
Common Questions
I’m on income assistance and have been turned down for a crisis grantIf 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 provincial government, 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
Last reviewed December 2017
- tags
- welfare, welfare appeal, income assistance, crisis grant, BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA)