How to Appeal a Government Benefit Decision in Canada

A refused, reduced or cancelled benefit can be challenged, and each program has its own route and deadlines. In almost every case the first step is to ask the department that made the decision to look at it again; only after that can you go to an independent appeal body. This page sets out the route for the main federal benefits and for Ontario’s social assistance programs. It’s part of the government benefits hub; for an overview of the benefits themselves, see the government benefits guide.

Deadlines at a glance

Employment Insurance

1. Request a reconsideration. Complete and sign Service Canada’s request for reconsideration form and submit it in person or by mail within 30 days after the decision was communicated to you. A later request needs an explanation for the delay.
2. Appeal to the EI Board of Appeal. Since April 1, 2026, the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal hears appeals of EI reconsideration decisions, a role the Social Security Tribunal used to have. You have 30 days from receiving the reconsideration decision.
3. Further appeal. A decision of the EI Board of Appeal can be appealed to the Social Security Tribunal’s Appeal Division within 30 days of receiving it.

The EI denial guide covers the common reasons, and can you get EI if you quit covers what counts as just cause.

CPP, OAS and GIS

1. Request a reconsideration from Service Canada within 90 days of receiving the decision letter, explaining why you disagree and including any new information.
2. Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal within 90 days of receiving the reconsideration decision. The General Division is the first level of appeal; its decisions can be taken to the Appeal Division.

For GIS and OAS amounts, see why your GIS or OAS may be less than expected.

Benefits paid by the CRA

The Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the Canada Workers Benefit are administered by the Canada Revenue Agency and calculated from your tax return. If you disagree with a determination, you can file a notice of objection; for an individual, the deadline is the later of one year after the filing deadline for the return and 90 days after the date of the notice of assessment or determination; if the CRA confirms its decision, you can appeal to the Tax Court of Canada.

Ontario Works and ODSP

To challenge an Ontario Works or ODSP decision, first ask in writing for an internal review within 30 days of receiving the decision (explaining why, if special circumstances make you late); you should get the result within 30 days of your request being received. If you disagree with it, you can appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal within 30 days of receiving the internal review decision, or if no decision arrives within 30 days. The steps, forms and the Social Benefits Tribunal are explained in applying for ODSP: review and appeal, and they apply to Ontario Works decisions too.

For social assistance and disability programs in other provinces and territories, see disability benefits by province.

Preparing a review or appeal

• Read the decision letter closely. It states the reason for the decision and the deadline for the next step.
• Free legal help in Ontario. People with a low income may qualify for free help from a community legal clinic (Legal Aid Ontario).

Related pages

• Government benefits guide
• EI guide
• Benefit payment dates calendar
• Financial help for low-income Canadians