Ontario Funding Programs for Assessments (DSO, DTC, ODSP)

Paying for a Psychological Assessment

Psychological assessments are an investment in understanding how your brain works. In Ontario, assessments by registered psychologists are not covered by OHIP but may be covered or offset through several programs. This guide explains the main funding options available.

Extended Health Insurance

Many employer-provided health insurance plans include coverage for psychological services. Check your plan for:

• Psychologist coverage: Look for a line item covering “registered psychologist” or “psychological services.” Some plans cover $1,000 to $3,000 per year.
• Health Spending Accounts (HSA): If your plan includes an HSA, you can use these funds for assessment fees.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Some EAPs cover assessment sessions or provide referrals.

Contact your benefits provider before booking to confirm what is covered. At Cornerstone, we provide receipts that include our registration numbers for insurance submission.

Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

The Disability Tax Credit is a federal program that reduces the amount of income tax you owe. If you or your child has a diagnosis that significantly affects daily functioning, you may qualify.

How It Works

• A medical practitioner (including a psychologist for certain categories) completes Form T2201.
• The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reviews the application.
• If approved, you receive a non-refundable tax credit. You can also claim retroactively for up to 10 years.

Who Qualifies

The DTC applies to people with prolonged impairments in mental functions, including those related to ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities. The key factor is whether the impairment markedly restricts daily activities, even with treatment or medication.

How Your Assessment Report Helps

A psychological assessment report provides the clinical documentation that supports a DTC application. It documents the diagnosis, describes functional limitations, and provides the evidence a practitioner needs to complete the T2201 form.

Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)

DSO is a provincial program that connects adults with developmental disabilities to services and supports.

Eligibility

To access DSO services, you must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have a confirmed developmental disability (assessed before age 18)
• Live in Ontario

A psychological assessment that confirms an intellectual or developmental disability is required for DSO registration.

What DSO Provides

Once registered, you may access:

• Residential supports
• Community participation programs
• Caregiver respite
• Passport funding (described below)

Passport Program

The Passport Program provides direct funding to adults with developmental disabilities. This money can be used for community activities, skills development, person-directed planning, and caregiver respite. A psychological assessment is one of the documents needed to apply.

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

ODSP provides financial assistance and benefits to people with disabilities who are in financial need.

Eligibility

To qualify for ODSP, you must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Live in Ontario
• Be in financial need (based on income and assets)
• Have a substantial physical or mental impairment that is expected to last one year or more and that restricts your ability to work, care for yourself, or participate in community life

How to Apply

An application for ODSP includes a Health Status Report completed by a medical professional. A psychological assessment provides the clinical evidence needed for this form. It documents the nature of the disability, its functional impact, and its expected duration.

What ODSP Provides

• Monthly income support
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision and dental benefits
• Employment supports

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

If you or your child qualifies for the DTC, you can open an RDSP. This is a long-term savings plan designed for people with disabilities. The federal government contributes matching grants and bonds, which can significantly grow the savings over time.

A psychological assessment that leads to DTC approval is the gateway to opening an RDSP.

OSAP Disability Grants

Post-secondary students with documented disabilities may receive additional non-repayable grants through OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program). These grants cover disability-related educational costs, such as:

• Assistive technology
• Tutoring
• Note-taking services
• Specialized software

A psychological assessment report documenting a learning disability, ADHD, or other condition is the required documentation.

How Cornerstone Can Help

Our assessment reports are written to support applications for the programs described above. We document diagnoses clearly, describe functional limitations in the language these programs require, and provide the clinical evidence needed for eligibility determinations. If you have questions about which programs you or your child may qualify for, raise them during your free consultation call.