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FUNDING

Ways to fund your child's OT

Many families ask how to pay for private occupational therapy (OT). There is no single answer. Most families use one source, or a mix of a few. This page explains the common options in Ontario. Each program sets its own rules. Please check with the program before you count on any funding.

Child working through a colourful occupational therapy activity

 

Ottawa OT cannot decide if you qualify for any program. We can give you the documents most programs and insurers ask for.

 

What we provide for claims

  • Receipts for every payment

  • Written OT reports for insurance and for your child's school, when needed

  • A written parent debrief after every session, so you have a record of the work

Payment is by e-transfer only. Our care is planned in blocks of 10 sessions after an initial assessment. We do not offer single sessions. Some plans and programs ask for a plan of care up front. Ask us, and we can help you get what your plan needs.

 

Does OHIP cover private OT?

Generally, no. OHIP does not usually pay for private OT in the community.

The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) explains that OT is publicly funded through OHIP in hospitals and rehabilitation centres. Some OT services at home may also be available through local home and community care services, if you have valid OHIP. These public services can have wait times and set limits. Private OT is paid for by the family, a benefits plan or a funding program.

 

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No. COTO states: "You do not need a referral to see an occupational therapist."

Your insurer may still ask for a referral or other papers before it pays a claim. Check with your plan first.

 

Extended health benefits

Many families use a workplace or private health benefits plan. Coverage varies a lot from plan to plan. Before you start, ask your plan:

  • Is occupational therapy covered?

  • How much is covered each year, and per session?

  • Do I need a doctor's referral or prescription?

  • Does the OT need to be registered with COTO? (All our therapists are.)

  • Can I submit receipts online, and what must they show?

If both parents have plans, you may be able to claim under both. Your plan can explain how this works.

You can check any OT's registration on the COTO public register.

 

Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

The Ontario Autism Program is run by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. It supports children and youth under 18 who live in Ontario and have a written autism diagnosis from a qualified professional.

The program has several parts, including:

  • Foundational family services

  • Caregiver-mediated early years programs (ages 12 to 48 months)

  • Core clinical services

  • Entry to school program

  • Urgent response services

Can OAP funding pay for OT? Occupational therapy is listed as one of the core clinical services. Under the program guidelines, OT "must be delivered or supervised by an occupational therapist who is registered and in good standing with" COTO. Families who are invited into core clinical services receive funding through AccessOAP to buy services. Families registered before April 2021 may also have interim one-time funding or childhood budgets. Families must report expenses and keep receipts.

How to access it. Families register through AccessOAP, the program's intake organization:

Children are invited into core clinical services in the order they registered. A care coordinator then works with the family on needs and funding. Please confirm your child's eligibility, and which services and expenses are eligible, with AccessOAP.

 

Special Services at Home (SSAH)

Special Services at Home helps families caring for a child under 18 with a developmental and/or physical disability. It can fund supports for the child's day-to-day activities, growth and development, and respite for caregivers.

SSAH does not fund therapy. The program guidelines list "assessments and hands-on therapy" as not eligible, including occupational therapy. This is because these services are funded through other government programs.

SSAH may still help with other parts of your child's day, such as respite or community activities. Contact your Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services regional office for details.

 

Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)

ACSD is an Ontario program that gives parents a monthly payment to help with the extra costs of raising a child with a severe disability. Examples given by the program include travel to medical appointments, special shoes and clothes, and parental relief. It has an income limit. ACSD does not name therapy as a covered cost. Families who are eligible may still find it helpful. Check the program page for current details.

 

Jordan's Principle (First Nations children)

Jordan's Principle helps First Nations children get the health, social and education products, services and supports they need. Health supports listed by Indigenous Services Canada include "therapeutic services for individuals or groups (speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy)."

A First Nations child under the age of majority can apply if they live in Canada and meet one of the program's criteria, such as being registered, or eligible to be registered, under the Indian Act.

How to make a request:

Requests usually need a cost breakdown and a letter of support from a professional. We can provide an OT letter or report if it helps.

 

Inuit Child First Initiative (Inuit children)

Requests for Inuit children go through the Inuit Child First Initiative, not Jordan's Principle. It supports Inuit children recognized by an Inuit land claim organization and under the age of majority. Occupational therapy is listed under health supports. Requests can be made through the same national line, 1-855-572-4453, or a regional focal point.

 

Tax credits

Medical Expense Tax Credit. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows "medical services by medical practitioners" as an eligible medical expense. CRA's list of authorized medical practitioners shows occupational therapists as authorized in Ontario. This means fees you pay to a registered OT in Ontario can generally be claimed. You can only claim the part you paid yourself, not amounts your plan paid back. Keep your receipts. CRA may ask to see them.

Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The DTC is a separate, non-refundable credit for people with a severe and prolonged impairment. A medical practitioner must certify Form T2201. CRA says an occupational therapist can certify the form for impairments in walking, feeding and dressing. Other areas, such as mental functions, must be certified by other professionals.

Tax rules are detailed. Please check the CRA pages or speak with a tax professional.

 

Questions before you start?

We are happy to talk through your options. We cannot promise any funding. We can help you understand which documents you may need.

Book a free 15-minute call

 

Sources

Official pages opened and checked in October 2026:

 

Related reading

Browse all our Parent Guides.

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