provincial · Manitoba

Children's disABILITY Services

Manitoba's Children's disABILITY Services (CDS) helps families raising a child under 18 with a developmental or physical disability. It helps you care for your child at home. A caseworker is assigned to your family. Supports are arranged one family at a time (respite, therapy, supplies). Since February 4, 2025, the program is also open to families living in First Nations communities.

Check if I qualify

Verified Aug 22, 2026
provincial program · Manitoba

Families & kids

At a glance

Worth:: respite · therapy · supplies
Who:: Your child is under 18 and lives in Manitoba with birth, adoptive, or extended family.
Apply:: Official program page

What it could be worth

Amount

respite · therapy · supplies

Supports are arranged for you one family at a time. They can include respite, therapy services, and supplies for your child's additional needs.
A worker stays involved until age 18, or until you no longer need services.
There is no published dollar limit. Supports are arranged based on your family's assessed need. This is a services program, not a cash benefit.

Example: A family raising a child with a lifelong physical disability that affects mobility is referred by their school. The CDS worker arranges weekend respite and connects the family with therapy services. The worker stays involved as needs change until the child turns 18.

How it benefits you

A dedicated CDS worker arranges supports for your family and stays involved until your child turns 18 or no longer needs services.
The supports help children stay with their families in their own communities instead of going into institutional care. Child care, schools, and volunteer organizations work together.
Eligibility expanded on February 4, 2025 to children and families living in First Nations communities. Before that, families on reserve were not included.
The program is not income-tested. Your child's condition decides whether you qualify, not your finances.
Families can be referred by professionals or apply directly.

What you need to qualify or apply

Eligibility

Your child is under 18 and lives in Manitoba with birth, adoptive, or extended family.
A medical diagnosis supports one of these eligible conditions: intellectual disability, developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, a lifelong physical disability that significantly limits mobility, or a high chance of developmental delay because of a pre-existing condition.
Since February 4, 2025, families living in First Nations communities are also eligible.

How to apply

A medical professional, school, or child care facility can refer your family, or you can apply directly.
Complete the Referral and Intake Application form.
Attach written confirmation of your child's diagnosis.
Submit it to your regional CDS office. The program line is 204-945-8311.

Documents you may need

Referral and Intake Application form.
Written confirmation of your child's diagnosis from a medical professional.