My child already gets Autism Funding. Do I need to apply for the new Disability Benefit?

Not right now. The Government of BC says ministry staff will contact families who currently receive Autism Funding to discuss their child's eligibility and the move to the Disability Benefit.

What the province has said about families already in the program:

• The ministry says it will contact each family with information to support their transition, and that Autism Funding families will be contacted about eligibility before the program closes in March 2027.

• Keep using your current funding until your transition is complete.

• Some children will move to the Disability Benefit based on information already on file; others may be asked for more information to confirm eligibility and their funding level.

• Timing for your child depends on things like whether they meet a direct-admission category and when your Autism Funding agreement runs.

Separately, if your child does not already have the federal Disability Tax Credit, it is worth looking into. The income-tested Disability Supplement requires it, and it is used for other federal disability programs too. Families whose child already has the credit do not need to apply for the Supplement; the Canada Revenue Agency checks eligibility automatically.

If you have not been contacted yet, or have questions, the Autism Funding support team is at 1-877-777-3530 and the province's Provincial Access, Information & Resource Services (PAIRS) team is at 1-844-878-4700.

This is based on the Government of BC's published pages and guide, checked in October 2026.

KidStart is asking families what this transition means for them. Our anonymous survey takes about five minutes and asks whether the ministry's information has been clear. If most families say no, we will rewrite our funding guide in plain language.