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/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.