Open

Special Diet Allowance

Support for medically required special diets

Offered by

Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)

Official source: leedsgrenville.com

Source change captured May 3, 2026

Funding available: $ 250
Deadline: Open continuously
Location: Ontario, Canada
Who can apply: Ontario Works applicants and recipients.; See full eligibility

Overview

The program provides special diet allowance support under Ontario Works and ODSP income support. It helps cover medically required special diet costs, with payments based on the Special Diets Schedule and a maximum of $250 per month per benefit unit member.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding: $250

Financing goals

Increase social or community impact
Enhance an existing program
Raise awareness or mobilize a population

Eligible candidates

Location: Ontario
Eligible Industries: All industries
Annual revenue: All revenue ranges
Organisation size: All organization sizes
Audience: All groups
Legal structures: All legal structures

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026

Periods: 1

Latest changes

May 3, 2026

Special Diet Allowance policy updated

The Special Diet Allowance page was substantially revised, with updated program scope, eligibility, application steps, and review language.

The Special Diet Allowance content was substantially rewritten and now presents an ODSP-based policy structure instead of the earlier Ontario Works framing. It updates who may apply, how applications are issued and submitted, how incomplete forms are handled, and how review dates and approvals are processed. The page also revises the policy summary and legislative references, while keeping the $250 monthly maximum and the $20 professional fee in substance. Several wording and process details were clarified, including template letters, review timing, and payment instructions.

Official source: leedsgrenville.com

May 3, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Ontario Works applicants and recipients.
ODSP recipients.
Members of the benefit unit who need a special diet.

Who is not eligible

People living in institutions where their needs are met by the institution.
Ontario Works emergency hostel service users served by First Nations delivery agents.
Residents of long-term care homes.

Eligible expenses

Costs of a special diet due to an approved medical condition.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Products covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB).

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

How to apply

Request an original Application for Special Diet Allowance form.
Have an approved health care professional complete the application form and sign the consent to the release of relevant medical information.
Submit the completed original form to the local office.

Documents Needed

Completed Application for Special Diet Allowance (Form 3111/3112).
Consent to the release of relevant medical information.

Processing and Agreement

Approved applicants receive a letter notifying them that the allowance has been approved, the amount approved, and the review date if applicable.
Applicants whose requests are not approved receive a letter with the reason and the right to request an internal review.
Ongoing eligibility for a Special Diet Allowance is subject to review.
Prior to an appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal, an internal review must be requested.