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How do you apply to the Passport program?
First, apply through the Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) office in your region and confirm that you meet all Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) requirements for funded adult developmental services.
Once you are confirmed eligible through DSO, you may request a referral to the Passport program to apply for Passport funding. Every eligible adult will receive at least $5,500 per year in funding through the Passport program. Access to funding under the program is subject to available resources and is released based on priority.
How long does it take to receive funding after completing your application package with DSO?
Funding allocations are subject to available resources and are released based on priority. Please refer to page five (5) of the Passport guidelines.
When you turn 18, we recommend that you connect with your local DSO to update your file and confirm your service requests.
You should start the application process through DSO as early as 16 years of age. Please note that you won’t be eligible for MCCSS-funded services, including the Passport program, until you are 18.
Your signed service agreement and forms must be sent back to your Passport agency on or before the "Return by" date shown on your approval letter.
The passportfunding.ca website has a list of videos to help walk you through completing forms, including the:
You can also find additional videos on how the program works, the Passport Guidelines and filing claims on the Resources page.
If you still need help after watching these videos, please contact your local Passport agency: Find your Passport agency.
What is the process if we are put on a waitlist?
Allocations are based on the availability of Provincial funding as noted on page four (4) of the current Passport guidelines. When funds are available, your local Passport agency will reach out to discuss next steps. You are always welcome to contact your local Passport agency with any questions or concerns.
Will there be a delay in receiving Passport funding when someone turns 18?
This depends on when funding becomes available. You are encouraged to apply to Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at age 16 to streamline the transition from Special Services at Home (SSAH) to Passport.
What is the process when someone’s needs change?
If/when there is a change in a person’s situation and/or needs, you should contact and advise your local DSO to update your file. Any change that affects your Passport funding file will be shared with your local Passport agency.
Do we need to include a void cheque with our Passport application?
Your local Passport agency will let you know what documents are required to access funding once you have been approved. If you want reimbursements deposited into your bank account, a VOID cheque or Direct Deposit form should be submitted with your completed Passport funding forms.
What can Passport funding be used for?
It can be used for several Community Participation Supports and Respite. Please refer to the Passport Guidelines for a comprehensive list.
If people have questions about what is or isn’t covered by Passport who should they ask?
They should contact their local Passport agency to ask questions.
Can funds be reallocated from other categories?
There are annual reimbursement limits for Technology, Community Participation Support Supplies and Equipment, Person-Directed Planning, Live Event Tickets, and Administration.
If you are approved, is the $5,500 continued each year? Will the amount change?
If approved for Passport funding, it will automatically renew each April 1st for the same funding amount.
Once your DSO assessment has been completed, the amount of funding you are eligible for is automatically calculated by a Ministry system. This system considers a variety of factors including behavioural, medical, and personal support needs, as well as caregiver circumstances when determining the amount of funding.
Your funding is determined by your support needs, it is not based on income, increasing cost of services or cost of living. Once you have used all your annual Passport funding, no additional invoices can be reimbursed for that year. You are encouraged to plan and budget for your expenses based on your annual funding amount.
If your circumstances change from what was captured in the assessment, it is important to connect with your DSO and update them with these changes as this can impact on when you are prioritized for funding.
If you are eligible for more funding, your local Passport Agency will contact you directly.
What is the maximum amount of Passport funding that an individual can receive in a year?
The maximum amount of funding a person can receive is $44,275.00.00 per year which is dependent on assessed need, priority, and available government resources.
If you do not use all your funds within the year, can the amount be rolled over to the next year?
No, unused funding cannot be rolled over to the next year.
Passport is allocated based on the level of a person’s support needs and current situation. It is not based on the cost of supports.
Does every person who qualifies for ODSP also qualify for Passport funding?
No. You need to be confirmed eligible for developmental services and supports by Developmental Services Ontario to be eligible to receive Passport funding.
Is Passport funding different from ODSP?
Yes, these are separate programs. ODSP is an income program, and the Passport program is a funding reimbursement program for Community Participation Supports and Caregiver Respite.
Is Passport funding based on a family’s income/financial resources?
No, Passport funding is not based on income or financial resources.
Does Passport funding affect your income taxes?
No, Passport funding is not considered income and does not affect taxes or ODSP.
Does Passport funding continue past the age of 65?
Yes. There is no age cap on Passport funding.
If you are unsure of your remaining funds, please connect with your local Passport Agency.
You cannot carry over unused funding from previous years, however if you have funds remaining from a previous year and have eligible receipts for that year, you may still be reimbursed for eligible expenses. You can contact your Passport agency if you have any questions about the eligibility of prior years’ expenses.
The MyDirectPlan claims submission platform can also help to keep track of your funds balance. Go to passportfunding.ca to learn more about electronic claim submissions.
PassportONE is an administrative body that processes all invoices and receipts so that recipients can be reimbursed for their expenses. Any questions are to be directed to your local Passport agency.
How long does it take to get reimbursed? Will I get a notification?
Claims are processed as they are received. The length of time an invoice takes to be processed and reimbursed depends on a few factors, including:
To avoid reimbursement delays, please ensure that claim forms are properly completed and supporting documents, such as the Support Worker Information Forms or receipts, are included in the submission as needed. You can watch this video to learn more about how to fill out the claim form.
Also, You can be notified of direct deposit by selecting text, phone message, or email on the Payee form. Your local Passport agency can help you with this.
Submitting claims electronically through MyDirectPlan or eCLAIM can help you get paid faster: Filing Claims (passportfunding.ca).
