How Do I Access Funding?

There are lots of options available for funding. If you are unsure about how to access your funding options or need help, please ask for support.

Your DL (Distributed Learner) – keep in mind that whatever your baseline amount is for September may also be increased throughout the school year. You don’t get what you don’t ask for. Ask your LC when you can request more funding to add to your budget.
Most DLs offer a budget or LRS (learner resource support) funds. These can be used to go towards camps, or help purchase consumable items for your learner throughout the year.
Some DLs offer a budget for the summer – ask about this in June and you can apply it to summer camp or BI support.
AFU – if you need help accessing the portal or creating a request to pay form, please ask.
AHP (at home programme) – If eligible can provide funding for PT, OT, and Speech as well as medical equipment. Your doctor completes the application, and it is forwarded to CYSN for a nursing assessment through public health and the assessment is then brought to a committee. please reach out to your CYSN worker for more details.
Extended Benefits – if you have a benefits plan, find out what it covers. A lot of plans include PT, OT, SLP and sometimes even respite coverage. This can be added to the coverage you are already receiving.
In Home Care Funding through the Child Development Centre – intended to support families with extra costs of child care for children who are eligible for in-home supports.
Disability Tax Credit – Talk to your social worker to ask about how you apply for this. Peggy Hoult is a disability tax credit facilitator. She can support you to understand how to best utilize your disability tax credit, how to register for a RDSP (register disability savings plan) and she works with families to support them with transition funding when kids are ‘aging out’ (19+) to access and advocate for funding through CLBC. She also helps families access resources like free flights for parents and caregivers to accompany their child when travelling. You can contact her at 250-756-0644 or peggyhoult.com
Respite Funding – Talk to your CYSN worker regarding eligibility.
CLBC Funding – this kicks in at age 19. Again, talk to your social worker and should you need letters of support, I am happy to help you.
Jordan’s Principle – this a fantastic source of funding for First Nations Children. Please ask me for more details and I can connect you with our local representative.
The Métis Child Care Benefit Program is a service offered by the Métis Child Care and Navigation and Support Program, for families with Métis children, birth to 12 years. Through the Métis Child Care Benefit Program, families can access additional funding, bridging the connection to the Affordable Child Care Benefit. The Métis Child Care Benefit (MCCB) is a monthly benefit to support parents with their Licensed child care and Licensed Preschool fees. The supplement for Licensed child care costs are calculated at a monthly rate, to a maximum of $500.00 per child, per month. The supplement for Licensed Preschool is calculated at a daily rate, to a maximum benefit of $12.50 per child, per day. The funding for the MCCB is paid directly to the child care program/provider. Métis Child Care Benefit Program | MNBC
PWD (persons with disabilities) - Begins at age 18 and individuals can apply at age 17.5 this is through the Ministry of Housing and Poverty Reduction.
The Miyoopimatishihk (Wellbeing) Program has been created for Métis families with children birth to 8 years. Métis families can apply for, and access services funded directly by MNBC. Who may apply? ` Any parent or guardian who cares for a Métis child that requires extra support. ` The child must be enrolled in the Métis Family Connections Program. ` The parent/guardian or child must be a MNBC citizen and provide their citizenship number.
Grants/Donations – there are lots of options to apply for grants. While this can be a time-consuming process, it often pays in the end to do the work. If you are interested in pursuing this, I can give you some leads.
1. A couple of great ones are: Variety Children’s Charity (https://www.variety.bc.ca/grants/)
2. CKNW Kids Fund (www.cknwkidsfund.com/apply-for-a-grant/)
3. Bear Essentials (https://islandkidsfirst.com/bear-essentials/)