Direct Funding Program

The Direct Funding (DF) Program is a province-wide initiative that empowers adults with physical disabilities to take full control of their attendant services. Instead of relying on agency-based care, Self-Managers act as employers, recruiting, training, and scheduling their own attendants to support their daily needs.

Funded by the Ministry of Health and administered by the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT) and Independent Living Resource Centres (ILRCs) across Ontario, Direct Funding allows individuals to manage their attendant services on their own terms.

Logo that reads DF @ 30 celebrating 30 years of direct funding. The image is an orange circle with a teal D and white F

How Direct Funding Works

Self-Managers hire their own attendants to assist with:

  • Routine activities of daily living like dressing, transferring, bathing and toileting

  • Scheduling support for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and emergencies

  • Overnight services and nurturing assistance

Benefits of Direct Funding

By managing their own attendant services, participants gain:

  • Greater independence, choice, and control over their attendant services

  • Access to the maximum amount of services based on their needs

  • Improved satisfaction with their care

  • Better family relationships as caregiving responsibilities shift to attendants

  • Flexibility to use funds at home, in the community, or while traveling within Ontario

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for Direct Funding, you must:

  • Be 16 years or older

  • Be a resident of Ontario with a valid OHIP card

  • Require attendant services due to a physical disability

  • Need assistance with at least one of the following: transferring, bathing, toileting, or dressing

  • Be able to recruit, hire, train, and schedule your own attendant workers

  • Be able to manage employer responsibilities and a budget

What Does the Funding Cover?

  • Monthly funds to hire and pay attendants (excluding immediate family members), nurturing assistance and overnight services

  • Employer related costs like CPP, EI, WSIB, Vacation Pay and Holiday Pay

  • Miscellaneous expenses like bookkeeping, advertising, banking and a portion of liability insurance

For more information or to sign up, contact:

Katherine Pohjolainen katherine@ilrctbay.ca