The BC government recently announced changes to Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN), which will affect how families access funding and services. This updated system is intended to make supports easier to navigate, improve access to services, and focus on each child’s individual needs, rather than relying only on diagnosis.

The changes include two new financial supports, expanded community-based services, and a gradual transition away from some existing programs.

For many families, this may bring new opportunities to access support for their child. At the same time, it’s understandable that you may have questions or uncertainty about what this will mean in practice. This guide will walk you through some key updates and what they could mean for your family.

What is changing?

There are three main parts to the new system:

BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit

The BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit will provide direct funding for children and youth ages 0 to 19 with significant or complex support needs. This benefit is not based on household income. Instead, the amount is determined by the child’s level of support need.

Families may receive:

  • $6,500 per year through the base tier
  • Up to $17,000 per year through the higher tier

Once approved, families will work with a ministry worker or another professional to develop a Support Plan. This plan outlines the child’s goals, the types of supports needed, and the funding level.

Families will then choose how they want to receive and manage the funding, depending on what works best for them:

  • Direct payment: Families receive funds directly and arrange services independently
  • Invoicing: Families select the service providers themselves, who then invoice the Ministry directly
  • Authorized agency coordinated pathway: Families work with a pre-approved community provider that helps plan, coordinate, and deliver services

These options are designed to give families more flexibility and allow them to choose the level of administration that works best for them. Funding must be used for supports that help improve a child’s daily life and functioning, as outlined by the child’s approved Support Plan.

BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement

The BC Children and Youth Disability Supplement will provide a monthly payment to eligible middle- and low-income families caring for a child with support needs. Families may receive up to $6,000 per year per child, depending on household income and the number of eligible children in the family.

To qualify, families must:

  • Be approved for the Canada Disability Tax Credit
  • Meet the household income thresholds
  • File annual tax returns

Once eligible, families are automatically enrolled and payments are added to the Canada Child Benefit.

This funding is flexible, and families can decide how to use it based on their needs, including:

  • Therapies or supports not covered elsewhere
  • Childcare or respite
  • Tuition or extracurricular activities
  • Counselling for siblings
  • Other costs related to raising a child with support needs

Expanded community-based services

Alongside the new financial supports, the province is expanding access to community-based services for children and youth with support needs. These changes are meant to help families access support earlier, closer to home, and with less stress and paperwork around navigating the system.

Over the next few years, families can expect more access to:

  • Pediatric therapies, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech-language therapy
  • Behavioural and mental health supports
  • Navigation and family supports
  • Programs for children and youth ages 6 to 18

A key difference is that many of these services will be available without requiring a diagnosis. This may allow families to access support sooner, rather than waiting for a specific assessment or formal diagnosis.

Changes to existing programs

As the new system rolls out, some existing programs will be gradually phased out or replaced.

School-Aged Extended Therapies (SAET)

  • Will continue until March 31, 2027, or until a child or youth transitions to the new system
  • Transition to the Disability Benefit will begin in April 2026
  • Children currently receiving SAET through the At Home Program are expected to be eligible for the new benefit

Autism Funding

  • Will continue until March 31, 2027
  • Some families will begin transitioning to the Disability Benefit starting in July 2026
  • By April 1, 2027, Autism Funding will be replaced by the new system

What can families do now?

If you’re currently receiving services, you won’t be expected to navigate these changes on your own. Ministry workers will reach out to explain the changes, discuss eligibility, and help you through the transition.

In the meantime, families can:

  • Stay informed about timelines and updates
  • Apply for the Disability Tax Credit if you haven’t already
  • File your tax return and keep your CRA information up to date
  • Watch for communication from the Ministry
  • Reach out for support if you have questions or concerns

Learn more

For the most up-to-date information about eligibility, timelines, and program details, visit the BC Government’s CYSN page.

If you have questions, you can contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development at mcf.childrenyouthsupportneeds@gov.bc.ca.