Ontario

Special Diet Allowance

Complex application

Tax filing not required

Prerequisite(s) required

You may qualify for this benefit if you are eligible for:

The Special Diet Allowance may help eligible Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients with the extra costs of a special diet for a medical condition listed on the Special Diets Schedule. The amounts are based on the medical condition and the decisions made by the review committee.

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program Income Support.
  • Have an approved health care professional who can confirm that you have a medical condition that is approved for the Special Diet Allowance.

Documents listed in this section are examples of what can be included with your application. Please review the application instructions (How to Apply tab) to confirm the supplemental and required documents for this benefit.

These are examples of what you might be asked to provide during the application process:

Health card

  • valid health card with photo, name and address

Proof of birth (A document with first name, last name, and date of birth.)

  • Birth certificate or birth registration
  • Canadian Passport
  • Canadian Citizenship Certificate
  • Certificate of Indian status card
  • Ontario photo identity card

Social Insurance Number

  • SIN card (non-expired)

You can apply by contacting your Social Service Worker at Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program to find out if you are eligible.

Last reviewed: September 1, 2026