Understanding Passport Funding in Ontario: A Guide for Families of Adults with Developmental Disabilities

For families in Ontario supporting an adult with a developmental disability, navigating the provincial funding system can feel overwhelming. There are multiple programs, each with its own eligibility criteria, application process, and rules for how money can be spent. One of the most important — and most underutilized — programs is the Ontario Passport program.

This guide provides a plain-language overview of what Passport is, who qualifies, how to access it, and importantly, how families can use Passport funding to access services from providers like Shield Family Care Services.

What Is the Ontario Passport Program?

The Passport program is a provincial government initiative administered by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). It provides individualized direct funding to eligible adults with developmental disabilities, allowing them — or their families, if they manage the funding — to purchase the specific supports they need rather than receiving a standardized package of government-provided services.

The philosophy behind Passport is person-centred: it recognizes that every individual has different needs, preferences, and goals, and it empowers eligible individuals and their families to make purchasing decisions that reflect those differences.

Passport funding can be used to purchase:

• Community participation supports (assistance attending recreational programs, social events, or community activities)
• Caregiver relief (respite support for family caregivers)
• Personal supports and daily living assistance
• Supported independent living assistance
• Preparation for employment, including job coaching
• Assistive devices, technology, and communication tools
• Training and skill development activities

Who Is Eligible for Passport Funding?

To be eligible for Passport funding, an individual must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a resident of Ontario
• Have a developmental disability as defined under the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 (SIPDDA) — which includes intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (in certain circumstances), and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), among other conditions
• Be registered with their local Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) office

Registration with DSO is the first step and the gateway to most developmental services funding in Ontario. If your adult family member is not yet registered, this should be the immediate priority.

"Many families wait years before they realize their loved one may be eligible for Passport funding. The earlier you apply, the better — there are often waitlists, and funding is not retroactive."

How to Apply for Passport Funding

The application process for Passport involves several steps:

Step 1: Register with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)

Contact the DSO office in your region to request an intake appointment. DSO has offices across Ontario. During the intake process, you will provide documentation of your family member's diagnosis and current support needs.

Step 2: Needs Assessment

DSO will conduct a needs assessment using a standardized tool. This assessment helps determine what level of funding the individual may qualify for. It is important to be thorough and honest during this assessment — describe support needs across all areas of life, including community participation, daily living, safety, communication, and caregiver relief.

Step 3: Funding Approval and Allocation

Based on the needs assessment, MCCSS will determine the individual's Passport funding allocation. Funding amounts vary depending on assessed need. There is typically a waitlist, and wait times vary by region.

Step 4: Individualized Funding Agreement

Once approved, the individual or their representative will sign an Individualized Funding Agreement (IFA) with the ministry, which outlines how the funds can be used and what reporting is required.

Step 5: Choosing Your Service Provider

With approved funding, the individual or family can choose which service provider to work with. This is where organizations like SFCS come in.

What Passport Cannot Fund

Understanding the boundaries of Passport is as important as knowing what it covers. Passport funding generally cannot be used for:

• Medical or health services covered by OHIP
• Residential supports (there are separate housing-related programs for this)
• Food, clothing, or personal supplies
• Services already funded by another government source
• Wages for a family member in most circumstances (there are limited exceptions under the Direct Funding model)

How to Use Passport Funding with SFCS

SFCS provides several services that can be purchased using Passport funding, including:

• Developmental disability support: One-on-one or group support for community participation, social inclusion, and daily living skill development
• Respite care: Planned or emergency caregiver relief from qualified support workers, purchased under the Passport's caregiver relief category
• Home and community support: Assistance with daily living tasks in the home and community settings

To use Passport funding with SFCS, the process is straightforward:

1. Contact us to discuss your family member's needs and confirm the types of support you are looking for
2. We will provide a service agreement outlining the supports we will provide and the rates
3. You submit invoices or receipts to MCCSS (or your Passport managing organization) as per your IFA requirements
4. Reimbursement is provided directly to you or to SFCS, depending on your arrangement

Managing Passport Funds: Self-Managed vs. Agency-Managed

Families have two main options for how Passport funding is managed:

• Self-managed (Direct Funding): The individual or family receives funds directly and takes responsibility for managing them, hiring workers, and maintaining required records. This model offers maximum flexibility but also requires administrative capacity.
• Agency-managed (Passport through an organization): A registered Passport service organization manages the funds on the individual's behalf and coordinates services. This reduces administrative burden but may limit flexibility in choosing individual workers.

SFCS can work with families under either model. We recommend discussing your capacity and preferences with your DSO caseworker before deciding.

Tips for Making the Most of Passport Funding

• Apply as early as possible. Waitlists are real. The longer you wait, the longer the delay before your family member receives support.
• Be thorough in needs assessments. The funding allocation is based on assessed need. If you understate support needs, the allocation may not reflect reality.
• Keep records. All Passport expenditures require documentation. Maintain invoices, receipts, and service logs from the start.
• Know your renewal dates. Passport funding agreements are typically renewed annually. Missing a renewal can result in a gap in funding.
• Ask for support. Your DSO caseworker can help clarify what is and is not fundable. Do not guess — ask.

Additional Ontario Funding Sources for Families

Passport is not the only funding program available to families supporting adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario. Others include:

• Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Income support and benefits for eligible individuals with disabilities
• Respite Services through Caregiver Support Ontario
• Assistive Devices Program (ADP) for eligible assistive technology
• Special Services at Home (SSAH) — though this is primarily for children under 18

Navigating multiple programs simultaneously is complex. If you are unsure where to start, our team is happy to help you understand how SFCS services can fit within your family's funding picture.