If you or a loved one needs daily personal support, you know how important it is to have care that is reliable, consistent and respectful of your routines. Many families in Ontario find that agency-based home care does not always provide the flexibility or control they want. The Direct Funding Program (DF) is an alternative. It gives eligible adults with permanent physical disabilities the opportunity to hire and manage their own attendants, creating more choice and independence at home.
This guide explains what the program is, who can apply, how it works and what families should know before deciding if it is the right fit.
What is the Direct Funding Program
The Direct Funding Program provides monthly government funding to adults with permanent physical disabilities so they can employ their own attendants. Instead of attendants being scheduled through an agency, participants hire workers directly and decide who provides their care, when and how.
Attendants help with personal support tasks such as:
Bathing, dressing and grooming
Using mobility devices or transferring
Toileting and continence care
Preparing meals and other routine daily activities
The program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and administered province wide by the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT).
Who is Eligible
Eligibility criteria are clearly outlined by the program and the Ministry of Health:
Age 16 or older
Resident of Ontario
Have a permanent physical disability and need assistance with daily personal support
Medically stable (not requiring nursing care)
Able to direct their own care by explaining what tasks are needed and how they should be done
Willing and able to act as an employer which includes hiring, scheduling and dismissing attendants
Able to meet the legal requirements of being an employer such as payroll deductions, WSIB and record keeping
Note: The program does not allow participants to hire immediate family members as attendants or bookkeepers.
How Funding Works
Funding amounts vary depending on assessed needs. For many participants it can cover up to about 212 hours per month of attendant services.
The funding is meant to cover:
Wages for attendants
Employer obligations such as CPP, EI, income tax and WSIB contributions
Bookkeeping and administrative support (a small allowance is included for bookkeeping fees)
Participants must keep accurate records, pay attendants on time and submit reports to ensure compliance.
Responsibilities of Participants
Joining the Direct Funding Program means becoming an employer. This involves:
Recruiting and hiring attendants
Training and supervising attendants
Creating schedules and managing shifts
Handling payroll and tax deductions
Maintaining records such as timesheets and financial statements
Following all Ontario employment laws including the Employment Standards Act and Occupational Health and Safety requirements
Some participants hire professional bookkeepers or payroll services to help manage the financial side.
Benefits of Direct Funding
Families often choose Direct Funding because it provides:
Control over who provides care and establishing a schedule that fits personal routines
Consistency through working with attendants you know and trust
Flexibility to adapt support to changing needs rather than relying on agency timetables
Independence as participants make decisions about their own care supporting dignity and self determination
Evaluations of the program have shown very high satisfaction rates among participants.
Challenges to Consider
While empowering, Direct Funding also comes with challenges:
Recruiting and retaining reliable attendants can be difficult
Managing payroll and employer obligations requires ongoing effort
Immediate family members cannot be paid attendants even if they provide care
Waitlists for the program can be long due to high demand
Families should weigh whether they have the time and support to take on employer responsibilities.
How to Apply
The application process includes:
Completing a self assessment and application form
Meeting with a selection panel to review needs and ability to manage employer duties
Waiting for approval, with timelines varying and waitlists common
Applications and guides are available here:
Key Takeaway
Direct Funding gives people with permanent physical disabilities in Ontario the chance to shape their own care. It allows families to choose attendants they trust, build consistent schedules and support independence at home. At the same time, it asks participants to step into the role of an employer and take responsibility for payroll and record keeping.
For families who want more control and are ready to manage the responsibilities, Direct Funding can be a life changing program that provides both flexibility and dignity in daily care.
If you or your family are considering Direct Funding and would like support with managing the responsibilities that come with being an employer, Upliv can help. Our services are designed to make payroll, scheduling and compliance easier so you can focus on what matters most. To learn more, visit Upliv.
Disclaimer: Upliv is not associated with CILT or Direct Funding. Upliv provides services for people with disabilities that might be on various government programs.