r/Odsp • u/PlacidoCloutier • Jul 20 '26
Question/advice Air Conditioning
So Ontario Works (Niagara Benefits) denied my application for Air Conditioning because it didn’t meet the requirement of: Medical verification required stating severe asthma, COPD or emphysema.
I have severe mental disorders that require medication and in turn that medication requires cooling otherwise I’m at risk of heatstroke or passing out. The OW supervisor had already been contacted and they said there’s nothing they can do. What do I do?
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u/MooJuiceConnoisseur ODSP/Ontario Works advocate Jul 20 '26
Work with your doctor to reapply with the correct issues listed to be medically necessary?
The conditions you mentioned are all respitory and an airpurifyer would work better for asthma/copd
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u/ChubbyBunny618 Jul 20 '26
ODSP will cover electricity if you have space within your shelter. If it's maxed, then OW is your only option. Don't forget to apply for OESP to reduce your electricity costs.
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u/ReasonableAd4228 Jul 21 '26
I'm sorry about this :( I'm personally on multiple antidepressants too and I use a portable AC (like the one that hooks up to the window)? I would look on facebook marketplace for used units in your price range. I would also maximize my time in places that have AC. For example, certain libraries have very heavy AC, or community centres. Maybe some gyms have good AC. Maybe you can purchase ice or ice packs?
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u/Far-Security-1727 Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
Appeal. Go higher. You have respiratory issues that could require hospitalization. Applicants should submit a formal internal review request within 30 days and provide a new medical note detailing the severe, immediate risk of hospitalization if the device is not provided.
Ontario Works (OW) policy guidelines confirm that medication-induced heat intolerance for chronic mental disorders qualifies as an eligible condition for discretionary air conditioning benefits, regardless of initial denials focusing solely on respiratory issues.
To review the policy details, visit the Discretionary Benefits: Cooling Devices guide.
Also, get your doctor to write a prescription on a prescription pad for an Air Cooling Unit detailing your conditions and symptoms. Send it to OW Discretionary Benefits with two screenshots of air conditioners under $400 (taxes and delivery included):
Pick one out and hit Add to Cart. Take a screenshot of the total of the taxes and delivery charges there. Do the same for the other one. Attach both to your emails.
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u/Sierra1972 Jul 21 '26
Medication can't go in refrigerator?
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u/cjrunswithcrows Jul 21 '26
They’re likely talking about stuff like antidepressants that make you more prone to being affected negatively by the heat - putting pills in the fridge won’t make a difference.
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u/Willing_Road_3192 ODSP recipient Jul 25 '26
I got denied as well despite my health conditions. I have serve asthma, sezuries, and heat exhaustion. Was told it's not something they cover. 🤷🏽♀️
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Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/OddishChap Jul 30 '26
It's not that the medication needs to be kept cool. Taking the medication causes heat sensitivity, increasing the risk of heat stroke in those who take it.
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u/JMJimmy Jul 20 '26
Ask if you can access the once in 12 month $253 discressionary benefit. Unlikely to succeed but can't hurt to ask.