If:
then you may be able to get help to cover these costs under the Mandatory Special Necessities benefit.
Under the ODSP, medical transportation costs for travel to and from a medical appointment with an approved healthcare professional such as a family doctor, optometrist or dentist are covered.
If you are attending mental health therapy, mental health counselling, or drug or alcohol recovery groups, the cost of transportation may also be covered under the Mandatory Special Necessities benefit. To find out if you are eligible for help with these transportation costs, please contact your ODSP worker.
Normally, you have to apply for the benefit in advance. However, if you were unable to apply in advance and you had to pay to get to emergency medical care, you may be able to get those transportation costs covered. Keep your receipts and show them to your worker.
Contact your local ODSP office and ask for a Mandatory Special Necessities benefit request form.
Take this form to your family doctor's or healthcare professional's office and ask to have it filled in.
Here are some examples of healthcare professionals who can fill out the Mandatory Special Necessities form:
Once the form is filled in, return it to your local ODSP office either in person or by mail. We will review your form and send you a letter to tell you if you have been approved.
Learn more
For more on the Mandatory Special Necessities benefit, go to Income Support Directive 9.12 - Mandatory Special Necessities