I’m not sure I have Passport funding.

What is the Passport program?

The Passport program, funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), helps adults with a developmental disability be involved in their communities and live as independently as possible by providing funding for community participation services and supports, activities of daily living and person-directed planning. The program also provides funding for caregiver respite services and supports for primary caregivers of an adult with a developmental disability.

Why should you apply?

If you are eligible for adult developmental services, you would also be eligible for Passport funding in the amount of $5,500 a year. This funding can help you participate in community services and supports, daily living activities, and person-directed planning. It can help you become more involved in your community and live more independently.

What can I use the funding for?

Community participation and activities of daily living

• Programs, classes and supports that help develop independence, social and life skills (e.g. literacy, cooking, managing money, computer skills, assistance with personal care needs)
• Participation in community activities and events (e.g. recreation, club memberships, admission to festivals and museums)
• Tickets for live events ($150 maximum per ticket for up to 2 people)
• Pre-employment and employment supports (e.g., skills training, resume development and job coaching)
• Transportation for employment and admissible activities (e.g. transit, mileage, taxis)
• Paying a support worker to help with community participation and daily living activities. This includes a support worker’s expenses while providing support (e.g. transportation and activity fees, expenses for accompanying the individual during trips)

Caregiver respite

Caregiver respite is temporary help to provide a break to primary caregivers. This can be during the day, evening or weekend, and can be in-home or out-of-home.

Person-directed planning

Funding (up to $2,500) can be used to develop a person-directed plan that builds on the individual’s strengths and interests and identifies supports to help them achieve their goals. These supports can be purchased from independent planners, facilitators or developmental services agencies.

Administration

Funding (up to 10%) can be used to cover some employer costs (e.g., Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance, etc.) and some administrative supports (e.g. bank fees, bookkeeping, etc.).

Technology

Funding (up to $3000) can be used for technology products and services (e.g., laptops or tablets, cell phones and plans, Internet service provider fees, printers, etc.), including repair and maintenance costs.

Community participation and supports supplies and equipment

Funding (up to $2000) can be used for:

• supplies and equipment to support organized and general social, leisure and cultural activities (e.g., sports and recreation, fitness, arts and crafts, learning, and skills development)
• personal protective equipment (e.g. masks, gowns, gloves, face shields, etc.)
• sensory items
• repair and maintenance costs (e.g., bike tune-up)

What's NOT covered?

Some of the items not covered under the Program include:

• housing and home maintenance (e.g., rent, home renovations or modifications, housekeeping)
• household items and electronics (e.g., furniture, appliances)
• indirect respite services and supports (e.g., cleaning, meal preparation, snow removal, care of other family members)
• holiday travel (e.g., personal or family vacations)
• groceries, food, and restaurant meals
• some technology products and services (e.g., gaming consoles, video games, in-app purchases, TV cable or streaming subscription fees)

Please note: This is not a complete list of expenses that are not covered. For more information about how your Passport funding can be used, please see the guidelines.

What is Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)?

Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the access point for adult developmental services funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in Ontario. There are nine DSO locations across the province.

People with developmental disabilities rely on various developmental services throughout their childhood including Special Services at Home, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, and services through the Ontario Autism Program during childhood. But when they turn 18, those services end.

This means that you must apply through DSO to see if you are eligible to receive adult MCCSS-funded supports available in your community.

How do I apply?

To connect to services in your area including Passport funding, you must first connect with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). Please visit dsontario.ca or click here to find your area DSO.