What is an internal review?

When a decision is reviewed internally it means a different person in the Ontario Works office than the one who initially made the decision will review that decision and decide whether or not to change it.

If your client wants to request an internal review:

1. They can use a form letter or write their own letter 
2. They must meet the deadline 
   • They will have 30 days from the date that they receive a decision from Ontario Works (either by mail, online or in-person) to ask for an internal review.
   • If they miss the deadline, they should still request an internal review as soon as possible. Ontario Works might accept a late request in exceptional circumstances (e.g., hospitalization, custody, problems with reading/writing, waiting for legal advice, etc.). More information about what to do if your client misses the deadline can be found here.
3. They should detail the reasons they disagree with the decision, if possible

The deadline is more important than the details. If your client might miss the deadline because they are trying to provide detailed explanations, tell them to submit their request without the details.

How You Can Help:

• Step 1: Refer your client to a legal clinic to see if they can get help filling out their request for an internal review.
• Step 2: If they can’t get assistance, help your client gather the the required documentation to complete their request for an internal review. You can also help them complete a form letter for internal review or draft their own letter by writing down what they say.
• Step 3: Help your client make a copy of their completed internal review request to keep for their own records.
• Step 4: Help your client fax, mail or drop off their internal review request at the appropriate Ontario Works office, as listed on the Notice of Decision. Make sure it is submitted within 30 days of receiving the decision.