FSCD vs. PDD in Alberta: A Family Guide
Updated July 2026
FSCD and PDD are two Alberta disability-support programs, but they serve different stages of life. Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) works with eligible families raising a child with a disability. Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) supports eligible adults with developmental disabilities.
The Government of Alberta decides eligibility and the services available under each program. This guide explains the general differences and the questions families can prepare before speaking with Disability Services.
What is FSCD?
FSCD works with eligible Alberta families of children with disabilities. Families keep guardianship and responsibility for ordinary parenting costs while the program may help with disability-related supports and some extraordinary costs.
Depending on an approved agreement and the family's assessed needs, FSCD supports may include information and coordination, counselling, child-care supports, respite, assistance from aides, medical appointment costs and specialized services.
What is PDD?
PDD helps eligible adults with developmental disabilities plan for and access services that support personal needs, goals and participation in community life. A person may apply from age 16, but PDD services begin at age 18.
Depending on the individual's approved plan, PDD services may include home-living supports, respite, community access, employment supports, caregiver training and certain specialized supports.
FSCD and PDD at a glance
FSCD
Who it supports: Eligible families raising a child with a disability.
When support may begin: During childhood, subject to eligibility and an approved agreement.
Main focus: The child and family's disability-related needs, development and participation.
PDD
Who it supports: Eligible adults with a developmental disability.
When support may begin: Applications may begin at 16; services start at 18.
Main focus: Daily living, community participation, employment and personal goals.
Approval is not automatic under either program. Disability Services reviews eligibility, documentation and assessed needs.
Does FSCD automatically become PDD at age 18?
No. FSCD and PDD are separate programs with different eligibility rules and application processes. Receiving FSCD does not automatically guarantee PDD eligibility or services.
Alberta recommends planning for adulthood as a child approaches age 16. Families can ask their FSCD worker about transition planning and review the PDD application requirements early, especially because supporting assessments and records may take time to gather.
Documents and questions to prepare
Current medical, psychological or developmental assessments.
Information about daily routines, communication, safety and community participation.
A list of current supports, service providers and natural supports.
Goals for respite, independence, home living, community access or employment.
Questions about approved hours, service-provider arrangements and reporting requirements.
Copies of important letters, agreements and contact information for the assigned worker.
Official Alberta information
Important information
This article provides general educational information only. Avelora Life does not determine FSCD or PDD eligibility, approve funding, interpret an individual agreement, provide legal advice or represent the Government of Alberta. Program requirements can change. Confirm current rules and file-specific decisions with Disability Services or Alberta Supports.
How Avelora Life can help
Avelora Life provides non-medical home and community support across Alberta. Depending on the approved plan, service arrangement, staffing and location, support may include respite, daily routines, companionship and community participation. We can discuss service fit, but we cannot promise program approval or funding.
Explore our support services, funding information, Alberta service areas and resource library.
FSCD and PDD are two Alberta disability-support programs, but they serve different stages of life. Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) works with eligible families raising a child with a disability. Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) supports eligible adults with developmental disabilities.
The Government of Alberta decides eligibility and the services available under each program. This guide explains the general differences and the questions families can prepare before speaking with Disability Services.
What is FSCD?
FSCD works with eligible Alberta families of children with disabilities. Families keep guardianship and responsibility for ordinary parenting costs while the program may help with disability-related supports and some extraordinary costs.
Depending on an approved agreement and the family's assessed needs, FSCD supports may include information and coordination, counselling, child-care supports, respite, assistance from aides, medical appointment costs and specialized services.
What is PDD?
PDD helps eligible adults with developmental disabilities plan for and access services that support personal needs, goals and participation in community life. A person may apply from age 16, but PDD services begin at age 18.
Depending on the individual's approved plan, PDD services may include home-living supports, respite, community access, employment supports, caregiver training and certain specialized supports.
FSCD and PDD at a glance
Question | FSCD | PDD |
Who is it for? | Eligible families raising a child with a disability. | Eligible adults with a developmental disability. |
When can support begin? | During childhood, subject to eligibility and an approved agreement. | Applications may begin at 16; services start at 18. |
What does it focus on? | The child and family's disability-related needs, development and participation. | The adult's daily living, community participation, employment and personal goals. |
Is approval automatic? | No. Disability Services reviews eligibility and assessed needs. | No. Disability Services reviews eligibility, documentation and support needs. |
Does FSCD automatically become PDD at age 18?
No. FSCD and PDD are separate programs with different eligibility rules and application processes. Receiving FSCD does not automatically guarantee PDD eligibility or services.
Alberta recommends planning for adulthood as a child approaches age 16. Families can ask their FSCD worker about transition planning and review the PDD application requirements early, especially because supporting assessments and records may take time to gather.
Documents and questions to prepare
Current medical, psychological or developmental assessments.
Information about daily routines, communication, safety and community participation.
A list of current supports, service providers and natural supports.
Goals for respite, independence, home living, community access or employment.
Questions about approved hours, service-provider arrangements and reporting requirements.
Copies of important letters, agreements and contact information for the assigned worker.
Official Alberta information
Important information
This article provides general educational information only. Avelora Life does not determine FSCD or PDD eligibility, approve funding, interpret an individual agreement, provide legal advice or represent the Government of Alberta. Program requirements can change. Confirm current rules and file-specific decisions with Disability Services or Alberta Supports.
How Avelora Life can help
Avelora Life provides non-medical home and community support across Alberta. Depending on the approved plan, service arrangement, staffing and location, support may include respite, daily routines, companionship and community participation. We can discuss service fit, but we cannot promise program approval or funding.
Explore our support services, funding information, Alberta service areas and resource library.
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