Disability Tribunals

Ontario Disability Tribunals

The Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT) is an independent adjudicative body that resolves disputes regarding social assistance decisions under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act , 1997 and the Ontario Works Act , 1997.

It is key to remember that the tribunals are separate from ODSP and any local social assistance offices, ensuring impartiality in reviewing decisions about eligibility, benefit amounts, or cancellations of assistance.

Appeal Process

Before appealing, the applicant must request an internal review from the office that made the original decision. For ODSP, this may involve submitting medical or supporting documentation, you should discuss your case with Angela Browne of Invictus Legal LLP to see it this applies to your case.

Appeals must generally be filed within 30 days of receiving the internal review decision.

If the decision being appealed causes you financial hardship, then you may apply for interim assistance while waiting for your hearing, though this is not available for initial ODSP or OW applications.

Canadian Disability Tribunals

Disability tribunals in Canada, primarily the Social Security Tribunal (SST), handle appeals for federal benefits like CPP Disability, Old Age Security (OAS), and EI.

The SST is independent of Service Canada and offers a two-level appeal process (General Division and Appeal Division) to resolve disputes over denied benefits, usually via hearings.

The first level of appeal for Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability, OAS, GIS, and Canada Disability Benefit decisions.

The second level of appeal; requires "leave" or permission to challenge a General Division decision.