Funding
How to Apply for the Autism Funding Program in BC
Learn how to apply for BC’s Autism Funding Program, including eligibility requirements, required documents, funding amounts, and tips for accessing eligible autism supports and services for your child.
Important program update: The existing Autism Funding Program is transitioning to a new program. As of October 2026, the BC government says the current program continues unchanged and is accepting new applications until March 2027. Families will be contacted about the transition and eligibility. Check the official government website for updates before applying.
Who is the Autism Funding Program for?
British Columbia's Autism Funding Program helps eligible families pay for approved services and supports that promote communication, social-emotional development, learning, and functional life skills for children and youth with an autism diagnosis.
The program is administered by the provincial government through the ministry responsible for Children and Family Development.
Current annual funding maximums are:
- Children under age 6: Up to $22,000 per year for eligible supports and services.
- Children and youth ages 6–18: Up to $6,000 per year for eligible services outside their regular school or educational program.
These are maximum amounts, not guaranteed payments. Funding is subject to eligibility, program rules, approved expenses, and the child's funding period.
What documents will you need?
The required documents depend on your child's age and where and how the autism assessment was completed.
Generally, families should prepare:
- Proof of the child's age and British Columbia residency, such as a birth certificate or BC Services Card.
- The appropriate autism diagnosis documentation.
- Any required assessment forms and supporting reports.
- Additional documents required for a private assessment or an assessment completed outside British Columbia.
For example, applications based on a BCAAN assessment generally use the Clinical Outcome (PANTER) Form. Private assessments require the applicable Non-BCAAN Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Form and supporting documentation. Assessments completed outside BC require a Confirmation of Previous Diagnosis form and supporting records.
Important: A diagnosis report by itself may not be sufficient. Review the government's current document checklist before submitting an application.
How to apply
- Confirm the diagnosis and eligibility requirements. Review the official Autism Funding Program guidance and determine which documents apply to your child's assessment.
- Prepare the required documents. Gather proof of age and BC residency, the applicable diagnostic forms, and any required reports.
- Choose a submission method. For online applications, you must register for a Basic BCeID if you do not already have one. Alternatively, you can submit a completed application and supporting documents by email or through your local Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) office.
- Wait for the program's decision. If approved, review your funding agreement, authorization letter, funding amount, funding period, and applicable conditions.
- Complete any required setup before spending. Confirm which providers and expenses are eligible and whether a Request to Pay form or other pre-approval is required.
For help with the application, contact Autism Information Services BC at 1-844-878-4700 or email AutismInformation@gov.bc.ca.
After approval: using your funding
Choose eligible providers and services
Provider and expense rules vary by age group.
For children under six, specified professional service providers must be selected from the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP). Behaviour interventionists should be supervised by an appropriate RASP professional.
For children ages 6–18, eligible supports can include specified therapies, behaviour services, life-skills and social-skills programs, and certain out-of-school learning supports. Not every therapist, service, or expense qualifies.
Check the official program rules before hiring a provider or committing to an expense. Written pre-approval is recommended or required for certain purchases and services.
Keep records and track your funding
- Keep invoices, receipts, payment records, and relevant authorization documents.
- Check your remaining balance and funding-period dates with the program.
- Submit required forms and invoices within the applicable deadlines.
- Confirm eligibility before purchasing equipment, training, or other items.
- Remember that services are generally not reimbursed simply because a family has already paid for them. Reimbursement is limited to specified eligible expenses under program rules.
The program's handbook states that service providers using invoice payment generally have up to six months after the service date to submit invoices. Families should confirm the rules that apply to their payment arrangement.
Common questions
Can I apply while waiting for other services?
You can explore available supports and prepare your documents while waiting for other services, but Autism Funding requires an autism diagnosis and an eligibility decision. Do not assume that expenses incurred before diagnosis or enrolment will be reimbursed.
Does Autism Funding pay for school supports?
The ages 6–18 program is intended for eligible out-of-school supports. Some services connected with independent-school attendance may qualify when they are outside the regular educational program, but ordinary school expenses are not automatically eligible.
What happens when my child turns 19?
The current child and youth Autism Funding categories cover children and youth through age 18. Families should plan ahead for adult services and supports.
Community Living BC (CLBC) and the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation are separate systems with their own eligibility requirements. An autism diagnosis alone does not guarantee eligibility. Contact the relevant programs to understand their criteria and transition timelines.
Official resources
This article is general information from Aviora Compass, not government advice or a guarantee of eligibility. Program requirements and transition arrangements can change. Confirm current rules directly with the Government of British Columbia before applying or spending funds.