Many extended health benefit plans include speech-language pathology services as an eligible expense. Depending on your provider and coverage, services may be partially or fully reimbursed with a receipt from a registered speech-language pathologist.

We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm your specific coverage, reimbursement rates, and whether a physician referral is required.

Families in British Columbia may be eligible for provincial autism funding to help cover services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, behaviour support, and counselling. Currently, children under age 6 may receive up to $22,000 per year, while children and youth ages 6–18 may receive up to $6,000 per year with a qualifying Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.

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BC is currently transitioning from the autism-specific funding model to a broader needs-based disability support system called the BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit (see below). The transition began in April 2026, with the current Autism Funding program remaining in place until April 1, 2027. The Autism Funding Unit continues to accept new applications for the existing autism funding program until March 2027.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions with the new changes or application process! Families are also encouraged to review the latest information through the Government of British Columbia Autism Funding Program.

The new BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit provides direct funding for children and youth (ages 0 to 19) who have lifelong disability resulting in significant and/or complex support needs.

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This Benefit will replace some current funding programs – including autism funding, which was based only on diagnosis – with a needs-based system that offers:

• Funding tailored to each child’s functional needs

• New support for families who have never received help before

• Increased support for children with the highest needs

• More flexibility and choice with less paperwork

• Expanded free community services that all families can access without a diagnosis

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Eligibility and funding

Eligibility and funding amounts are based on a child's level of support needs, not their diagnosis or family income.

• Base tier: $6,500 per year

• Higher tier: $17,000 per year, set through support planning with a ministry worker

A child or youth may qualify if they have:

• A long-term disability that results in significant and complex developmental support needs, based on diagnosis and/or functional impact.

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Families may also qualify for the new BC Disability Supplement and other financial supports.

The new BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement is a monthly payment that helps middle-and low-income families with the cost of raising a child with support needs. 

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Families can receive up to $6,000 per year per child. The benefit is based on income and the number of eligible children. It pays the most to families with the lowest incomes.

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Eligibility

Families will automatically receive the BC Disability Supplement starting July 2027 if they:

• Are approved for the Canada Disability Tax Credit

• Meet household income thresholds, and

• File their tax return each year

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Use the online disability supplement to the B.C. family benefit estimator to estimate your disability supplement payments for the July 2027 to June 2028 benefit year, based on your 2026 adjusted family net income.

Jordan’s Principle supports First Nations children under the age of majority (19 years old in British Columbia) by providing funding and access to speech-language pathology services, ensuring children receive necessary care without delay or jurisdictional disputes between governments.

Available to children from birth to eight years, who are enrolled in the Métis Family Connections Program. Families can apply for financial support to assist with the cost of a wide range of services, programs and products, including but not limited to respite care, speech therapy, assessments, specialized equipment, and mental health supports.

Variety steps in where health care ends aiming to fill the gaps which are not covered by government programs, health care or private health plans. Variety relies solely on the generosity of individuals, corporate sponsors and organizations to fund their child grants. Grants are designed to be flexible to allow you to apply for the items that best meet your child’s needs. As every child is unique, so is every application and each is reviewed on an individual basis.

CKNW Kids' Fund helps children from birth to 19 access speech therapy and other essential supports when families cannot afford them or do not qualify for government funding. It ensures that children who are on long waitlists or financially at risk can still receive timely services. Funding for communication-related equipment is also available.

This program can provide financial assistance for services related to a child's specific needs, such as counselling, therapy or corrective dental/medical expenses. Adoptive parents can apply for financial support only with the assistance of their Adoption Social Worker. 

The National Child and Youth Disability Reimbursement Program provides financial compensation for assessments, therapies, assistive devices and/or equipment to assist dependent school-aged children with disabilities including neurodevelopmental, social, physical, and medical needs who require accommodations to access their education curriculum.

The Elks & Royal Purple Fund for Children provides financial assistance for medical needs of children with hearing and speech disorders under the age of 19.

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It is a grass roots charity and remains a proud tradition of our Lodges and members all across Canada. The charity relies on donations from Lodges through their fundraising efforts and personal contributions.