After several years of work to create a more equitable program, the B.C. government is finally changing the autism individual funding model and will tie benefits to needs and income.
Similar, but different, changes proposed in 2021 were met with widespread criticism from parents of autistic children.
This time, after engaging with relevant interest groups, the government created a two-pronged system and put up more money to cover care for children with other types of needs, such as Down syndrome.
Still, families of 5,200 children will lose all direct benefits because they are not deemed high-need and low-income enough to qualify. These families will be able to access care for their children through community-based services.
In total, the government is investing an additional $475 million over three years to pay for the program changes.
The old system provided money directly to families of approximately 27,080 children (in the 2024/25 fiscal year) with an autism diagnosis. This was a set amount, no matter the disability level. High-need children did have added access to an at-home extended therapies program, which was available for roughly 2,782 children. Non-autistic children were not included.
This new program phases that out, and in its place enacts two separate systems: a disability benefit and a disability supplement.
The benefit is not income tested and is provided for children with the most complex needs. This could be autism with intellectual disability, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or any combined needs that create significant challenges in daily life.
The amounts are tiered based on needs and are either $6,500 or $17,000 per year. This is expected to go to families of between 12,000 and 15,000 children.
The disability supplement is means-tested and will be offered to families who are eligible for the federal Disability Tax Credit. It provides a maximum of $6,000 per year and is phased out as income increases, becoming completely unavailable for families earning more than $285,000 per year. This funding will support approximately 33,000 families.
This leaves out families who earn too much, but whose children don’t have the functional disabilities to qualify for the first stream of money. These children will be prioritized for community services.
More to come.