British Columbia Autism Funding

Use your BC Autism Funding — and the new BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit — toward eligible out-of-school learning support for your child. We've helped families put their funding to work for over 15 years.

Autism Banner

Every parent in British Columbia wants the best support for their child, but navigating government funding programs can feel overwhelming. British Columbia provides direct funding to families of children with autism and other support needs to help pay for eligible services that promote skill development — including communication skills, social-emotional skills, academic skills, and functional life skills.

Right now, BC families should know about two programs: the current Autism Funding program and the new BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit that is replacing it.

Here's what you need to know about both — and how TutorBright can help you make the most of your funding.

What is BC Autism Funding?

BC's Autism Funding program helps families pay for eligible services and supports that promote skill development for children living with autism. The program continues unchanged and is accepting new applications until March 2027, when it fully transitions to the new Disability Benefit.

Current Autism Funding amounts:

  • BC's Autism Funding program helps families pay for eligible services and supports that promote skill development for children living with autism. The program continues unchanged and is accepting new applications until March 2027, when it fully transitions to the new Disability Benefit.

  • Current Autism Funding amounts: Children under age 6: up to $22,000 per year. This funding may be used for professionals listed on the Registry of Autism Service Providers (RASP), supervised behaviour interventionists, family counselling, and related costs.

  • Children aged 6 to 18: up to $6,000 per year. This funding covers a broader range of supports — including out-of-school learning support and tutoring that takes place outside of school hours, behaviour consultants, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, life skills and social skills programs, and specialized therapeutic activities.

  • Travel, Training and Equipment (TTE): Parents can use up to 20% of their autism funding allocation for other supports such as travel, training, and equipment purchases.

  • Manage it online: Families can check funding balances, set up service providers for payment, and get reimbursed through the My Family Services portal.

What is the New BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit?

The Autism Funding program is transitioning to a broader, needs-based program: the BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit. This new disability benefit provides direct funding for children and youth ages 0 to 19 who have a lifelong disability resulting in significant and/or complex support needs.

The biggest change? Eligibility and funding amounts are based on a child's level of support needs — not their diagnosis or family income. Key features of the new disability benefit include:

  • Base tier funding of $6,500 per year, available to eligible children and youth.

  • Higher tier funding of up to $17,000 per year, set through support planning with a ministry worker for children with the highest needs.

  • Two eligibility pathways: a direct admit pathway for children with diagnoses strongly linked to high functional needs, and a needs-based review pathway so children with rare, complex, or atypical needs are not excluded.

  • Three flexible payment pathways: families can choose direct payment, an invoicing pathway (which works much like the current Autism Funding model, where providers invoice the Ministry directly), or an authorized agency coordinated pathway — or combine multiple options.

  • New support for families who have never received help before, increased support for children with the highest needs, and more flexibility with less paperwork.

  • Support for eligible services such as behavioural intervention, paediatric therapies, respite, inclusive recreation programs, family counselling, and mental health supports — all guided by an approved Support Plan.

When Does the Transition Happen?

The transition from Autism Funding to the new Disability Benefit is happening in two phases:

  • Phase 1 (April 2026 – March 2027): Families already receiving support transition to the new benefit in stages, with Autism Funding recipients beginning their transition in July 2026. A ministry worker will contact each family directly. New families continue to apply through current pathways.

  • Phase 2 (April 2027 onward): Full implementation for all current families, and intake opens for new families to apply directly for the Disability Benefit. Families should continue using their current funding until their transition is complete.

Using Your Funding for Tutoring Support with TutorBright

Instilling the Confidence TO thrive!

For children aged 6 to 18, BC's Autism Funding explicitly covers out-of-school learning support — including tutoring that takes place outside of school hours. This is where TutorBright comes in.

For over 15 years, we've provided specialized one to-one tutoring for students with autism, ADHD, and diverse learning needs across British Columbia — from Vancouver and Surrey to Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, and beyond. Our Tutor-Mentors build customized learning plans around each child's unique strengths, working on the same skills your funding is designed to develop: academic skills, communication skills, and the confidence that carries into every part of life.

We work with your family's funding process, and our team is happy to provide the documentation and invoicing support you need. As BC transitions to the new Children and Youth Disability Benefit — with its flexible payment pathways and family directed Support Plans — we'll be right there to help your child keep learning without interruption.

