Passport Program – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • The 2018 Ontario budget was passed on May 8, 2018 and includes $1.8 billion in new funding over three years for developmental services.
  • This significant investment will advance our goal of giving people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to have a secure and safe place to live, to join community recreation programs, to find employment, go to school, and to live independently in their community.
  • For the first time, every eligible adult in the province with a developmental disability, including youth turning 18 and transitioning to adult services, will get at least $5,000 a year in direct funding through Passport to assist them in participating in their community and provide respite for their caregivers.

Q&As

Q: What is Passport?

A: If you have any questions related to the Passport program, information is available at this link: Passport


Q: Who provides Passport funding?

A: There are eleven Passport agencies across the province who provide funding and directly administer and deliver the Passport program.


Q: How will people get the new Passport funding?

A: Local Passport agencies will contact people who are eligible to receive a Passport approval.


Q: I am new to the adult developmental services sector. How do I receive Passport funding?

A: For the first time, every eligible adult in the province with a developmental disability, including youth turning 18 and transitioning to adult services, will get at least $5,000 a year in direct funding through Passport to assist them in participating in their community and provide respite for their caregivers.

To be deemed eligible for adult developmental services and supports, contact your local Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) office. They will ask you questions to confirm eligibility. Being eligible means;

  • You have a developmental disability
  • You live in Ontario
  • You are 18 years or older. (You can confirm eligibility once you are 16 years old, but you will not get linked to services to until you are 18 years old.)

Q: Once I am deemed eligible by the DSO, how will I know if am approved for my $5000?

A: For the first time, every eligible adult in the province with a developmental disability, including youth turning 18 and transitioning to adult services, will get at least $5,000 a year in direct funding through Passport to assist them in participating in their community and provide respite for their caregivers.

Once your local DSO has confirmed you are eligible for ministry funded adult services and supports, you will receive a letter from the DSO confirming your eligibility in writing. This letter will provide further information about how to receive the Passport funding available to you.


Q: I am on the waitlist – when will I receive my $5,000?

A: Passport agencies will contact people who are eligible to receive a Passport approval.


Q: I currently receive less than $5,000 in Passport funding – will I be receiving a top-up?

A: People who receive less than $5,000 in Passport funding will receive a top-up to bring them to $5,000. Passport agencies will be contacting you shortly after the budget process is completed.


Q: I am already eligible, can I spend the $5,000 now?

A: No, Passport recipients will be required to sign a funding agreement with their Passport agency in order for reimbursements to be approved.


Q: What if I need more than $5,000?

A: The Ministry is giving a minimum allocation of $5,000. You are encouraged to complete the application package at your local Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) office, as you may be eligible for additional ministry-funded services and supports. Once your needs have been fully assessed by your local DSO, additional funding may be provided as it becomes available.


Q: How will I be contacted?

A: Passport agencies will contact people who are eligible to receive a Passport approval.


Q: Can I contact my local Passport agency?

A:  Passport agencies will contact people who are eligible to receive a Passport approval.


Q:  When will I start receiving my $5,000?

A:  After you are contacted by your local Passport agency to receive a Passport approval, you will receive additional details about the Passport program and how funds are administered.