Special Diet Form Ontario Works ((new)) Official

: Fill in your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and Member ID.

: Take the form to an approved health care professional to fill out. Only the following professionals can complete it: Physicians (Doctors) Registered Nurses (Extended Class/Nurse Practitioners) Registered Dietitians

False. Weight management alone is not covered. However, if obesity causes a secondary medical condition (e.g., hypertension requiring a low-sodium DASH diet), that may qualify.

When you’re on Ontario Works (OW), the monthly budget is painfully predictable: $733 for a single person deemed “employable.” Groceries, rent, transit, medication—it vanishes fast. But tucked inside the fine print of OW’s directives is a little-known lever that can add up to (or more) to your basic allowance. It’s called the Special Diet Allowance —and if you have a medical condition that forces you to eat differently, you might qualify. special diet form ontario works

6.6 Special diet allowance | Ontario Works policy directives

With the financial assistance from Ontario Works, including her special diet allowance, Sarah was able to manage her condition effectively while also providing for her children's needs. She used the allowance to purchase gluten-free staples like rice, quinoa, and gluten-free bread, which became a regular part of her grocery shopping.

After submitting the required documentation, Sarah's caseworker processed her request. She was approved for a monthly special diet allowance, which helped her cover the additional costs of gluten-free food. This allowance was a significant relief for Sarah, as gluten-free products are often more expensive than their gluten-containing counterparts. : Fill in your personal details, such as

You can also combine allowances. For example: someone with celiac disease (gluten-free) plus lactose intolerance (low-lactose) may get two separate supplements.

The official list is long, but here’s what moves the needle most often:

If you cannot get a doctor's appointment before the deadline, you can request an extension from your local Ontario Works office to avoid a disruption in payments. What to Do if Your Application is Denied Weight management alone is not covered

Doctors aren’t always familiar with the form. Many will sign it if you bring clear guidance. But some refuse, calling it administrative overreach. If that happens, ask your OW caseworker if a registered dietitian’s assessment (covered by OHIP in some clinics) can substitute.

Sarah was required to provide documentation from her doctor to support her request for a gluten-free diet allowance. Her doctor provided a letter stating that Sarah had celiac disease and needed a gluten-free diet to manage her condition.