Self-Managed Attendant Direct Funding (DF) Program in Ontario

Empowering Individuals with Physical Disabilities to Manage Their Own Attendant Services

What are the responsibilities of the participants?

  The Self-Managed Attendant or Direct Funding Program (DF) is managed by the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT), Inc., in collaboration with the Ontario Network of Independent Living Centres (ONILC), and is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health. It is designed for individuals with physical disabilities who are capable of managing the additional responsibilities the program entails. Unlike other attendant services where an agency hires and sends attendants to your home, DF allows you to act as the employer, hiring and managing your own attendants and determining how and when services are provided.

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What are the responsibilities of the Families

Participants in Ontario’s Self-Managed Attendant Direct Funding (DF) Program receive monthly funding to independently manage their personal attendant services. With this funding comes a range of responsibilities that require attention to financial accuracy and legal compliance.

Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Quarterly Reporting: Participants must track their spending and submit financial reports using the official forms and instructions provided by the DF program.

  • Payroll Management: Participants are considered employers and must:

    • Register for a Business Number with the CRA

    • Make accurate payroll deductions for CPP, EI, Income Tax, and WSIB

    • File payroll remittances on time and maintain organized records for tax purposes

  • Legal Compliance: All payroll and employment practices must comply with Ontario labor laws, health and safety regulations, and insurance requirements.

  • Permitted Use of Funds: DF funding can be used to hire bookkeeping or payroll assistance. However, misuse of funds or failure to follow the program’s guidelines may lead to legal consequences or removal from the program.

  • Insurance Requirement: Participants must obtain and maintain appropriate liability insurance to cover attendant services provided in the home or community.

By understanding and following these guidelines, DF participants can ensure they maintain their funding, remain compliant, and gain the full benefits of self-managed attendant care.

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Overwhelmed by DF Bookkeeping? Let Carnation Consulting Take Care of It!

Managing your own attendant care through Ontario’s Direct Funding (DF) Program comes with a lot of responsibility—especially when it comes to tracking payroll, submitting quarterly reports, and staying compliant with CRA and labor regulations.

That’s where we come in.

At Carnation Consulting, we offer expert bookkeeping services tailored specifically for DF participants, including:

  • Categorizing and recording all your attendant service-related financial transactions

  • Preparing quarterly reports in line with DF program requirements

  • Assisting with payroll deductions (CPP, EI, income tax, WSIB)

  • Keeping your records organized and audit-ready

Frequently Asked Questions

As a DF participant, you are considered an employer. You must register for a CRA business number, calculate and remit payroll deductions (CPP, EI, Income Tax, WSIB), and ensure compliance with all employment standards and tax regulations.

As a DF participant, you are considered an employer. You must register for a CRA business number, calculate and remit payroll deductions (CPP, EI, Income Tax, WSIB), and ensure compliance with all employment standards and tax regulations.

Yes! DF funding allows you to pay for administrative support services, including bookkeeping, payroll processing, and help with CRA-related obligations—as long as those expenses are properly documented and reported.

Failure to follow the program rules—such as misuse of funds, late reports, or improper payroll deductions—can result in funding suspension, legal action, or removal from the program.

Yes. You are required to carry appropriate liability insurance to cover attendants while they are providing services in your home or community. This is a non-negotiable part of the DF agreement.

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