Social assistance can provide extra money for other health needs not usually covered under seniors’ income benefits such as travel to medical appointments, special diets related to medical conditions, diabetic, surgical and incontinence supplies, mobility device repairs and batteries, and hearing, vision, and dental care.

Use your OW/ODSP health benefits before you turn 65. There may be forms that your doctors must complete to prove your health expenses. Talk to your social assistance case worker about things you need for your health before you turn 65. You could call or write them and ask about getting “Mandatory Special Necessities” and the “Special Diet Allowance” forms, which require sign-off from your healthcare provider.

Bonus tip – if you have high medical costs:
Before you turn 65, apply for “Extended Health Benefits” from Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Seniors’ income benefits like OAS and CPP do not include health benefits. You can apply to OW or ODSP before you leave social assistance to keep your health benefits if you have high average health expenses.

Apply for “Extended Health Benefits” through your local OW or ODSP office. Collect proof of your health costs, such as a list of prescription drug costs from your pharmacy, the cost of travel to medical appointments, receipts for medical devices or medical supplies like adult diapers, wound care, or diabetes supplies.