SSAH is an Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services program. It gives families money to buy extra support for a child under 18 who has a developmental and/or physical disability — most often respite, or help with personal growth and daily activities. It is not income-tested.
The child needs extra support beyond what is typical for their age because of a physical and/or developmental disability (autism can qualify based on functional need).
The child lives in Ontario and is legally entitled to live in Canada.
The child lives at home, or lives elsewhere without other government-funded residential support.
What the money is for
Typical uses: hiring someone to give the family a break (respite), or to help the child learn skills and take part in home and community life. SSAH is meant for supports you cannot already get from another community program. Amounts vary by region and need — there is no single published “everyone gets $X” figure.
Documents
Written description of the disability and functional limitations from a regulated health professional (physician, NP, psychologist, OT, SLP, behaviour analyst, and others listed on the form).
Proof the child can live in Canada (birth certificate, passport, PR card, or status document).
Apply online at tpon.gov.on.ca/indiv (90 days to finish once you start). One application per child.
Or download the paper form (Central Forms Repository 006-1915) and mail it to your MCCSS regional office.
If life changes in a big way (new diagnosis needs, family crisis, new baby), submit a change-in-circumstance application on the same portal.
After you are approved
You receive a funding period and a deadline to submit receipts. Ontario currently gives you one year from the funding end date to send expenses. Miss that window and the unused money is gone. Keep invoices and timesheets for anyone you hire.
Tax and other program notes
SSAH is a reimbursement-style support program, not a wage paid to your child. It is generally not treated as taxable income of the child. Confirm with a tax professional or CRA for your situation.
If you hire a worker as an employee (set hours, you control the work), you may have payroll, CPP, EI or WSIB duties. Many families contract through an agency instead. This is an employment-law question, not something SSAH staff decide for you.
SSAH does not replace the Disability Tax Credit, RDSP, OAP or ACSD. Families often stack them. ACSD is income-tested; SSAH is not.
When the youth turns 18, SSAH ends. Plan ahead for adult Passport funding and Developmental Services Ontario.
This page is general information, not tax, legal or benefits advice.
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