Underage PWD Applicants
Last updated on July 22, 2026Overview
Youth and young adults may begin the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation application process before reaching the age of eligibility to allow sufficient time for adjudication.
Starting the application in advance supports timely decisions so that, if eligible, disability assistance can begin when the applicant reaches the applicable age.
These requirements apply to applicants under the Employment and Assistance Regulation and Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.
Policy
17-Year-Old PWD Applicants
Effective: November 1, 2005
Children with disabilities may begin the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation application process six months before their 18th birthday. This allows sufficient time for the application to be submitted and adjudicated so that, if eligible, they can start receiving disability assistance as soon as they turn 18.
For more information on applying for assistance, review the Application Requirements topic.
18-Year-Old Child Services Clients Applying for PWD
Effective: July 20, 2011
Youth with special needs receive programs and services through the Ministry of Children and Family Development until they reach 19 years of age. These people may delay applying for the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation while they are still eligible for those services.
These youth may apply to the ministry for a PWD designation up to six months before their 19th birthday. Beginning the application process at that time allows sufficient time to schedule appointments with medical practitioners and prescribed professionals, and for the PWD application completed and adjudicated so that, if eligible, they can start receiving disability assistance when they turn 19.
For detailed policy and procedures regarding 17-year-old applicants for PWD designation, review the Designation Application topic.
For more information on applying for assistance, review the Application Requirements topic.
Procedures
Signing Documents
Effective Date: July 20, 2026
If you are a 17 or 18-year-old applying for PWD designation and cannot go to the office due to physical or mental impairment, your parent/guardian may complete and sign the application on your behalf. For more information, review the Underage PWD Applicants policy.