Financial Assistance for Children with Autism and Special Needs in Malaysia

Caring for a child with autism or special needs comes with unique challenges, including access to education, therapy, and financial support. Fortunately, several government and state initiatives in Malaysia offer financial assistance to help ease the burden on families.

The Department of Social Welfare (JKM) has allocated funds under Budget 2025 to provide subsidies for learning fees to 30,000 children with autism. This subsidy is open to Malaysian families with children under 18 years old who hold a JKM-registered OKU card and are enrolled in a certified Early Intervention Program (EIP) or therapy center. Applications are open from February 1 to February 28, 2025.

Here are some details of the JKM initiaitve.

Applications for this subsidy are open from February 1 to February 28, 2025.

1. PARENTS / GUARDIANS

• Must be Malaysian citizens.
• Household per capita income must not exceed RM2,000 (refer to the income calculation example below).
• The child must have an Autism OKU (Persons with Disabilities) card issued by JKM and be under 18 years old.
• The child must be enrolled in therapy or an Early Intervention Program (EIP) at an accredited Autism Learning Center.

2. AUTISM CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER

• Must be a certified Autism Learning Center offering therapy or an Early Intervention Program (EIP).

Must conduct early autism screening and include learning, speech, occupational therapy, or autism-specific support elements. Download the application form here.

The Special Needs Student Allowance (EMBPK), managed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), offers RM150 per month to students with disabilities enrolled in government schools, vocational colleges, and special education institutions. This allowance helps cover educational costs, ensuring that children with disabilities receive the support they need.

Eligibility

• Must be a Malaysian citizen.
• Must be a special needs student (MBPK) registered under OKU and enrolled in:
  • Government Schools (SK) and Government-Aided Schools (SBK) (from preschool to secondary school, including Form 6).
  • Vocational colleges, matriculation colleges, and public or private skill training institutes fully funded by the Ministry of Education (KPM).
• Must hold an OKU card issued by JKM.
• Must not receive other scholarships or financial incentives from government or non-government agencies, except for MBPK students receiving the Student Living Assistance (BSHP) in matriculation colleges.
• Since September 20, 2019, the EMBPK has also been extended to autistic children at the PERMATA Kurnia Early Intervention Excellence Center.

Disbursement Method

• Funds are channeled by the Ministry of Education (KPM) to the Special Education Division and PERMATA Division, then distributed to school accounts through the State Education Department.

The allowance is credited directly to the student’s account. More details here.

Families residing in Selangor can also apply for the Bantuan Khas Anak Istimewa Selangor (AnIS), which provides up to RM5,000 per year for parents raising children with disabilities. This initiative, run by Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (YAWAS), supports families by funding education, therapy, and essential services.

This assistance is open to parents of special needs children (OKU), with a maximum allocation of RM5,000 per year per family.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria before applying. Incomplete applications may be rejected by YAWAS.

• The parent/guardian must be born in Selangor.
• If the applicant was not born in Selangor, they may still apply if they have resided in Selangor for at least 10 years (proof of residency verification is required).
• The child with disabilities (OKU) must be under 18 years old.
• The child must be registered with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) and possess a valid OKU card.
• If the child does not have an OKU card, a doctor’s certification letter is required as proof.
• Adoptive parents/guardians of OKU children must provide a valid adoption certificate registered under the Adoption Registration Act (JPN) and the Adoption Act 1973.

How to Apply

• Applications can be made online via the official website: www.anis.yawas.my.
• The completed application form must be printed and submitted within 14 working days from the date of application, along with the required documents.
• Applications should be sent to:
  • Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (YAWAS) office
  • Nearby DUN Community Service Center
  • Via email to: daftaranis@gmail.com
• Incomplete applications will not be processed by YAWAS.

More information at YAWAS website here.

If you or someone you know could benefit from these programs, don’t miss the opportunity to apply! Visit the official websites for JKM, MOE, and YAWAS to check your eligibility and submit your applications before the deadline.

In response to the rising number of children diagnosed with autism—5,689 registered cases, including 1,152 new registrations in 2024—the Sabah government has allocated RM2.5 million in its 2025 Budget to launch an Intervention Programme for Children with Autism. This initiative, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), aims to provide early intervention services, particularly for children from B40 families, through preschool programs and specialized support for those with developmental delays. The program will be implemented at Children’s Education Centres in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat, and Beaufort, reflecting the state’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of children with special needs.

