Support for Children with Disabilities

Families who adopt children with special needs are often taking on extraordinary demands and may require financial assistance and other support to meet the child’s needs. Although adoption subsidy is available for some, there are times when it's necessary to find other financial support options.

Listed below are a number of Federal, Provincial and Community programs offering financial assistance.

If you know of any other programs we could share, please contact patricia.estabrooks@nbadoption.ca

Disability Tax Credit

The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay.

The purpose of the DTC is to provide for greater tax equity by allowing some relief for disability costs, since these are unavoidable additional expenses that other taxpayers don’t have to face.

  • This is a tax deduction you can get if your child is deemed disabled.

  • To apply, a medical practitioner has to fill out government form TT201 and certify that your child has a severe and prolonged impairment and must describe its effects.

  • The most important thing considered is how the disability affects your child's everyday life.

** If you get turned down the first time, it is encouraged to reapply, many get accepted after appealing.

Find out more at : https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html

Child Disability Benefit

  • The child disability benefit is a tax-free monthly payment made to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions.

  • You must be eligible for the Canada child benefit

  • Your child must be eligible for the Disability Tax Credit

  • If you are already getting the Canada child benefit for your child who is eligible for the disability tax credit, you do not need to apply for the child disability benefit. You will get it automatically.

Find out more at : https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html

Family Supports for Children with Disabilities

This program provides services to children with disabilities up to the age of 19. If a child is eligible under the program, an individual service plan is developed that will be based on the child’s strengths, needs and the services that are available. The program may provide services or items to assist the family in providing the care and support the child requires. This may include respite care, parent aides, medical and rehabilitation transportation, recreational opportunities and home support services.

In addition, children whose families do not have private health insurance may be eligible for a “health card” that covers items such as prescription drugs, dental care, eye care, medical and rehabilitation equipment.

You can not be part of this program if you are a subsidized adoption from NB.

To apply, call the Social Development office in your region. If you meet preliminary eligibility, a social worker will meet you and your family to complete the application.

Find out more at : www.gnb.ca/socialdevelopment

or Download the brochure

or call the Social Development office in your region.

  • Moncton 1 (866) 426-5191

  • Saint John 1 (866) 441-4340

  • Fredericton 1 (866) 444-8838

  • Edmundston 1 (866) 441-4249

  • Restigouche 1 (866) 441-4245

  • Chaleur 1 (866) 441-4341

  • Acadian Peninsula 1 (866) 441-4149

  • Miramichi 1 (866) 441-4246

Enhanced Support Worker Program

The Enhanced Support Worker Program (ESWP) provides funding to licensed early learning and childcare facilities to support children with disabilities and/or additional needs who require a support worker to actively participate in the activities of the facility.

Your Daycare/Camp can help you apply, you and the daycare provider will need to fill out a form explaining the needs of your child. The Daycare will then submit the request for funding.

Eligibility

  • the parent(s)/guardian(s) works or attends school/training;

  • the child is enrolled in a licensed early learning and childcare facility;

  • the child’s initial application demonstrates a high need for support services.

  • the child is 12 years of age or under.

For more information on the Enhanced Support Worker Program, contact:

Early Childhood Services Branch Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

ESWP-PATS@gnb.ca

Toll-free: 1 833 453-6645

or

Visit : https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.201351.Enhanced_Support_Worker_Program.html

Health & Well-being Fund

The Children’s Aid Foundation’s Health & Well-Being Fund is designed to fill the gap between basic government funded health care, and the necessary preventative and specialized supports that many children and youth with experience in the child welfare system need but cannot afford.

Eligibility

  • Children and youth who are or were involved with child welfare (at risk in the community, in temporary care, kinship care, in permanent care, formerly in care)

  • Under 28 years of age at the time of the request

  • No other sources of funding (including government funding) available to support the request

  • Clear indication of how the child/youth/family will benefit from the grant

Funding is available to children and youth for any of the following:

  • Prescriptions

  • Vision Care

  • Medical Therapy/Services (physiotherapy, chiropractic's, x-rays, dermatology)

  • Medical Supplies (asthma puffers, hearing aids, epipens, prescriptions

  • Dental Care & Orthodontia (corrections and surgeries)

  • Funding Support to travel to and from medical appointments

  • Sleeping devices for children and youth with disabilities

  • Medical equipment for children and youth with disabilities

  • Mental Health counselling for children and youth

Find out more at : https://cutt.ly/SyI07wU

ParaSport Jumpstartfund

Every kid should have access to sport and play.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) have been engaged in a partnership to create greater opportunities for children and youth with disabilities between the ages of 4-25, and who face barriers to actively participate in organized sports and physical activity.

The Para Sport Jumpstart Fund provides funding to support quality sport and physical activity programs that provide positive introductory and early competition Para Sport experiences. Para Sport Jumpstart Fund covers costs associated with registration, transportation and equipment.

Find out more at : https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/para-sport-jumpstart-fund