If you feel that the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation’s decision was wrong, you have the right to ask for a review of that decision (called a reconsideration). If a reconsideration does not change their decision, you can usually file an appeal.

Good starting points include:

• Income Assistance: Reconsideration and Appeals, from the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch, provides an overview of the welfare appeal process.
• LSLAP Manual: Welfare Law, from the UBC Law Students' Legal Advice Program, has a section on "Appeals."
• BC Employment and Assistance: Reconsiderations and Appeals, from the Ministry of Social Development & Social Innovation, describes how to request a reconsideration when you think a decision about your assistance or employment plan was wrong. It also describes the appeal process if you think the reconsideration decision was wrong.

Need more help?

• Community Law Program, from Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS), provides legal advice and assistance to low-income individuals, generally to appeal a decision.
• Find an Advocate, from PovNet, provides a list of community advocates who may be able to provide information or assistance regarding the welfare appeal process.
• Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap. 

See our related common questions:

• If I don’t get welfare this month I’ll lose my housing
• I’ve been turned down for CPP disability benefits
• See all common questions about pensions, benefits & welfare

tags

welfare, welfare appeal, income assistance, crisis grant, BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA)