B.C. Children & Youth Disability Benefit

Below summarizes the information we currently have about the changes to Autism Funding and access to individualized funding for families in B.C.

We know that changes can feel overwhelming and we are committed to continuing to help support all families in our province.

Upcoming Changes to the Provincial Disability Funding

The Government of British Columbia has announced changes to child and youth disability funding. Beginning in April 2026, the current Autism Funding program and some other funding streams will transition to a new system called the BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit.

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. This new system will increase opportunities for access to support services for many families in our province who have not received the supports they need. The needs-based system will offer:

  • 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

Current families who already receive financial support will transition to the new Disability Benefit in phases starting April 2026 through March 2027. A ministry worker will contact each family to support the transition.

What does this mean for current families?

There is still significant information missing about how families who currently access Autism Funding will be transitioned to the new Disability Benefit, including the assessment of needs process for those with an Autism diagnosis.

  • We are monitoring all new information announced about these changes to keep the families we work with already informed.

  • We remain committed to working alongside families in our province, regardless of diagnosis, to provide neuro-affirming behaviour consultation and social development programs.

If you have questions about how this may affect your child’s services, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@levelupbehaviourservices.com.

Read more about the changes from the provincial government here.