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Funding Guide: Understanding OAP Purchase of Service, Budgets, and Receipts

Navigating autism therapy funding can feel overwhelming for many families. The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is designed to give parents and caregivers more flexibility and control over the services their child receives — but understanding how to manage your budget, handle receipts, and purchase services can sometimes be confusing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about OAP purchase of service, budget management, and receipt submission — helping you make the most of your child’s therapy funding.

1. What Is the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)?

The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provides funding directly to families of children and youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This allows families to access evidence-based services such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy from providers of their choice.

Rather than being limited to government-assigned providers, you can use your OAP budget to purchase services directly from qualified professionals — including private providers like AD Therapy.

2. What Does “Purchase of Service” Mean?

The term “purchase of service” refers to using your OAP funding to hire and pay for autism therapy services from independent or private providers.

This gives you flexibility to:

Choose the provider that best fits your child’s needs
Control how and when services are delivered (home-based or clinic-based)
Manage your spending within the allocated OAP budget

At AD Therapy, for example, families can use their OAP funds to purchase ABA therapy at home, ensuring personalized, high-quality support within their approved funding.

3. Understanding Your OAP Budget

Your OAP budget outlines the total amount of funding available for your child’s therapy and support services.
You’ll receive a Budget Letter from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)** that details:

The amount of funding allocated
The period it covers
Eligible expenses and reimbursement guidelines

Tips for Managing Your OAP Budget:

Plan Ahead: Allocate your budget based on your child’s therapy priorities (e.g., ABA sessions, parent training, social skills programs).
Track Expenses: Maintain an organized record of all payments and invoices.
Consult Professionals: Some providers, like AD Therapy, can help families plan services efficiently to stay within budget.
Save for Renewals: Remember that OAP funding is renewed periodically, and any unspent funds may not roll over.

Good budget management ensures that your child receives consistent, uninterrupted therapy throughout the funding cycle.

4. Eligible Expenses Under the OAP

Under the OAP, families can use funds for various autism-related supports, including:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
Speech-language therapy
Occupational therapy
Parent and caregiver training
Social skills programs
Equipment or materials used during therapy

Each provider must meet OAP eligibility criteria (e.g., qualified professionals, registered business). Always request documentation and detailed invoices to support your claims.

5. Keeping and Submitting Receipts

To remain eligible for reimbursement, families must keep all receipts and invoices related to their OAP-funded expenses.

Here’s what to include on every receipt:

Provider’s name and business number
Date and description of the service
Cost per session and total amount paid
Child’s name (if applicable)
Payment confirmation

The OAP team may request receipts for audit or verification, so keeping organized digital and paper copies is strongly recommended.

Pro Tip:
Create a dedicated folder for all OAP-related receipts and invoices, labeled by date or service type. This makes future submissions and renewals much easier.

6. Working with AD Therapy Through OAP Funding

At AD Therapy, we make it simple for families to access ABA therapy through the Ontario Autism Program.

Our team provides:

Transparent invoices aligned with OAP requirements
Flexible session plans that fit your approved budget
Guidance on documentation and receipt organization
Home-based ABA therapy tailored to your child’s goals

We believe every child deserves access to high-quality, evidence-based support — without unnecessary financial stress.

7. Final Thoughts

Managing OAP purchase of service, budgets, and receipts may seem complex at first, but with the right guidance and organization, it becomes a smooth process.

By keeping clear records, understanding your eligible expenses, and partnering with trusted service providers like AD Therapy, you can ensure your child receives the consistent and effective therapy they deserve.

If you have questions about how to use your OAP funding or need help planning your services, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.