Welcome to the Passport Funding Program

Passport is a funding program. Funding is used to help adults with a developmental disability to live more independently and to be involved in their community.

The Passport Program is funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

The Passport Program is administered by Contact Hamilton for the communities of Hamilton, Niagara, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.

What are the Goals of the Passport Program?

The key goals of the Program are to:

• promote independence by developing skills and increasing abilities;
• increase opportunities for participation in the community;
• support families and caregivers in their supportive role;
• assist young people in making the transition from school to community; and,
• promote social inclusion and broaden social relationships.

Who is Eligible to Apply For Passport Funding?

Adults (18 years of age and older) who are eligible for developmental services funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, including young adults who are 18 years and older and still in school, may apply for Passport funding.

Eligibility for adult developmental services, including Passport, is determined through Developmental Services Ontario. Please call the DSO Hamilton-Niagara Region if you are interested in adult developmental services and supports, including Passport: 1-877-376-4674

What Can I Use My Passport Funding For?

Passport funds can be used for:

community participation supports

E.g. hiring a worker to help a person participate in social and recreational activities, employment and pre-employment activities, volunteer activities and other supports

caregiver respite

E.g. hiring a support worker to provide care-giver relief to the person’s primary caregiver; this can involve in-home and out of home activities

activities of daily living

E.g. hiring a worker to support the person with meal preparation, personal hygiene, grooming, dressing and training related to using public transportation, banking and other life skill

person-directed planning (up to $2,500)

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administration of funding (up to 10% of funds)

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For complete details, please visit this website for the Ministry’s Passport Guidelines: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/publications/developmental/passport/Passport_Program_Guidelines-en.pdf

What are My Passport Funding Options?

Under the Passport Program, you may choose how your funding is directed:

• You can directly manage your own funds and hire your own support workers and service providers or
• You can work through a Ministry funded service agency and receive the services you want from them (they would receive the funding directly on your behalf) or
• You may also choose a combination of these two options

Passport recipients who choose to directly manage their own funding may also choose a person or agency to act as a broker to help them manage their Passport funding; a maximum of 10% of the person’s Passport funding can be used for this purpose.

How Can I Get More Information About the Passport Program?

General Inquiries:

If you would like more information about the Passport Program or are interested in applying for the Program, please call DSO Hamilton-Niagara Region at 1-877-376-4674

Passport Funding Recipients:

If you are a Passport funding recipient and you have questions about your funding including but not limited to getting started, allowable/eligible expenses or you are experiencing some challenges in using your funding, please call us at 1-866-288-9659.

MCSS Passport Funding Guidelines:

You may also obtain a copy of the Ministry Guidelines for the Passport Program (October 2014) at http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/documents/en/mcss/publications/developmental/passport/Passport_Program_Guidelines-en.pdf