The above financial aid were discussed on the Kita Family podcast’s episode 50 which is available on Spotify and YouTube.

More on financial aid available for individuals with special needs

1. JKM Trainee Allowance
   
   • This allowance is given to trainees (Persons with Disabilities) attending programs at Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs (PDK) nationwide.
   • For more information, visit the official Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (PDK).
     
2. Financial Support for IPTA and IPTS OKU Students
   
   • This financial aid is specifically for disabled students and should not be mixed with other forms of aid available to non-disabled students.
   • Disabled students are eligible even if they receive scholarships or other assistance that is available to non-disabled students.
   • No income level criteria are required to qualify for this support.
     
3. PPKI Allowance
   
   • Students with OKU Cards enrolled in the PPKI (Integrated Special Education Program) qualify for a monthly allowance of RM150.
   • Schools managing PPKI will apply for this allowance on behalf of the students.
   • For more information, visit the Ministry of Education Portal – OKU and PPK Financial Aid.
     
4. Financial Aid for OKU University Students
   
   • Financial aid for OKU students in full-time tertiary education (diploma and above) at public and private institutions, including community colleges and polytechnics.
   • Aid for public higher education includes tuition fees and living expenses up to RM5,000 annually or RM20,000 for the entire course duration.
   • Aid for private institutions for part-time or distance learning includes RM5,000 annually or RM20,000 for the entire course duration, covering tuition fees only.
   • For more details, visit Biasiswa MOE.
     
5. Financial Aid for Special Education Programmes (PPK) in Polytechnics & Community Colleges
   
   • Aid is available for OKU students in Special Education Programmes (PPK) at select polytechnics.
   • The financial aid amounts to RM3,660 for the first semester, and RM3,360 for subsequent semesters, covering tuition, living expenses, and boarding.
   • For more details, visit Biasiswa MOE.

Other Benefits and Programmes Available for Persons with Disabilities:

1. Housing
   
   • Low rental rates for DBKL housing.
   • 20% discount on home purchases from SPNB.
   • Free residential telephone line rental from Telekom Malaysia.
     
2. Education and Employment
   
   • Financial assistance for local public higher education institutions (IPTA), polytechnics, and community colleges.
   • Special recruitment channels for disabled individuals in IPTA.
   • Rehabilitation and training opportunities in select institutions.
     
3. Financial Assistance
   
   • General monthly financial assistance (varies by state).
   • Disability Workers Allowance (EPC).
   • Assistance for Persons with Disabilities (BTB).
     
4. Tax Relief
   
   • Double tax relief for employers who train and hire disabled people.
   • RM6,000 tax relief for taxpayers with children with disabilities.
   • RM6,000 tax relief for the purchase of special tools for individuals with disabilities or their parents.
   • RM6,000 personal tax relief for OKU and RM3,500 for spouses of OKU.
     
5. Business Support
   
   • Fee exemptions for company registration and renewal.
   • Grants from the OKU Business Promotion Assistance Scheme.
   • Exemption from import duties for equipment.
     
6. Transportation
   
   • 100% exemption from vehicle excise duty for Proton and Perodua cars every five years.
   • Reduction in motor vehicle license fees and road tax exemption.
   • 50% discount on all public transport.
   • 50% discount on domestic flights for Malaysia Airlines (excluding online purchases).
     
7. Personal Support
   
   • Fee exemptions for MyKad and birth/death certificate searches.
   • Passport fee exemption.
   • Medical treatment fee exemption at government hospitals (Class 3 ward fees, expert fees, and drug charges).

The Malaysian government provides extensive financial aid and support programs for individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access to education, employment, housing, and daily living resources. From the JKM Trainee Allowance for those in Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs to monthly allowances for students in special education (PPKI) and university financial aid covering tuition and living expenses, these initiatives help ease financial burdens for disabled individuals and their families. Additionally, tax reliefs, business grants, and employment incentives encourage inclusivity in the workforce, while housing benefits, transportation discounts, and medical fee exemptions enhance accessibility and quality of life. These comprehensive support measures reflect Malaysia’s commitment to empowering the disabled community and fostering a more inclusive society.