B.C. revamps funding for children with autism and other needs

British Columbia will invest $475 million over three years to create a new disability benefit and an income-tested supplement, expanding funding eligibility from about 30,000 to about 48,000 children; first supplement payments are scheduled for July 2027.

British Columbia has announced a redesigned funding system for children and youth with disabilities, including those with autism. The province says the changes are intended to make services fairer, easier to access and better coordinated. The government plans to spend $475 million over three years to support the new model. The redesign follows a paused 2021 attempt and subsequent engagement with families. Key details: - The new framework introduces a complex-needs disability benefit based on functional impact rather than diagnosis alone, and a separate income-tested disability supplement. - The disability benefit will range from $6,500 to $17,000 per year and is expected to reach up to 15,000 children with prolonged or complex developmental needs. - An estimated 33,000 children in lower- and middle-income households may be eligible for the supplement, which provides up to $6,000 per year per child and phases out as household income rises; payments start July 2027. - The government estimates the new system will fund about 48,000 children, up from about 30,000 under the current system. - Up to 5,000 children may see a reduction in their direct funding and will be prioritized for expanded community-based supports, with $80 million earmarked for those services and a target to increase some services by 40% over three years. - The rollout is phased: some families will move to the new system on April 1, the current autism funding program will remain in place until next year, and the supplement's first payments are scheduled for July 2027. Summary: The announced changes are intended to broaden eligibility and shift some families from direct funding to community-based services, while creating a needs-based benefit and an income-tested supplement. The program will be rolled out in phases, with some moves starting April 1, autism funding staying in place until next year, and the first supplement payments slated for July 2027.