Can ODSP help pay for a special diet?

People who have certain medical conditions might be able to get a special diet allowance as part of the income support they get from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

The special diet allowance is to help with the extra costs of a special diet. The amount people get depends on their medical conditions.

The most a person can get as a special diet allowance is $250 a month. And for some conditions, the amount is much lower.

People who live in long-term care homes or certain kinds of hospitals or group homes don't qualify for a special diet allowance. This is because these places provide people with their meals. Talk to your ODSP worker if you need more information.

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding

A woman who is pregnant or breast-feeding can get a nutritional allowance. This is separate from a special diet allowance.

Talk to your ODSP worker about how to apply for this.

If you qualify for both, you can get a special diet allowance and nutritional allowance at the same time.

If ODSP refuses to give you a special diet allowance

If ODSP refuses your application for a special diet allowance, you can appeal the decision.