Understanding the Pregnancy and Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance for ODSP and OW Recipients
- Hibaq A
- Dec 6, 2025
- 2 min read
Navigating benefits available to recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works (OW) can be challenging, particularly for those who are pregnant or breast-feeding. One key benefit that is often overlooked is the Pregnancy/Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance. This allowance plays an essential role in supporting the nutritional needs of mothers during pregnancy and the early stages of breast-feeding, ensuring both mother and child receive the vital nutrients necessary for healthy development.
What is the Pregnancy/Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance?
The Pregnancy/Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance is financial support specifically designed for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding an infant under 12 months old. This allowance is available to those in the benefit unit who have had their pregnancy confirmed by a qualified health professional, such as a doctor or midwife. The aim of this allowance is to help cover the increased nutritional costs that come with pregnancy and breast-feeding, which are crucial for healthy growth and development.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Pregnancy/Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance, applicants must meet two main requirements:
Be a member of the benefit unit.
Have their pregnancy confirmed by a qualified health professional.
The allowance starts in the month the pregnancy is confirmed and continues until the month that the pregnancy concludes. For breast-feeding mothers, the allowance lasts up to and including the 12th month after the child is born, ensuring continued support during this critical period.
Financial Support Details
The Pregnancy/Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance provides monthly financial support, which varies based on dietary needs:
$40.00 per month for those following a lactose-tolerant diet.
$50.00 per month for those who are lactose intolerant.
It is essential to note that this amount is not pro-rated; recipients receive the full benefit each month they are eligible. Furthermore, the allowance does not count as a special diet and therefore is not limited by the $250 maximum cap that applies to special diets. This allowance is in addition to any other special diets recipients may qualify for.
Special Considerations for Breast-feeding
In certain cases, if breast-feeding is not possible—whether due to issues such as inadequate milk supply, an infants inability to tolerate breast milk, or contamination from medical treatments—the infant may qualify for a Special Diet Allowance until age 12 months. However, when a Special Diet Allowance is granted to the infant, the mother cannot receive the Pregnancy/Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance during that same period.
The Importance of This Benefit
Understanding the eligibility criteria and financial assistance offered by the Pregnancy/Breast-feeding Nutritional Allowance is crucial for ODSP and OW recipients. This knowledge empowers mothers to secure the necessary support to meet their nutritional needs during pregnancy and breast-feeding. If you or someone you know is eligible, it is essential to apply for this allowance to promote healthy outcomes for both mother and child.
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