Which decisions can be appealed?
General Rule: Although your client will be able to request an internal review of any decision made by Ontario Works, not all decisions are eligible for appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal if they still disagree after the internal review.
- Decisions which can be appealed:
- Denied applications for assistance
- Reductions in income assistance
- Suspensions of income assistance
- Cancellations of income assistance
- Adjustments made to the amount of money your client is usually provided, often to account for overpayments (temporary reduction, suspension, etc.)
- Income assistance cheques being sent to a trustee, where your client is 18 or older
- Whether your client or a member of their family qualifies for a special diet allowance
- Whether your client receives an employment and training start-up allowance
- Whether your client receives health care supplies or travel costs for medical purposes
- Decisions which CANNOT be appealed:
- Denied applications for emergency assistance
- Denied applications for discretionary benefits (e.g., dental or vision care for adults, funeral expenses, moving expenses, etc.)
- Payments of income assistance to a third party (e.g., landlord, social housing provider, etc.)
- Denied requests for extra time to ask for an internal review
Income assistance cheques being sent to a trustee if your client is younger than 18.