Note: Families should confirm eligible expenses with the Autism Funding Branch or their CYSN worker, as eligibility requirements are set by the Province of British Columbia.

We believe that this is the best model because:

  • Virtual and In home tutoring is more comfortable for the child and more convenient for the parent.
    Online and In-home private tutoring is more comfortable for the child and more convenient for the parent.
  • check_img1
    With TutorBright, you know you are getting a certified tutor with a clean police background check – with a private individual, that is left to chance.
  • img_two_people
    Your child is matched with the Tutor-Mentor that best suits them.
  • img_hands
    We will never lock you into a contract or bulk hours. If you are not happy with our services, you may discontinue them at any time.

Why We Work

Free In-Depth Consultation

Free In-Home Assessment

Free In-Depth Consultation

We start with an in-depth consultation to review the academic goals, learning style, and overall needs.

Personalized Academic Plan

Personalized Academic Plan

Personalized Academic Plan

We create. We tailor a learning program just for your child to help overcome learning gaps, complete their homework, get ahead and provide life long learning skills

Tailored Tutors (Mentors)

Tailored Tutors (Mentors)

Tailored Tutors (Mentors)

We match. We choose the perfect tutor-mentor for your child to provide comfort, engagement and raise their confidence to bring the best out of them.

Happy Kid. Happy Parents.

Happy Kid. Happy Parents.

Happy Kid. Happy Parents.

No more frustrating conversations about homework and tests. Your child will gain a whole new sense of confidence as they succeed in the classroom.

What Parents are saying about us

google

EXCELLENT

Based on 498 reviews.

pre
K

Kate

2023-08-07

We have used TutorBright for both of our children. The tutor we had was engaging, informative and developed a good working relationship with the children. Both my children have a form of dyslexia and with the support of the weekly tutoring they have increased their grades but most importantly confidence and were always happy to have the lesson. We will look to continue going forward and we highly recommend

R

Reg and Sherry

2023-08-18

I can't say enough about our experience with TutorBright. We were impressed right from the beginning when we received our first call in order for TutorBright to gather information and learn more about what we were looking for in a tutor for our daughter. They asked great questions and explained that they wanted to make the best match possible. Shortly after the initial call we received an email proposing a match and provided information regarding the tutor's background and availability (that matched the availability we previously provided to them). We felt that it was a good match so we approved! We were sent information to train on the platform used by TutorBright prior to the first session, which was very helpful. The platform was extremely intuitive and easy to navigate. I knew within 10 minutes into the first tutoring session that my daughter was well-matched. Her tutor really took the time to get to know her both as a student as a person (interests, hobbies, etc.). He always started their sessions off with questions about her interests and followed up on items they spoke about the week prior. He made sure to tailor the sessions around subjects she had an interest in. She looked forward to each session and the entire hour was always fully maximized. TutorBright followed up regularly to ensure we remained happy with the service and our tutor. I would highly recommend TutorBright for any parent/guardian wishing for the child to have extra support

N

Natalie

2023-07-14

TutorBright was amazing for our son, we had him in another tutoring program and he made more progress in 8 sessions with TutorBright than he did in almost 2 years with the other program. My son loved his teacher and even got really sad when his sessions were done because he wouldn’t get to see her anymore. I can not recommend them enough!

pre

Experienced Special Education Tutors in British Columbia

We put great care into ensuring every child is matched with the best tutor near me based on their unique educational and mentorship needs. Each of our tutors is carefully selected based on their personality, academic background, experience, and dedication to helping students with autism and diverse support needs achieve their goals. Our tutors understand that a tutoring near me program complements the efforts of teachers, therapists, and parents — serving as an additional support system that works alongside the professionals in your child's life and the goals in your child's Support Plan.

Contact Us to Learn More

It is our goal to make quality education accessible and affordable to all BC families. Whether you're currently receiving Autism Funding, preparing for the transition to the new BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit, or exploring your options for the first time, we can help. We offer flexible online and in-person options without requiring long-term contracts. If you're searching for an autism tutor near me in British Columbia, contact us today to learn how your funding can support your child's learning journey!

highschool-subject-banner

Get Started!

graduation
book
question

No Contract. Free Consultation.

The TutorBright Team Will Get Back To You Within 12 Hours