services BC: for information on community supports and building a team.
• Specific “Service Delivery Choice” information for Prince Rupert / Haida Gwaii, Smithers, Terrace, Kelowna areas.
• Provincial government pages for Autism Funding, forms & resources.