BC Funding Transition Guide
Navigating the shift from the Autism Funding Program to the Children and Youth Disability Benefit — what every BC family needs to know.
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This guide is for general information only and reflects the Government of BC's published information as of October 2026. The transition to the Children and Youth Disability Benefit is happening in stages through 2026 and 2027, and details may change. Please confirm anything you plan around with the ministry or the official government pages.
Timeline
Three Critical Dates Define the Transition
The move from the current Autism Funding Program to the new Disability Benefit is happening in stages. These dates come from the Government of BC's Disability Benefit page (updated October 9, 2026).
April 2026
Transition Begins
Children and youth enrolled in the At Home Program move to the Disability Benefit first (Phase 1, April 2026 to March 2027)
Through March 2027
Ministry Contacts Each Family
The ministry will contact each family about their transition. Some children move over on information already on file; others may be asked for more information. Timelines for families outside the At Home Program will be shared later.
March 31, 2027
Autism Funding Ends
From April 1, 2027, new families apply directly to the Disability Benefit (Autism Funding takes new families until March 1, 2027)
What Changed
The New System Shifts Focus from Diagnosis to Functional Support Needs
Autism Funding (Until 2027)
- ×
Diagnosis-Centric
Requires a formal autism diagnosis to access funding.
- ×
Direct Funding: $6,000–$22,000/year
Ranges depending on the child's age.
- ×
Parent-Managed
Families choose their providers, and providers can invoice the program directly.
BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit (Phased in 2026–2027)
- ✓
Functional-Impact Based
Based on a child's support needs, not diagnosis alone. Some diagnoses qualify directly; other children can qualify through a needs-based review.
- ✓
Two Levels: $6,500 or $17,000/year
Every eligible family starts at $6,500; support planning with the ministry decides whether a child qualifies for $17,000.
- ✓
Expanded Community Services
Free community services with no out-of-pocket costs.
The Numbers
How the Amounts Compare
What your family receives depends on your child's age today, whether they qualify for the Disability Benefit, and your family income. Some families may receive more than today and some less. The Disability Benefit is for children with the most significant needs, so not every child on Autism Funding will qualify.
Funding Component
Autism Funding (today)
New System
Direct Funding
Up to $22,000 (under 6) or $6,000 (ages 6–18)
$6,500 or $17,000, if eligible
Disability Supplement
N/A
Up to $6,000 (income-tested, needs the Disability Tax Credit)
Community Services
Limited
Expanded & Free
Total
Up to $22,000 (under 6) or $6,000 (ages 6–18)
Depends on eligibility and family income
Additional Support
The Disability Supplement: Up to $6,000/Year Extra
Maximum Benefit Amount
Eligible families can receive up to $6,000 per year per child. It is paid monthly with the Canada Child Benefit, starting July 2027, based on your 2026 tax return.
Income Testing & Phase-Out
The supplement depends on your adjusted family net income and the number of eligible children. Households with roughly $50,000 get the full amount; it phases out as income rises, ending at about $200,000 for one eligible child or $350,000 for two. Use the province's benefit estimator to check yours.
Critical Requirement: Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The supplement requires the federal Disability Tax Credit. If your child already has it, you do not need to apply; the Canada Revenue Agency checks eligibility automatically. If not, it is worth applying early.
Which One Is You?
Four Common Scenarios for Families Navigating the Transition
Scenario 1
Currently Receiving Autism Funding
Keep using your current funding until your transition is complete. The ministry will contact each family; some children move over based on information already on file, while others may be asked to provide more information. Autism Funding ends on March 31, 2027.
Scenario 2
Suspected Autism (No Diagnosis Yet)
New families can still be onboarded to Autism Funding until March 1, 2027. From April 1, 2027, new families apply directly to the Disability Benefit.
Scenario 3
Other Diagnoses (Down Syndrome, FASD, etc.)
Some diagnoses, such as moderate to profound intellectual disability and certain genetic syndromes, qualify for the new benefit directly. New families apply directly from April 1, 2027; until then, the current pathways apply.
Scenario 4
No Formal Diagnosis
Children with significant support needs but no qualifying diagnosis may be eligible through a needs-based review. Eligibility may be confirmed through a professionally administered functional assessment, a health-care provider's attestation, or a review of medical complexity and functional impact.
Do This Now
Immediate Action Items for Families This Month
Apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC)Start Now
If your child does not have the federal Disability Tax Credit yet, consider applying now. The income-tested supplement of up to $6,000/year requires it.
Document Functional Impact
Begin gathering medical reports and therapist notes that describe how your child's condition affects their daily living, rather than just their diagnosis.
Track Current Support Costs
Maintain a detailed list of your current therapy expenses to help justify support levels during the upcoming needs assessments.
File 2026 Taxes Promptly
The Disability Supplement amount is calculated based on your tax filings. Make sure they are accurate and submitted on time.
Bring These to Your Next Session
Questions to Discuss with Your KidStart Therapist
Documentation
“Can you help me draft a summary of my child's functional impact for our upcoming provincial assessment?”
This documentation will be vital in securing the appropriate tier of funding.
Goal Setting
“Which developmental goals should we prioritize to demonstrate the highest level of support need?”
Prioritize goals that align with the new functional assessment criteria.
Payment Integration
“How will our current therapy plan align with the new community service and direct funding structures?”
Understand how KidStart will integrate with the new provincial payment models.
Transition Support
“What specific reports will be most helpful for the MCFD transition team?”
Ensure all medical and therapeutic records are up-to-date and comprehensive.
Our Solution
TILP: Built for the New Funding Model
Our Therapy Integrated Learning Program delivers 10.5 hours of coordinated therapy per week at $1,800/month — well within the new funding tiers. One team, one location, three days a week. No juggling separate appointments. No coordinating between providers. Your child gets OT, speech, and behavioral support woven into a structured learning day.
Official Resources
Bookmark these for the most current information as the transition unfolds.
Don't Navigate This Alone
The transition is complex, but you don't have to figure it out by yourself. Book a free consultation with our team and we'll walk you through exactly what this means for your family — and how to maximize your funding.
KidStart Pediatric Therapy provides expert occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral therapy for children in Burnaby and the Greater Vancouver Area. See all our services on the KidStart Pediatric Therapy homepage.