B.C. unveils new funding model for children with autism and other support needs.

British Columbia announced a reworked funding system adding $475 million over three years and redirecting $298 million in existing autism funding, aiming to extend supports to about 48,000 children.

B.C. has announced a reworked funding system for children and youth with disabilities, including autism, which the province says will be fairer, easier to access and better coordinated. Minister Jodie Wickens said the government will add $475 million in new funding over three years and redirect $298 million from existing autism funding. The change follows a paused 2021 redesign that was revised after criticism and further engagement with families. Officials said the new approach intends to expand both direct financial support and community-based services for more children. What was announced: - The province allocated $475 million in new funding over three years and said $298 million in existing autism funding will be redirected. - A new complex-needs disability benefit will be based on functional impact rather than diagnosis, with amounts reported between $6,500 and $17,000 per year and an intended reach of up to 15,000 children. - A separate income-tested disability supplement is estimated to make about 33,000 children in lower- and middle-income households eligible; the supplement’s maximum is reported as $6,000 per year per child and funding is said to cut off for a one-child household with after-tax income near $200,000. - The government estimates the combined new system will provide funding to about 48,000 children, up from about 30,000 under the current model. - Officials said up to 5,000 children may see a reduction in their direct funding and will be prioritized for community-based supports; the province has earmarked $80 million for expanding those services and expects community-based supports to grow about 40% over three years. - The rollout will be phased: some families are scheduled to move to the new benefit on April 1, the current autism funding program will remain in place until next year, and the first payments from the supplement are scheduled for July 2027. Summary: Officials say the redesign is intended to broaden access to financial supports and community services for many more children with disabilities. Some families may experience changes in how supports are delivered, and up to 5,000 children could see reduced direct funding while being directed to expanded community services. The rollout is phased, with some moves beginning April 1, the existing autism program remaining until next year, and the first supplement payments planned for July 2027.