OPEN NOW – Until February 12th, 2026
For more information, please contact respitefunding@kerrysplace.org.
The Children’s Respite Flexible Funding, provided by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, helps families access community respite services. Funding is available once per year and is not guaranteed in future years. This is an enhancement to your respite plan. These funds will not cover all of your yearly respite costs.
Who Can Apply
- Children up to the age of 18 years
- Children with an official Autism diagnosis
- Children who live in:
- York Region
- Simcoe County
- Durham Region
- Haliburton, Kawartha & Pine Ridge (HKPR)
- Dufferin
- Peel
- Wellington
What You Can Use The Funds For
- Respite within Ontario
- Respite worker / mediator
- Respite worker / mediator at a camp or group
- Camp fees
- Social groups, recreational groups
- Specialized classes, lessons (guitar, swimming, karate, etc.)
What Isn’t Covered
- Any type of therapy (speech and language, ABA, IBI, music therapy, etc.)
- Transportation costs (mileage, parking fees, etc.)
- Activity costs (admission fees, costumes, snacks, sport equipment, musical instruments, etc.)
- Home care and cleaning costs
- Education fees
- Technology (assistive devices, computer software, equipment, etc.)
How To Apply
- When applicants are open, click “Start the Application” to get started
- The applications will be selected by a lottery system
- All applicants will receive a notification by April 30
- The application covers a 1 year period (April 1 – March 31). Families are encouraged to apply yearly.
- *New this year* Selected applicants will receive an approval package with further information by email only. Packages will not be mailed out through Postal mail
Only apply once, all duplicates will be deleted.
How Reimbursement Works
- After completion of any service or program, submit the following to respitefunding@kerrysplace.org:
- A completed Schedule C Invoice
- Receipt(s) paid in full showing a $0.00 balance.
- Funds are reimbursed after you pay upfront, complete the service, and submit a valid receipt.
Submit Schedule C and receipts immediately following the respite supports.
Multiple submissions of the same invoice will result in delays.
We do not confirm receipt of invoices. All submitted invoices are received and processed accordingly. We will contact you if additional information is needed.
Common Questions
What can I use the funding for?
Camp, recreational activity, sport activity, music lessons, horseback riding, in/out of home respite, social groups, Scouts, Brownies etc. (No therapy i.e., ABA, IBI, SLP. PT) (no house cleaning, music books, ski equipment, etc.)
When does the funding need to be used by?
All invoices must be sent in no later than March 31st. All services must be completed by March 31.
When can I expect my reimbursement?
Invoices go to Finance team on the 15th and 25th of each month. It takes them approximately 3 weeks to process all the payments. An email notification is sent letting the families know that the funds have been transferred to their bank. It can take the banks up to 36 hours to deposit the funds into the accounts.
When can I apply for the funding?
The application is available the first Monday of January each year on the Kerry’s Place website.
Why isn’t the physical package being sent by postal mail?
We are reducing the use of physical paperwork when it comes to ReFF by converting documents and communication into a digital option (email, digital fillable forms, etc.). This will increase the efficiency of getting information back and forth between families and Kerry’s Place as well as reduce the risk of mail theft which puts your financial information at risk.
Can I send in the Schedule C now that I have been approved?
Send in the completed Schedule C once the program/service has been completed with the paid in full receipt.
Does the camp need to be a special needs camp?
No, your child can be enrolled in any camp that suits their needs.
Do I need a receipt from my Respite Worker?
No, the worker can sign the Schedule C in the Respite Worker section. If you use an Agency, please include the paid in full receipt from them.
Can my child who has already turned 18 receive these funds?
No, after their 18th birthday, they no longer qualify.