ODSP Special Diet Allowance
This adds extra money each month on top of your ODSP if you need a special diet for a medical reason. You can get up to $250 a month per person. The exact amount depends on your condition. For example, diabetes is $81 a month and dysphagia needing thickened fluids is $125 a month.
What you get
Up to $250/month
Who it's for
You qualify if you get ODSP basic needs/shelter or board and lodging, you do not live in an institution, and you have a condition on the Special Diets Schedule.
This takes you to the official website
Depends on your household size and income.
What to have ready
Documents they may ask for
- Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
- A copy of your lease or rent agreement
- Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
- Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
- ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
- Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it
What to say when you call
“Hi, I found your housing support program and I want to check if I can apply. Can you tell me the current rules, documents needed, and the next step?”
Use the official page first, then call 211 if you are not sure where to start.
Can I get this?
You have a good chance if this sounds like you:
- An approved health care professional must confirm your condition
What to do next
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The fine print
More details about the money
Up to a maximum of $250 per month per member of the benefit unit. The exact amount depends on the condition(s) on the Special Diets Schedule (for example: diabetes $81/month; dysphagia requiring thickened fluids $125/month; peritoneal/haemodialysis renal failure $88/month). Some grandparented Family Benefits cases may receive more.
Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.
The full eligibility rules
ODSP recipients and their dependants who receive basic needs/shelter or board and lodging amounts, are not living in an institution, and have a medical condition listed on the Special Diets Schedule, confirmed by an approved health care professional.
Good to know
Maximum $250/month per benefit unit member, the per-condition examples, the approved health professionals, and the Form 3111/3112 number all confirmed in ODSP Policy Directive 6.4. An equivalent Special Diet Allowance exists under Ontario Works (same $250 cap).
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