Difference between revisions of "Income Assistance: Reconsiderations and Appeals"
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{{Dial-A-Law | {{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [http://www.eaat.ca/ Alanna Valentine and Marilyn McNamara], Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal, and [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/social-development-poverty-reduction Lillian Budac and Melissa Bauer], Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction |date= January 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = money}} | ||
The government provides welfare benefits to those in financial need. If the government denies you welfare or reduces your benefits, there are steps you can take to challenge the decision. | |||
==What you should know== | |||
===You have the right to challenge a decision on welfare benefits=== | ===You have the right to challenge a decision on welfare benefits=== | ||
Many reasons might cause you to seek financial help from the BC government — a lack of available jobs, a family breakup, an illness or disability. The government provides '''welfare benefits''' to pay for shelter and daily living costs to those who qualify. These benefits include income assistance, disability assistance, and hardship assistance. The government also pays '''supplements''' for certain things, such as unexpected needs and dental expenses. | Many reasons might cause you to seek financial help from the BC government — a lack of available jobs, a family breakup, an illness or disability. The government provides '''welfare benefits''' to pay for shelter and daily living costs to those who qualify. These benefits include income assistance, disability assistance, and hardship assistance. The government also pays '''supplements''' for certain things, such as unexpected needs and dental expenses. | ||
These government benefits are managed by the [http://gov.bc.ca/sdpr Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction]. The Ministry may decide to refuse, reduce or stop your monthly welfare benefits or a supplement. You have the right to challenge their decision. | These government benefits are managed by the [http://gov.bc.ca/sdpr Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction]. The Ministry may decide to refuse, reduce or stop your monthly welfare benefits or a supplement. You have the right to challenge their decision. | ||
==A challenge of a Ministry decision has three stages== | ===A challenge of a Ministry decision has three stages=== | ||
To challenge a Ministry decision: | To challenge a Ministry decision: | ||
* If you disagree with a Ministry decision, you can ask for a '''reconsideration'''. This is an internal review by the Ministry. | |||
* If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can '''appeal''' to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal. The tribunal is an independent body similar to a court. | |||
* If you disagree with the decision of the tribunal, you can go to court to ask for a '''judicial review''' of that decision. | |||
This information explains each of these stages. | This information explains each of these stages. | ||
== | ==Work out the problem== | ||
===Step 1. Ask for the Ministry’s decision in writing=== | ===Step 1. Ask for the Ministry’s decision in writing=== | ||
| Line 26: | Line 25: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|align="left"|'''Tip''' | |align="left"|'''Tip''' | ||
Find an '''advocate'''. Advocates are community workers trained to help people. An advocate can tell you if challenging the government’s decision might succeed. They can also help you with the paperwork involved. See below for how to find an advocate. | Find an '''advocate'''. Advocates are community workers trained to help people. An advocate can tell you if challenging the government’s decision might succeed. They can also help you with the paperwork involved. See below for how to find an advocate. | ||
|} | |} | ||
===Step 2. Ask for a reconsideration — within 20 days=== | ===Step 2. Ask for a reconsideration — within 20 days=== | ||
If you disagree with the Ministry’s decision, ask for a '''reconsideration'''. You can submit your request online at [https://myselfserve.gov.bc.ca/ myselfserve.gov.bc.ca]. Or you can get a '''request for reconsideration''' form from the Ministry. | If you disagree with the Ministry’s decision, ask for a '''reconsideration'''. You can submit your request online at [https://myselfserve.gov.bc.ca/ myselfserve.gov.bc.ca]. Or you can get a '''request for reconsideration''' form from the Ministry. | ||
The deadline to ask for a reconsideration is '''20 business days''' from the day the Ministry gives you their decision. | The deadline to ask for a reconsideration is '''20 business days''' from the day the Ministry gives you their decision. ''You must meet this deadline''. | ||
====Include all your information with your request==== | ====Include all your information with your request==== | ||
| Line 42: | Line 41: | ||
If you are challenging a decision to cut off your benefits or a supplement, you can ask the Ministry for a '''repayable supplement''' while you are waiting for the result. However, be aware you will need to sign an agreement to repay this money if you lose your challenge. | If you are challenging a decision to cut off your benefits or a supplement, you can ask the Ministry for a '''repayable supplement''' while you are waiting for the result. However, be aware you will need to sign an agreement to repay this money if you lose your challenge. | ||
====The reconsideration decision==== | ====The reconsideration decision==== | ||
A government officer will review your request and make a new decision about your matter. The new decision will be mailed to you. | A government officer will review your request and make a new decision about your matter. The new decision will be mailed to you. | ||
===Step 3. Appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal=== | ===Step 3. Appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal=== | ||
If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can '''appeal''' to the [http://www.eaat.ca/ Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal]. The tribunal is an independent body similar to a court. | If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can '''appeal''' to the [http://www.eaat.ca/ Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal]. The tribunal is an independent body similar to a court. | ||
====You have seven days to appeal==== | ====You have seven days to appeal==== | ||
You must complete a [ | You must complete a [[notice of appeal form|'''notice of appeal''' form]] and send it to the tribunal within seven business days of when you receive the Ministry’s reconsideration decision. | ||
====The tribunal hearing==== | ====The tribunal hearing==== | ||
You can ask the tribunal to hold your hearing in person, by phone, or in writing. You have the right for a lawyer, friend, witness or other person to come to the hearing with you. | You can ask the tribunal to hold your hearing in person, by phone, or in writing. You have the right for a lawyer, friend, witness or other person to come to the hearing with you. | ||
The tribunal will send you an appeal record with a copy of all the information the Ministry decision-maker considered in making the reconsideration decision. | The tribunal will send you an appeal record with a copy of all the information the Ministry decision-maker considered in making the reconsideration decision. | ||
You can’t present new evidence at the hearing, but you can explain the evidence already on file and give evidence to support the information on file. And you can question the Ministry. | You can’t present new evidence at the hearing, but you can explain the evidence already on file and give evidence to support the information on file. And you can question the Ministry. | ||
| Line 64: | Line 63: | ||
===Step 4. Ask for judicial review=== | ===Step 4. Ask for judicial review=== | ||
If you disagree with the tribunal’s decision, you can ask the court to review it. You can file a petition for a judicial review in the BC Supreme Court. There are deadlines to file a | If you disagree with the tribunal’s decision, you can ask the court to review it. You can file a petition for a '''judicial review''' in the BC Supreme Court. There are deadlines to file a judicial review, so it’s important to act quickly. | ||
An advocate can help you assess the chances of bringing a judicial review. The [ | An advocate can help you assess the chances of bringing a judicial review. The [https://clasbc.net/ Community Legal Assistance Society] and the [http://www.bcpiac.com/ BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre] have lawyers who may be able to help with judicial review of some Tribunal decisions. | ||
===Step 5. Other options if you experience unfairness=== | ===Step 5. Other options if you experience unfairness=== | ||
If you are not satisfied with a tribunal decision, you have two options in addition to bringing a judicial review. | If you are not satisfied with a tribunal decision, you have two options in addition to bringing a judicial review. | ||
====Complain to the tribunal chair==== | ====Complain to the tribunal chair==== | ||
If you have a concern about the conduct of an appeal or any interaction with the tribunal, you can make a written '''complaint to the tribunal chair'''. You can contact the tribunal [http://www.eaat.ca/ online], by email at | If you have a concern about the conduct of an appeal or any interaction with the tribunal, you can make a written '''complaint to the tribunal chair'''. You can contact the tribunal [http://www.eaat.ca/ online], by email at info@eaat.ca, or by toll-free phone at 1-866-557-0035. | ||
====Complain to the ombudsperson==== | ====Complain to the ombudsperson==== | ||
If you think you were treated unfairly, you can '''complain to the ombudsperson'''. The ombudsperson investigates complaints about administrative unfairness. You can [https://bcombudsperson.ca/complaints/ submit your complaint online] or contact the ombudsperson by toll-free phone at 1-800-567-3247. | |||
== | ==Who can help== | ||
===With challenging a government decision=== | ===With challenging a government decision=== | ||
An '''advocate''' can help you with challenging a government decision, including with the paperwork involved. PovNet has a [ | An '''advocate''' can help you with challenging a government decision, including with the paperwork involved. PovNet has a [https://www.povnet.org/find-an-advocate Find an Advocate Map at povnet.org]. Clicklaw's [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap HelpMap] lists dozens of legal advocates in BC. | ||
===Understanding your welfare rights=== | ===Understanding your welfare rights=== | ||
'''Legal | '''Legal Aid BC''' offers free booklets on “[https://legalaid.bc.ca/publications/pub/your-welfare-rights-how-apply-welfare How to Apply for Welfare]” and “[https://legalaid.bc.ca/publications/pub/your-welfare-rights-welfare-benefits Welfare Benefits]”. | ||
* Call 1-866-577-2525 | |||
* [http://legalaid.bc.ca/ Visit website] | |||
'''Disability Alliance BC''' offers [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1012 help sheets] and [https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/resource/1013 tools] on applying for disability benefits. | |||
* Call 1-800-663-1278 | |||
* [http://disabilityalliancebc.org/ Visit website] | |||
The '''Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction''' is responsible for welfare in BC. | |||
* Call Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867 | |||
* [http://gov.bc.ca/sdpr Visit website] | |||
{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox|type=consumer}} | |||
{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}} | {{Dial-A-Law Copyright}} | ||
Latest revision as of 01:19, 7 November 2023
| This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Alanna Valentine and Marilyn McNamara, Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal, and Lillian Budac and Melissa Bauer, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction in January 2018. |
The government provides welfare benefits to those in financial need. If the government denies you welfare or reduces your benefits, there are steps you can take to challenge the decision.
What you should know
You have the right to challenge a decision on welfare benefits
Many reasons might cause you to seek financial help from the BC government — a lack of available jobs, a family breakup, an illness or disability. The government provides welfare benefits to pay for shelter and daily living costs to those who qualify. These benefits include income assistance, disability assistance, and hardship assistance. The government also pays supplements for certain things, such as unexpected needs and dental expenses.
These government benefits are managed by the Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction. The Ministry may decide to refuse, reduce or stop your monthly welfare benefits or a supplement. You have the right to challenge their decision.
A challenge of a Ministry decision has three stages
To challenge a Ministry decision:
- If you disagree with a Ministry decision, you can ask for a reconsideration. This is an internal review by the Ministry.
- If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal. The tribunal is an independent body similar to a court.
- If you disagree with the decision of the tribunal, you can go to court to ask for a judicial review of that decision.
This information explains each of these stages.
Work out the problem
Step 1. Ask for the Ministry’s decision in writing
As soon as you find out the Ministry made a decision you don’t agree with, ask the Ministry to give you their decision and the reasons for their decision in writing. Ask what law or policy they based their decision on. Also ask for copies of everything they used to make the decision. You have a right to this information.
| Tip
Find an advocate. Advocates are community workers trained to help people. An advocate can tell you if challenging the government’s decision might succeed. They can also help you with the paperwork involved. See below for how to find an advocate. |
Step 2. Ask for a reconsideration — within 20 days
If you disagree with the Ministry’s decision, ask for a reconsideration. You can submit your request online at myselfserve.gov.bc.ca. Or you can get a request for reconsideration form from the Ministry.
The deadline to ask for a reconsideration is 20 business days from the day the Ministry gives you their decision. You must meet this deadline.
Include all your information with your request
Attach all your information to the request form. It’s important to give as much information and evidence as you can. If you decide to appeal further, you may be limited to the information you use in your original request for reconsideration.
If you need more time to give the Ministry other documents, such as records or letters that support your request, you can ask the Ministry for 10 to 20 extra business days. Write on the request form that you need more time when you give it to the Ministry.
You can ask for a supplement
If you are challenging a decision to cut off your benefits or a supplement, you can ask the Ministry for a repayable supplement while you are waiting for the result. However, be aware you will need to sign an agreement to repay this money if you lose your challenge.
The reconsideration decision
A government officer will review your request and make a new decision about your matter. The new decision will be mailed to you.
Step 3. Appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal
If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal. The tribunal is an independent body similar to a court.
You have seven days to appeal
You must complete a notice of appeal form and send it to the tribunal within seven business days of when you receive the Ministry’s reconsideration decision.
The tribunal hearing
You can ask the tribunal to hold your hearing in person, by phone, or in writing. You have the right for a lawyer, friend, witness or other person to come to the hearing with you.
The tribunal will send you an appeal record with a copy of all the information the Ministry decision-maker considered in making the reconsideration decision.
You can’t present new evidence at the hearing, but you can explain the evidence already on file and give evidence to support the information on file. And you can question the Ministry.
The Ministry presents its case at the hearing. As part of this, it can question you.
The tribunal’s decision
The tribunal decides if the decision you are appealing was reasonably supported by the evidence, and if the Ministry reasonably applied the law to the facts.
Step 4. Ask for judicial review
If you disagree with the tribunal’s decision, you can ask the court to review it. You can file a petition for a judicial review in the BC Supreme Court. There are deadlines to file a judicial review, so it’s important to act quickly.
An advocate can help you assess the chances of bringing a judicial review. The Community Legal Assistance Society and the BC Public Interest Advocacy Centre have lawyers who may be able to help with judicial review of some Tribunal decisions.
Step 5. Other options if you experience unfairness
If you are not satisfied with a tribunal decision, you have two options in addition to bringing a judicial review.
Complain to the tribunal chair
If you have a concern about the conduct of an appeal or any interaction with the tribunal, you can make a written complaint to the tribunal chair. You can contact the tribunal online, by email at info@eaat.ca, or by toll-free phone at 1-866-557-0035.
Complain to the ombudsperson
If you think you were treated unfairly, you can complain to the ombudsperson. The ombudsperson investigates complaints about administrative unfairness. You can submit your complaint online or contact the ombudsperson by toll-free phone at 1-800-567-3247.
Who can help
With challenging a government decision
An advocate can help you with challenging a government decision, including with the paperwork involved. PovNet has a Find an Advocate Map at povnet.org. Clicklaw's HelpMap lists dozens of legal advocates in BC.
Understanding your welfare rights
Legal Aid BC offers free booklets on “How to Apply for Welfare” and “Welfare Benefits”.
- Call 1-866-577-2525
- Visit website
Disability Alliance BC offers help sheets and tools on applying for disability benefits.
- Call 1-800-663-1278
- Visit website
The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is responsible for welfare in BC.
- Call Enquiry BC at 1-800-663-7867
- Visit website
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