B.C. Government Ends Autism Direct Funding, Introduces New Disability Benefit System
The government of British Columbia has announced a significant change in its funding model for children with autism, transitioning from direct funding to a new disability benefit system. This change comes after years of development and aims to create a more equitable distribution of resources. The previous model provided a set amount of funding to families of children diagnosed with autism, regardless of the severity of the disability. The new system introduces a two-pronged approach: a disability benefit for children with complex needs and a means-tested disability supplement. The disability benefit, which is not income-tested, will provide between $6,500 and $17,000 annually to families of children with significant challenges, such as those with autism and intellectual disabilities or Down Syndrome. The disability supplement, on the other hand, is income-tested and offers up to $6,000 per year, phasing out for families earning over $285,000 annually. This change will impact approximately 5,200 families w... 
