The Top Up Grant Program for 2023-2024 is now Open!. Applications for Top Up 2023-2024 will be mailed out to all Incontinence Supplies Grant (IG) clients in June 2023.
On this page:
→ Applying for the Top Up Grant
→ Top Up Grant Application Form
→ Top Up Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Top Up Grant is an extra payment for the cost of incontinence supplies, such as diapers, to children who are receiving the Incontinence Supplies Grant and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities. The program is offered each year, subject to funding availability from the government, and each client receives a single top up payment.
The program “tops up” the annual amount from the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program. All eligibility criteria and Top Up Grant levels are set by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Easter Seals Ontario administers the Top Up Grant.
Applying for the Top Up Grant
Funding for the Top Up Grant is provided annually. All children and youth who are receiving the Incontinence Supplies Grant will be notified when they can apply for the Top Up Grant, usually in June or July.
To be eligible for the Top Up Grant the child or youth under 18 years of age must be:
- Receiving the Incontinence Supplies Grant
- Receiving Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD).
To apply for the program the parent or guardian must complete the Top Up Grant application form.
The form requires the parent receiving the ACSD grant on behalf of the child, to sign their consent to share information with the ACSD program at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) to confirm the child’s eligibility for the Top Up Grant.
The first section of the form asks the parent to confirm that the information is correct, and if not to update the information about:
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
Consent for Release of Information Section
This section must be completed by the parent or guardian who receives the payments for the ACSD program and the parent’s name and signature must be provided. By signing this section the parent provides consent for the representatives of Easter Seals Ontario and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to share information that will be used to verify the child’s eligibility for the Top Up Grant.
The parent or guardian’s signature must be witnessed and dated. Any adult over the age of 16, including family members, can witness the signature and sign their name.
Top Up Grant Application Form
Download and complete the Top Up Application Form following the instructions.
The Top Up program applications were mailed to all Incontinence Supplies Grant (IG) clients in June 2023. All new IG clients will be mailed a Top Up application once they are approved for IG funding.
Submitting the completed Top Up Grant Application Form
The completed form should be sent to Easter Seals Ontario at:
Top Up Funding Program
Easter Seals Ontario
700 -1 Concorde Gate
Toronto, ON M3C 3N6
Fax: 416-696-1035
E-mail: topup@easterseals.org
Contact the Top Up Program
If you have any questions about the Top Up Grant program, please contact the Top Up Program Administrator:
- 416-510-5088
- toll-free: 1-800-668-6252 ext. 324,
- or by email at topup@easterseals.org.
Top Up Program FAQ
Top Up FAQ
To receive the top up funding for the period of April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 you MUST be receiving BOTH the Incontinence Supplies Grant from Easter Seals Ontario AND Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD).
Please note ACSD is not the same as the Ontario Child Credit or the Disability Tax Credit.
Please review the following information to determine eligibility before completing the application:
- If your child receives the Incontinence Supplies Grant from Easter Seals Ontario AND Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), please complete Section A of the Top Up Grant application form.
- If your child does not receive Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), he or she is not eligible. Please do not complete the Application Form. You will continue to receive the Incontinence Supplies Grant payment every 6 months.
Please note: If you or your spouse receives income support under Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) your child will not be eligible for the Top Up Grant. You may be eligible to apply for another Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services funding benefit called the Mandatory Special Necessities Benefit. Please contact your OW or ODSP worker directly to find out more.
It usually takes 10 to 12 weeks to process the applications.
If the Top Up Grant is approved, the payment will be sent to you as soon as possible.
If you are not eligible you will be notified by letter.
You will not receive a Top Up Grant payment while your child is is on review. Once you have submitted the necessary documents and receipts AND your eligibility for the Incontinence Supplies Grant is confirmed, you may be eligible for the Top Up Grant if you meet the following criteria:
- Your child receives Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), AND
- You have received an Incontinent Supplies Grant payment during the 12 month period covered by the grant (April 1 to March 31).
Any adult, including family members, who are over the age of 16 years can witness your signature.
There is more information about the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program on this website.
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) is a program of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and information about the program can be found on the MCCSS website at: www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/disabilities.aspx
