What is Direct Funding?
Direct Funding is a program in Ontario that gives people with physical disabilities the ability to hire and manage their own support workers.
Instead of receiving care through an agency, you receive funding directly—giving you more control over who provides your care and how it’s delivered.
Hire & Manage Your Attendants
You choose who supports you, when they work, and how your care is provided—giving you full control over your day-to-day support.
Receive Funding for Your Care
Instead of services being arranged for you, funding is provided directly—so you can pay your attendants and manage your care in a way that works best for you.
Build a System That Fits Your Life
Direct Funding allows you to create a care routine that reflects your needs, preferences, and lifestyle—not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Is Direct Funding Right for You?
Direct Funding works best for people who want more control—and are ready to take on responsibility.
Understand your care needs and can direct others
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Are comfortable hiring, training, and managing staff
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Are willing to take on employer responsibilities
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Want more flexibility and control over your care
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must meet all of the following:
Be 16 years or older
Live in Ontario and have a valid health card
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Have a permanent physical disability
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Require assistance with daily living activities
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Be able to manage your own care and staff
How to Apply for Direct Funding
Applying for Direct Funding may seem complex at first, but it’s a straightforward process broken into a few clear steps. Most of the work happens upfront—once you're set up, ongoing management is much simpler and manageable week to week.
1
Check Eligibility
Make sure you meet the program requirements and feel comfortable managing your own care and support staff.
2
Complete Your Application
Fill out the application in your own words, outlining your care needs and how you plan to manage your services.
3
Submit & Wait for Review
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed. If eligible, you’ll be invited to an interview—often after a waiting period.
4
Attend Your Interview
You’ll meet with a panel to discuss your routine, care needs, and ability to manage the program as a self-manager.
What Happens After You’re Approved?
Once approved, you’ll set up your system as an employer, often with the help of a bookkeeper or accountant. While the initial setup takes some effort, ongoing management is typically straightforward—often just a small amount of time each week to handle payroll and reporting.
What People Don’t Always Expect
Once approved, you’ll set up your system as an employer, often with the help of a bookkeeper or accountant. While the initial setup takes some effort, ongoing management is typically straightforward—often just a small amount of time each week to handle payroll and reporting.
What You Take On
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You become an employer
You’re responsible for hiring, training, and managing your attendants.
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You handle scheduling and coverage
You’ll need to plan your schedule and have backup options if someone can’t make a shift.
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You manage payroll and reporting
This includes paying staff and submitting required reports, often with the help of a bookkeeper.
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You make the final decisions
From hiring to letting someone go, the responsibility ultimately sits with you.
What People Realize After
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It’s more manageable than it sounds
Most of the work happens during setup—once everything is in place, ongoing management is often minimal.
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You’re not doing it alone
Many people work with bookkeepers or supports to handle the administrative side.
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It gives you real flexibility
You’re no longer limited to fixed schedules—you can build support around your life, not the other way around.
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It can work alongside existing care
Many people apply while receiving agency support, then transition once approved.
Preparing for Your Interview
The interview is designed to understand your needs and how you would manage your care—not to test you. With a bit of preparation, most people find it more straightforward than expected.
Your daily routine and support needs
How you would schedule and manage your care
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How you would hire and work with attendants
Basic responsibilities like payroll and planning
The goal is to show that you understand your needs and can manage your care—not to have perfect answers.
Application & Resources
To apply for Direct Funding, you’ll need to access the official application and supporting materials. We’ve outlined the key resources below to help you get started.
All official applications and documents are provided through the Direct Funding website.
Wait Times
Most applicants can expect to wait several months before being invited to an interview, though timelines can vary. Many people apply while using other support options and transition once approved.
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