Top Up Grant
The Top Up Grant is administered by Easter Seals Ontario on behalf of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Top Up Grant funding for 2025-2026 is now available.
The deadline to apply is December 31, 2025.
Once you submit an application, we will process it in a timely manner.
All Top Up applicants will be verified by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) for eligibility.
Approval (or denial) letters will be sent via email or by mail.
Payments, if eligible, will be sent via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or by cheque.
Please Note:
We correspond with the majority of IG clients via email (if provided). If you have not received an application by email by the end of June,
please check your inbox (or spam folder). Applications for Top Up are also available on this website.
What is the Top Up Grant?
The Top Up Grant is an extra payment toward the cost of incontinence supplies, such as diapers for children who are receiving the Incontinence Supplies Grant and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD). The program is offered each year, subject to funding availability from the government, and each eligible client receives a single top up payment.
Who is eligible to receive the Top Up Grant?
All eligibility criteria and Top Up Grant levels are set by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). Easter Seals Ontario administers the Top Up Grant.
To be eligible for the Top Up Grant, the child or youth under 18 years of age must be receiving BOTH the Incontinence Supplies Grant 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.
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.
How do I apply for Top Up?
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 apply for the program the parent or guardian must complete the Top Up Grant application form in full, including:
- The parent receiving the ACSD grant on behalf of the child, must 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.
- Provide any changes to mailing address, phone number, email or child’s health card/version code (two letters, if applicable).
- 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.
Important Information and FAQ
When is the Top Up Grant Available?
Applications and funding for Top Up opens in late June or early July each year. All children and youth who are receiving the Incontinence Supplies Grant will be sent an email or letter once funding applications are available.
What if my first language is not English?
- Applications and correspondence are available in English and French.
- Please fill out a French application form and check off interpreter required.
- The program also has staff who can assist in answering any questions you might have. Please contact us.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Top Up Payment?
It usually takes 10 to 12 weeks to process the applications. You will be notified by email or letter whether your child’s application has been approved or not.
If your child meets the criteria and is approved for the grant, payment will be sent as soon as possible.
Can I apply for the Top Up Grant if my child's Incontinence Grant is "On Review"?
You will not receive a Top Up Grant payment while your child’s IG file 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);
- The parent/guardian of the child is NOT receiving ODSP/OW; AND
- Your child has received an Incontinence Supplies Grant payment during the 12 month period covered by the grant (April 1 to March 31).
If your child’s IG file is currently On Review and you have misplaced the form, please contact us at igprogram@easterseals.org.
Where can I find more information on Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD)?
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.
Top Up Applications
Top Up - Application FormTop Up - IG Review Form(to be completed ONLY if your child’s IG file is currently On Review)
En Français
Top Up Application Form – En Français*All forms are in PDF format that can be edited, saved, and printed.