Social Benefits Tribunal — application or appeal preparation
Preparing and filing the application, appeal or response before the Social Benefits Tribunal.
What is included
- Reviewing the Ontario Works or ODSP decision and the reasons given
- Preparing the internal review request, which usually must come before an appeal, where the service covers it
- Preparing and filing the appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal, or a request to reconsider its decision, as the service covers
- Gathering medical, financial and other evidence that answers the reasons for the decision
- Preparing you for, and representing you at, the case conference or hearing the service covers
What is not included
- Tribunal filing fees, transcripts, professional reports and other disbursements
- Stages the service does not name, such as an extra hearing day, a reconsideration or an appeal
- Attending a hearing when the service covers documents or advice only
- A judicial review or appeal in the Divisional Court, which is outside a licensed paralegal's scope
- Collecting money or enforcing an order after the decision
Who this service is for
- People refused Ontario Works or ODSP, or whose assistance was reduced, suspended or cancelled
- Someone told they were overpaid and must pay money back
- Applicants found not to have a disability for ODSP purposes
Information to have ready
- 1The decision letter and any internal review decision, with their dates
- 2Letters from your caseworker and any overpayment or suspension notices
- 3Medical records and doctors' letters or forms, for ODSP disability decisions
- 4Proof of income, rent, assets and household members, if those are in question
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
The fee is $750 plus 13% HST ($847.50 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
What happens when I check out?
You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.
Do I have to ask for an internal review before appealing?
For most decisions, yes. An appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal usually can only be filed once an internal review has been requested.
Can I get help with money while my appeal is decided?
In some appeals you can ask the Tribunal for interim assistance while the appeal is decided. Whether it is available depends on the decision being appealed and your circumstances.
What happens at a Social Benefits Tribunal hearing?
A Tribunal member hears from you and the ministry, looks at the evidence and decides whether the decision was correct. Hearings may be held by phone, by video, in writing or in person.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed; the tribunal decides
- Deadlines are set by law or by the tribunal, and missing one may end your right to go ahead
- The service covers only the step it names; later steps are agreed separately in writing
- A few services here are requests or complaints to public bodies rather than tribunal cases; before any work starts we confirm that your matter is within what a licensed paralegal is permitted to do, and we can refer anything that is not to an Ontario lawyer.
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