Registration for the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) Aftercare Benefits Initiative (health, dental and counselling support services) for youth 21 to 24 years old inclusive, is now open. Youth in Care can apply at www.oacas.org/abi. The OACAS will continue to build this site with benefits information, resources and links. Promotional and other informational material will be provided to CASs as soon as available.
Once youth apply online and are verified, they will be registered for benefits. An ID card will be printed and welcome package, including a benefits booklet, will be mailed out to either the CAS or to the address provided in the application. We will begin to process applications as of August 1st however packages will not be sent out until later in the month.
As a reminder, eligibility information is available at www.oacas.org/abi . As of today, we are able to confirm that youth who are attending post-secondary institutions may be eligible for year-round coverage under ABI. In order to do this, youth must opt-out of their post-secondary health benefits program.
This is a brand new program and new processes for all of us. We will be doing our best to respond and process registrations and where needed confirm prior connection to the CASs. We know that we will be learning and refining our business processes. And that we are open to feedback.
Youth can be registered up to 3 months in advance of their 21st birthday, but coverage will only begin when they turn 21. To register, youth should contact their (former) child protection worker at Bruce Grey Child and Family Services by calling 519.371.4453 or toll free at 1.855.322.4453.
