Changes to Autism Funding in British Columbia

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UPDATE AT BOTTOM

Please note that this is my understanding of the information that is currently available.  For clarification please reach out to your CYSN worker or consult the websites linked below.

As I'm sure we've all heard, changes are coming to the Autism Funding Unit (AFU) in BC.  Mostly that it is ending.  But it's not all bad, trust me.  

The current Autism Funding is being replaced by two new benefits.  The BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit and the BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement.  I will describe these separately.  


BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit

This is what is replacing Autism Funding.  There will be a base tier of $6500 per year.  This is an increase from the current $6000 per year.  They are introducing a higher tier of up to $17,000 per year depending on needs and determined by a ministry worker.  The website and email don't mention higher amounts for children under 6 years old, so please stay tuned for more information.  There is also limited information on equipment, supplies and travel allowances so we will wait for more information to come out.  

It looks like service providers will still be able to invoice directly to the funding similar to how they currently invoice through the service provider portal.  

If you currently receive Autism Funding, you will be contacted by a ministry worker who will support your transition.  

More information on this benefit can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/financial-supports/disability-benefit


BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement

This is a supplemental payment that the BC Government is adding to your federal Disability Tax Credit monthly payments.  These amounts are based on income and increase with additional children who qualify.  Find more information and funding amounts here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development/support-needs/financial-supports/disability-supplement


Hopefully this works the way they are intending and opens up funding and supports to more children who can benefit from them.  Please comment below if you have any questions and I will do my best to find an answer!



UPDATE AFTER CYSN ONLINE INFO SESSION ON FEBRUARY 11, 2026:

It looks like they haven't completely determined what the eligibility criteria is yet.  The information says 'Autism combined with any level of intellectual disability' but we don't yet know what they will count as that.  More information is to be coming out in the coming weeks about that, so we will have to stay tuned to see how that plays out.  

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