British Columbia

Diet Supplement

Easy application

Tax filing not required

Diet supplements assist recipients to meet costs associated with a therapeutic diet that is required as a result of a specific medical condition or a special dietary need.

The monthly diet supplement is provided to assist recipients of income assistance, disability assistance, and hardship assistance to meet costs associated with a therapeutic diet. The special diet must be required as a result of one of the following specific medical conditions or special dietary needs:

  • Restricted Sodium Diet
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney dialysis
  • Gluten-free diet
  • Dysphagia
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Ketogenic Diet
  • Low Phenylalanine Diet (PKU)
  • High Protein Diet for specific medical conditions.

The monthly amounts paid for diet supplements are listed in the Rate Table.

The following recipients are eligible for diet supplements:

  • Persons receiving income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance, as long as they are not in receipt of another nutrition-related supplement.
  • Persons receiving a natal supplement if the dietary needs are unrelated to pregnancy.
  • Children in the Child in Home of Relative (CIHR) Program.
  • Dependents of persons residing in a special care facility.
  • Persons receiving a grandparented tribunal award under Schedule C, Section 2(3) that is not a nutrition-related supplement.

To be eligible for a diet supplement, recipients must provide written confirmation of the need for the diet supplement from a:

  • Medical practitioner.
  • Nurse practitioner.
  • Registered dietitian.

This information should include the specific medical condition, the diet required, and the expected duration of need. The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction will not pay for any fees associated with documentation required.

Recipients with more than one medical condition are only eligible to receive the diet supplement with the highest dollar value. If required, recipients eligible for high protein or dysphasia diet supplements may also be provided with assistance towards the purchase of a blender.

A diet supplement may be authorized for the period it is expected to last based on the medical information received up to a maximum of 12 months for acute (short-term) conditions and 24 months for chronic (ongoing, recurring, long-term) conditions. Prior to the discontinuance of any diet supplement, a review of existing medical information will be conducted to confirm the continuing need and updated medical documentation will only be requested where necessary. In cases where the medical documentation confirms the diet supplement is required for chronic or ongoing medical conditions, the need for updated documentation may be waived.

  • To check eligibility for Diet Supplement and/or to apply: Call 1-866-866-0800 or use My Self Serve.
  • Recipients will be required to provide documentation from their medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or a registered dietitian that confirms the need for the diet supplement.

Last updated: August 25, 2023