Funding that may help with the cost
Cost is the most common reason families tell us they cannot get a tracker. Some programs may help. We are not affiliated with any of them and we cannot tell you whether you qualify. What we can do is point you at the official pages so you can check.
Funding guides by country
Ontario Autism Program
If you receive an OAP childhood budget or interim one-time funding, the Ontario government’s published list of eligible expenses includes a GPS tracking device under the technology category. Families can purchase one technology item every two years.
Before you buy anything, read the current list yourself, because it changes: Ontario Autism Program eligible and ineligible expenses.
If you are unsure whether something qualifies, contact AccessOAP, the Ontario Autism Program’s independent intake organization, at info@AccessOAP.ca or 1-833-425-2445.
One thing we do not yet have a clear answer on: whether the ongoing service plan for a GPS tracker is eligible, or only the device itself. We have asked and will update this page when we know. Our Ontario funding guide covers the other Ontario programs too.
Special Services at Home
SSAH is a separate Ontario program that provides funding to families of children under 18 with developmental or physical disabilities. It is not income tested. It is discretionary, which means funding is provided according to available resources rather than granted automatically to everyone eligible.
What it covers is described in broad categories rather than as a list of approved products, so whether it can go toward something like a tracker is a question for the program and not for us: Special Services at Home.
We are not financial or benefits advisors and we have no relationship with any of these programs. Always confirm eligibility with the program directly before making a purchase.