Do I need an autism diagnosis for SSAH?

No. SSAH covers developmental and physical disabilities broadly. An autism diagnosis counts but is not required. OAP Core Clinical requires a written ASD diagnosis.

Does SSAH have a waitlist like OAP?

SSAH does not have the same kind of long queue as OAP Core Clinical. Processing times vary by region, but SSAH applications are reviewed and decided individually. OAP Core Clinical invitations are based on the child's OAP registration date; many families wait a long time, and exact wait times are not published.

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SSAH vs OAP: What Is the Difference

Q: What is the difference between SSAH and OAP in Ontario?

SSAH (Special Services at Home) covers respite, daily supports, and development activities. OAP Core Clinical covers therapy: ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health. They are separate Ontario programs run by different ministries, each with its own eligibility and decision rules. Many families hold both. Confirm specific interactions with the relevant program office.

Q: Can I have SSAH and OAP at the same time?

Yes. SSAH and OAP are separate programs with their own eligibility rules. Many families pursue both. Do not assume one automatically affects the other; confirm specific interactions with the relevant program office.

Last verified: April 2026. Always confirm details on the official page.

What is the difference between SSAH and OAP in Ontario

SSAH pays for respite, daily supports, and development activities. OAP Core Clinical pays for therapy: ABA, speech, OT, and mental health. They are separate Ontario programs run by different ministries, each with its own eligibility and decision rules. Many families pursue both. Confirm specific interactions with the relevant program office if your situation is unusual.

The short version

Need therapy? That is OAP Core Clinical.
Need respite or daily supports? That is SSAH.
Need both? SSAH and OAP are separate programs with separate applications and decisions. Many families pursue both. Confirm with the program office before using two programs for the same type of expense.

Many Ontario families think they have to choose between SSAH and OAP, or that one replaces the other. They are different programs for different needs. This page explains exactly what each covers and where they do not overlap.

How do SSAH and OAP compare side by side

	SSAH	OAP Core Clinical
Full name	Special Services at Home	Ontario Autism Program — Core Clinical Services
Ministry	MCCSS (Children, Community and Social Services)	MCCSS (through AccessOAP)
Covers	Respite, daily supports, development activities	ABA, speech therapy, OT, mental health
Diagnosis needed	No (developmental or physical disability)	Yes (written ASD diagnosis)
OAP registration needed	No	Yes
Income tested	No	No
Waitlist	Application reviewed individually	Years (invitations in registration order)
Age limit	Under 18	Under 18
Can hold both	Yes	Yes

What does SSAH cover that OAP does not

SSAH covers supports OAP does not touch: hiring someone to care for your child so you can take a break, daily living help, and growth activities.

SSAH covers

Respite — hiring workers, camps, overnight care, before/after school, PA day coverage. Family members over 18 (not the primary caregiver or spouse) can be paid.
Daily supports — sensory items, tutoring, self-care help, safety supports, special clothing.
Growth and development — social programs, fitness, hobbies, future planning.

SSAH does not cover therapy

ABA, speech therapy, and OT are not SSAH expenses. Those go through OAP Core Clinical.

What does OAP Core Clinical cover that SSAH does not

OAP Core Clinical covers clinical therapy services. You choose your own qualified providers (regulated and in good standing with their college). The OAP Provider List is one place to search, but it is voluntary, so qualified providers may not appear on it. You submit invoices for reimbursement.

OAP Core Clinical covers

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
Speech-language pathology
Occupational therapy
Mental health and psychotherapy
Therapy materials recommended by your provider
Communication devices not covered by ADP

OAP does not cover respite or daily supports

Respite, daily living help, camps, and social programs are not OAP expenses. Those go through SSAH.

For the full list of eligible and ineligible OAP expenses, see OAP Eligible Expenses.

Can I have SSAH and OAP at the same time

Yes. They are separate programs with their own eligibility rules. Many families hold SSAH, OAP, DTC, and ACSD at the same time — do not assume one automatically affects the other. Confirm specific interactions with the relevant program office (MCCSS for SSAH/ACSD, AccessOAP for OAP, CRA for DTC). See how all programs relate

You should apply for both because

They cover different needs (therapy vs. respite and supports)
The OAP waitlist is years — SSAH can start sooner
Neither reduces the other
Many families miss years of SSAH because they thought OAP covered everything

Do SSAH and OAP have different diagnosis requirements

Yes. This is one of the biggest differences.

SSAH

Does not require an autism diagnosis. Covers developmental and physical disabilities broadly. If your child has a documented developmental delay, you can apply even before a formal ASD diagnosis.

OAP Core Clinical

Requires a written ASD diagnosis from a qualified professional. Without it, you cannot register with AccessOAP.

If your child does not have a diagnosis yet, you can still apply for SSAH now. See the Before Diagnosis guide for all programs that do not require a diagnosis.

Is the SSAH waitlist as long as the OAP waitlist

No. Many families wait a long time for an OAP Core Clinical invitation; exact wait times are not published and can vary. SSAH applications are reviewed and decided individually. Processing times vary by region, but SSAH does not have the same kind of long queue.

SSAH is discretionary

SSAH funding amounts depend on available resources. Approval and amount are not guaranteed. But the process is much faster than waiting for a Core Clinical invitation.

For more on the OAP waitlist, see the OAP Waitlist page.

Common mistakes families make about SSAH and OAP

Thinking SSAH and OAP are the same program. They are separate programs covering different things. Apply for both.

Waiting for OAP before applying for SSAH. SSAH does not require OAP registration. You can apply for SSAH today regardless of where you are in the OAP process.

Using OAP money for respite. Respite is generally an SSAH expense. OAP rules typically do not cover respite costs — check whether SSAH or another program may cover it.

Thinking you have to choose one or the other. You do not. They are separate programs with their own eligibility rules; many families pursue both.

Not knowing SSAH exists. Many families spend years on the OAP waitlist without SSAH because nobody told them about it. It is the most commonly missed program.