Funding a GPS tracker in British Columbia
In British Columbia, the Ministry of Children and Family Development funds support for children with disabilities, and it is in the middle of a change: Autism Funding ends in March 2027 and a new Children and Youth Disability Benefit has started. Both let families use part of their funding for approved equipment. This page explains what the official pages say, how to apply and what to ask. It is general information, not advice.
Last updated 7 October 2026. Written by StepSafe, which sells a GPS tracker for children who wander, so read the product parts with that in mind.
Read this first
This is general information, not legal or medical advice. We are not benefits advisors and we have no relationship with any program named here. No product of ours is covered, approved or endorsed by any of them, and we cannot tell you whether your child qualifies.
Programs change. Treat this page as a list of questions to ask, confirm everything with the agency before you spend money, and keep your receipts.
Last checked: 7 October 2026. B.C. is replacing several programs, so some of this will change in 2027. Check the linked pages for the current rules.
Programs in British Columbia to ask about
None of the official pages we read names GPS trackers for children who wander. What they do describe is equipment funding that needs a professional's justification and approval before you buy. Those are the steps to follow when you ask.
Autism Funding
B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development
A portion of Autism Funding can be used to request equipment and supplies required to support a child or youth with autism. Autism Funding is accepting new applications until March 2027.[1] The program ends on 31 March 2027, when equipment approvals also expire.[3]
Most equipment needs a Justification for Equipment (JFE) form completed with your service provider, and approval before you buy. Items need to help your child reach their development goals.[1]
The list of items that do not qualify includes "monthly smart phone bills and/or data plans" and household items.[1] GPS trackers are not mentioned either way.
Safety devices: May cover safety or assistive technology; ask your coordinator. We did not find an official page that names GPS trackers for wandering.
BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit
B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development
A non-income-tested direct funding benefit for children and youth up to age 19 with a long-term disability resulting in significant or complex support needs.[4] B.C. says it started in April 2026, and it is contacting families on Autism Funding about moving to it.[3]
Its uses are guided by an approved Support Plan, and its examples include "assistive and communication devices".[4]
Up to 20% of the annual funding can be used for equipment, supplies, travel and training. Most equipment must be recommended by a listed B.C. professional, approved by the ministry before you buy, and fall into one of the policy's categories, such as medical equipment and supplies not provided by another program.[5]
Safety devices: May cover safety or assistive technology; ask your coordinator. We did not find an official page that names GPS trackers for wandering.
Who qualifies, in general terms
For Autism Funding, your child needs an assessment and diagnosis of autism. The documents needed depend on your child's age and on whether the assessment was done through the BC Autism Assessment Network or privately.[2]
For the Disability Benefit, some children qualify directly, for example those with moderate to profound intellectual disability or autism with the most significant needs. Others can qualify through a needs-based review of how their disability affects daily life.[4]
Only the agency can decide whether your child is eligible. These are the general rules as published, not a test you can apply yourself.
How to apply, step by step
- If your child has an autism diagnosis and no funding yet, apply for Autism Funding online, or through your local Children and Youth with Support Needs (CYSN) office.[2]
- If you already get Autism Funding, watch for the ministry's letter about the Disability Benefit. The CYSN Resource Line is 1-833-882-0024.[3]
- If your child does not have an autism diagnosis, B.C. says families should use the current pathways for 2026, starting from its support needs services page.[6]
- For any equipment, talk to your service provider first, complete the justification form with them, and wait for approval before you buy.[1],[5]
- For questions about current Autism Funding, call 1-877-777-3530.[1]
What to ask your caseworker or coordinator
Questions to take to the meeting
- Could a wearable locating device be approved as equipment for my child's goals, and which professional should complete the form?
- Under the Disability Benefit, which equipment category would it fall into?
- Is a device's monthly service plan treated the same way as a phone or data plan?
- What documentation do you need from my child's doctor or therapist about the wandering?
- Do you need quotes, a product description, or a specific vendor?
- Does the program pay for an ongoing service plan, or only for the device?
- If it is not approved, can I have the decision in writing, and how do I appeal?
For a sample request letter and a note on how wandering is recorded in a medical file, see what to say when you ask.
Programs change
Program rules, eligibility and application steps are updated regularly. We last read these pages on 7 October 2026. Before you rely on anything here, confirm it with the agency or your coordinator. If you find something out of date, email support@stepsafekids.com and we will fix it.
Other provinces
- OntarioPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- AlbertaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- QuebecPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- ManitobaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- SaskatchewanPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- Nova ScotiaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
Not listed? Read the Canada overview for the federal tax measures that apply in every province and territory.
What we make
StepSafe makes a clip-on cellular GPS tracker for children who wander. StepSafe ships in early 2027. Nothing on this page means any program will pay for it.
See the shop, or start with our free safety toolkit, which works whatever device you choose.
Sources
- B.C.: Purchase equipment or supplies (Autism Funding)
- B.C.: Apply for autism funding
- B.C.: Children and youth with support needs
- B.C.: What is the BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit? (PDF)
- B.C.: Disability Benefit Invoicing Pathway Operational Policy, 31 August 2026 (PDF)
- B.C.: Supports and services for children and youth with support needs