Frequently Asked Questions

Passport Program

Q: How do I send my invoices?

A: You can send your invoices by the following methods:                        

To PassportONE directly by fax or email

  • Invoices@familyservicetoronto.org

  • FAX: 1-416-943-6293

Via online submission methods

  • eCLAIM https://eclaim.passportone.com

  • MDP https://mydirectplan.com

Or by mail to

361 Montreal St, Kingston ON K7K 3H4 (please note that this method will slow down processing and payment times)

 

Q: Who do I contact with questions about my funding?

A: You can reach out to your Case Support contact at the Passport agency or send general inquiries to 1-855-237-6737 or passportinfo@eafkingston.com

 

Q: If I don’t spend all my funds, will I lose them?

A: No you will not lose your funding.  Funding renews every year and you are not penalized if you cannot use all of what is available.  If you need help finding services or supports to purchase, please reach out to the Passport agency who can help you find ways to use your allotment. 

Q: How do I keep track of my funding balance?

A: You can contact the Passport agency at any time and we can provide this information. 

 

Q. Are temporary guidelines still in effect?

A: No, the expanded guidelines were removed March 31st, 2023.  Please refer to the new Passport guidelines in effect April 1st, 2023 by clicking here. 

Q: What’s the difference between the Passport Agency and Passport One?

A: Passport agencies do the coordination of the Passport program (11 agencies across Ontario) and support clients with forms, referrals, information on local services etc. PassportONE is an administrative funding program that processes invoices for all Passport recipients in the province.

 

Q: Does every person who qualifies for ODSP also qualify for Passport funding?

A: No, you need to have a diagnosed Developmental Disability to qualify for Passport funding. For more information about eligibility please visit www.dsontario.ca

 

Q: Are Passport funds different from ODSP?

A: Yes, they are different. ODSP is an income program, whereas Passport is a reimbursement program for Community Participation Supports and Respite purposes.

 

Q: Is the Passport program income-based?

A: No, we do not look at a person’s income.

 

Q: Assuming that someone applies at age 16, will there be a gap between SSAH funding ending and Passport funding starting?

A: Unfortunately, this is not a yes or no question. It all depends on what funding the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services makes available. You are encouraged to apply as early as 16 years of age to streamline the transition from SSAH to Adult Developmental Services such as Passport funding.

 

Q: If I applied when I was 16 and confirmed eligible, do I need to contact DSO when I turn 18 in order to receive Passport funding?

A: It is best to connect with your local DSO once 18 to ensure that your file is up to date and that your service requests have been confirmed. Upon your 18th birthday, a referral will be made to your local Passport agency and they should connect with you.

 

Q: Does funding continue past the age of 65?

A: Yes. There is no age cap on Passport funding.

 

Q: What is the difference between Passport supports and caregiver respite services?

A: Passport is funding that can be used to purchase individualized supports, which can include respite services.

MCCSS also funds respite supports which are provided by agencies and are managed through a resource management process with DSOs.

          

Q: How do I know which receipt to submit when looking to receive reimbursement.

A: Please ensure your itemized receipt includes the following information:

  • service provider

  • service date(s)

  • itemized of description of purchase

  • total price. 

 

Q:  Can I submit a handwritten receipt?

A: No, we need the official itemized receipt or invoice. The only time a handwritten receipt will be accepted is for the support worker using the Passport invoice forms or in cases where a formal invoice may not be available i.e.: special Olympics fees (a written receipt may be provided by the vendor but must include their name, address, and phone number).

 

Q: Is there currently a waitlist for Passport funding?

A: Yes, there is a waitlist for a full Passport allocation and funding priorities are determined by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. If there are any changes to your circumstances, please connect with our team.

 

Q: Does Passport funding affect your income taxes?

A: No, Passport is not considered an income so it does not affect taxes or ODSP.

 

Q: Does a support worker have to be licensed?

A: No a support worker does not have to be licensed, however, the Person Managing Funding takes on the responsibility of hiring suitable supports and ensuring that all workers are successfully registered with the Passport agency.

 

Q: Does a support worker need to declare their earnings?

A: Yes, if you pay someone to provide support they will need to declare this as income on their taxes.  You are not responsible for providing a T-4 to the support worker unless you have an employer/employee relationship. More information can be found here on the Canada Revenue Agency Website.

 

Q: Is my support worker an employee?

A:  Passport agencies cannot advise on this matter, however, information is available to help you determine what your role is.   The following video may be of benefit to you when trying to determine the relationship: