Moments in C/S  Bulletin History

C/S Bulletin 297, April 1st , 2005

2005: Special Diet Campaign—OCAP

Our Strategy: We are asking doctors/nurses/dieticians/midwives to recognize that the money from the Special Diet Allowance is a medical necessity for all social assistance recipients and that recipients should be granted the entire allowance. We are circulating a letter of endorsement for this campaign. Currently,over 30 medical practitioners, and organizations have endorsed the campaign. A series of clinics have been setup where doctors, nurses and dieticians will be signing up OW and ODSP recipients for the Special Diet Allowance. Amongst other supporters, practitioners from Regent Park Community Health Centre and Parkdale Community Health Centre are staffing several Raise the Rates clinics.
What We Hope To Accomplish: We demand that social assistance rates reflect the real costs of living. We cannot abide government policies that enforce poverty and poor health. This campaign will bring issues of food insecurity into the public eye and highlight the real health barriers faced by people struggling to survive on social assistance. Recipients and practitioners need to be aware that the Special Diet Allowance is available and that all people on social assistance are entitled to its full benefits.

And 2018…Special Diet Max is still $250.00

There are lots of conditions that qualify (diabetes, obesity, low weight) Conditions list: //bit.ly/2MffbGp

Find $ amounts: //bit.ly/2BbnP3K

Application Method:

1. Take the application form to an approved health care professional.

One of the following health care professionals must complete and sign the form. They must also initial beside every condition that requires a special diet.

• a physician
• a registered nurse in the Extended Class (Nurse Practitioner)
• a registered dietitian
• a registered midwife or a traditional Aboriginal midwife (but only for medical conditions related to difficulties with breast-feeding).

2. Complete Section 1 of the form.

Please print clearly when filling out this part of the form.

3. Sign the form.

The person applying for the allowance, or someone authorized to sign on their behalf (for example a trustee), must sign Section 4. If the application form is for a child under 16, Section 4 must be signed by someone authorized to sign on behalf of the child (for example, the child’s parent or guardian).

4. Return the form.

When you have completed the application form, return it to your local Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program office.

…we still need activism to increase Special Diet  … Survivor history continues…