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How to Apply for a Personal Assistance Service for People with Disabilities

Tap through each step for a general overview of applying for a personal assistance service. This is general information -- always confirm the exact eligibility rules and process with your local disability services agency.

  1. What a personal assistance service is

    Many countries fund a social service in which a registered assistant helps a person with a disability who has difficulty managing daily life or social activities independently, providing support with personal care, household tasks, and getting around.

  2. Check your eligibility

    Eligibility usually depends on being formally registered as having a disability and being assessed as needing assistance. Some countries restrict combining this with a separate long-term care program for older adults, so check which program actually applies to your situation first.

  3. Choose how to apply

    You can typically apply in person at a local social services office or online through a government portal, and in many places a family member or authorized representative can apply on your behalf if you are unable to.

  4. Go through a needs assessment

    An assessor, often from a public pension or social insurance agency, generally visits to evaluate your ability to manage daily activities and your overall need for assistance. This assessment becomes the basis for deciding how many hours of support you receive.

  5. Receive your eligibility and benefit decision

    Based on the assessment results and, in some programs, income level, you receive a formal decision on your eligibility and the number of monthly support hours you are approved for.

  6. Choose a provider and sign up for service

    You select a local service provider from an approved list, sign a service agreement, and get matched with a personal assistant who fits your needs to begin receiving support.

  7. Use your approved hours

    Service costs within your approved hours are typically settled through an electronic voucher or similar payment system, and you can usually check your usage history through the program's online system.

Disability registration usually comes first

A personal assistance service is generally only available to someone formally registered as having a disability. If you have not yet completed that registration, it is worth doing so first, since applying for assistance services typically follows in a set order after registration.

Know the difference from similar programs for older adults

People over a certain age, or with an age-related condition, may fall under a separate long-term care program instead of a disability assistance service. Checking which program actually applies based on age and condition avoids wasted paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive a long-term care benefit and a disability assistance service at the same time?

The two programs usually target different age groups and purposes, and combining them is often restricted. It is best to confirm which program applies to you with your local agency before applying.

How is the number of approved hours decided?

It is generally based on a needs assessment that evaluates your ability to manage daily activities and your level of need for assistance, combined with factors like income in some programs. The approved hours can vary significantly from person to person.