Autism Funding: Under Age 6

What it is

Up to $22,000 per year per child, spent on professionals listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP) and behaviour interventionists supervised by a RASP professional. Also covers family counselling from certified counsellors, psychologists, social workers or psychiatrists, employment-related costs when you hire staff, and administrative costs up to $100/month. Up to 20% of the allocation can go to training, travel and equipment (TTE); the allocation may be prorated in your first funding period.

Who it is for

The Autism Funding program continues unchanged and accepts new applications until March 2027, then is replaced by the new BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit. Families already receiving Autism Funding start transitioning automatically in July 2026 — the ministry contacts you, no reapplication needed. This program is being replaced: it accepts new applications until March 2027 and ends March 31, 2027. The Children and Youth Disability Benefit is taking over.

Amount or value

Up to $22,000/year

At a glance

Difficulty

Medium

Application

Application + qualifying diagnostic report

Decision timing

Ask Autism Funding about current processing

How to apply

1. Get an autism diagnosis through the BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN, free via physician referral) or a private assessment meeting BC standards
2. Register for a Basic BCeID account to apply online, or complete the paper Application for Autism Funding
3. Email the application and supporting documents to mcf.autismfundingintake@gov.bc.ca or submit through your local CYSN office
4. Sign the funding agreement, then choose RASP-listed providers and submit invoices or reimbursement claims

What you may need

• Diagnostic report confirming autism spectrum disorder
• Confirmation of Previous Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder form (CF0905) if diagnosed elsewhere
• Child's Personal Health Number and proof of BC residency
• Basic BCeID account for online applications

Practical tips

• Providers must be on the RASP registry for children under 6 — search it before hiring
• Reserve part of the budget for the 20% travel/training/equipment allowance if you need tablets, AAC apps or workshop fees
• Unspent funds do not roll over indefinitely — plan spending across the funding year
• From July 2026 the ministry contacts Autism Funding families about moving to the new Disability Benefit ($6,500 or $17,000/year); you keep current funding until your transition date

Timing

New applications accepted until March 2027; funding starts after the agreement is signed. BCAAN assessment wait lists are long — private assessment is faster but paid out of pocket.

Phone

1-877-777-3530