Recipients are strongly encouraged to submit claims on a regular basis to avoid processing delays as processing times at fiscal year end are longer due to the volume of claims received.
You can submit your claims through eClaim, MDP, emailing, faxing or mailing. Processing and reimbursement may be faster if you use eClaim or MDP, provided that you submit all of the required documentation.
Visit our Filing Claims page to learn more.
Are there programs that can pay for services upfront for clients who cannot wait for reimbursement?
There are Transfer Payment Agencies (TPA), Service Agencies and Brokers that pay for services and bill directly to Passport. Speak to your Passport Coordinator about what is best for you and your situation.
No, you do not need to use a TPA, Service Agency or Broker. The client, caregiver or other designated person known as “Person Managing Funds” can self-administer the funding.
What is the difference between a TPA and a broker?
A TPA or Service Agency is an agency that administers funds on behalf of a Passport recipient. A Broker is a privately hired individual who is over the age of 18 and not the primary caregiver that manages funding.
How do you find a TPA agency or broker?
Contact your local Passport agency and they can provide you with this information as it varies region to region.
Who can be a broker? What is their role?
A Broker can be anyone over the age of 18 who is not the unpaid primary caregiver. They can support in the management of funds and submissions. Some brokers may support in arranging services and supports as well.
Can a TPA, Service Agency or Broker bill Passport directly?
Yes, TPAs, Service Agencies and Brokers can bill Passport directly.
If someone decides to self-administer or manage their own funding, where is the money deposited to?
The funds will be deposited into the bank account of the payee.
How much funding can be used for administration fees?
A Transfer Payment Agency, Service Agency or Broker administering funds on behalf of a recipient can claim up to 10% administration fee for each claim submitted.
I need more information about reimbursement. Who should I contact?
Contact your local Passport agency for more information on submitting invoices and processing payments.
Always use the most up to date invoice forms, regardless of which submission year the claim is for.
Your local Passport agency can provide the most current forms, or you can choose to submit your expenses electronically through eClaim or MyDirectPlan: Filing claims.
How do I find a person-centered planning service and is this covered by Passport?
Passport funding covers all Person Directed Planning up to $2,500 per year, as long as the planner is over the age of 18 and not an unpaid primary caregiver. An invoice must be submitted.
You can find resources related to Person Directed Planning on Partners for Planning, Ontario Independent Facilitation Network or ConnectABILITY.
Is the $2,500 limit for Person Directed Planning, a one-time limit or per year?
$2,500 is the annual limit for a Person Directed Plan.
Can a support worker be anyone over age 18?
A support worker must confirm that they are:
NOTE: For recipients who are supported through the Host Family Program, family members (spouse, adult children, etc.) that live within the Host Family home (making up the family) are not eligible to be registered as your support worker under the Passport program.
Does a support worker require certain skills?
They do not require certain skills, but it is recommended that they have training on how best to support the person.
How is payment for a support worker determined?
The client and support worker determine the rate of pay.
Can you have more than one designated support worker?
Yes, there is no limit to how many support workers you can have registered.
Is there a limit to how many hours a support worker can be paid per day?
The work schedule is determined by the person/agency securing the worker and the worker. PassportONE will pay the claim as received based on funding available.
What type of invoice is required for a support worker?
A support worker must complete a claim form or verify their hours on MDP, which acts as a timesheet for the worker.
Support workers are responsible for tracking and declaring their hours and earnings to Revenue Canada. Funding from Passport is not considered income for the recipient and does not need to be declared on their taxes.
There are several community organizations that can provide support to people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Passport website resources page has a list of community partners with links to their websites. These organizations will be able to connect you to resources in your area.
The DSO website, dsontario.ca, also has a page with information on finding housing supports.
How do I add a support person?
Support Workers can be added by completing a ‘Support Worker Information Form’ and sending it to your local Passport Agency. If you need a form, please contact your local Passport agency: Find your Passport agency
The best place to access information about the Passport program is on the provincial website at www.passportfunding.ca. Here, you can access general information about the Passport program, frequently asked questions, and resources including instructional videos. You can also find the latest Passport Guidelines from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) which outline eligible expenses and allowable limits for specific admissible items. Your local Passport agency is your direct contact for any questions you might have.
Mileage is calculated by kilometres driven or can be a flat rate. Please check the provincial hospitality guidelines as a reference for mileage claims: Directive sur les frais de déplacement, de repas et d’accueil | ontario.ca.
Mileage can be claimed by the recipient, a support worker, or the Person Managing Funds (PMF) to drive the recipient to and from admissible Passport related activities. Mileage to and from medical appointments, banking, shopping or other personal activities cannot be claimed.
Support workers cannot claim mileage to drive themselves to/from their home, their place of work or place of providing support (e.g. the recipient’s home or activity location, etc.).
Passport recipients attending admissible ticketed live events such as live music, theatre, sporting events and some entertainment events may be reimbursed for their ticket, as well as the ticket for their registered support worker, up to a maximum of $150 per ticket.
Only tickets for the recipient and registered support workers are admissible. Tickets for unpaid primary caregivers, the Person Managing Funds, and other people who are not allowed to be registered as a support worker are not admissible.
Since food and meals for the recipient are never admissible, please check with your local Passport Agency about events such as banquets and galas that may include meals.
Can I claim expenses for pets or non-service animals?
The cost of an animal, their care, food and shelter and training are not admissible under the Passport program guidelines.
