Last reviewed in March 2023 by the Clicklaw Editors

If the Ministry has turned down your application for the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefit, you have the right to appeal.

There are two levels where you can challenge the Ministry's decision:

• Request for Reconsideration – you give the Ministry your reconsideration request and they will conduct an internal review. The deadline to file your request is 20 business days.
• Appeal to the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal – if you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you may appeal that decision in some cases.

If you still disagree with the Tribunal’s decision, you can ask for judicial review by the BC Supreme Court. See I have to do my own judicial review.

Good starting points include:

• Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Benefit Application, from Disability Alliance BC, contains a FAQ on page 6 called, “What if I am turned down for PWD?”
• Appealing Denial of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Benefit: The Reconsideration Request, from Disability Alliance BC, helps you understand the appeal process and how to make your request for reconsideration.
• Appealing Denial of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Benefit: The Appeal Tribunal, from Disability Alliance BC, helps you understand the appeal process and how to ask for an appeal tribunal hearing.
• Reconsideration and Appeals for Income and Disability Assistance, from the BC Government, has information on making a request for reconsideration as well as making an appeal if you disagree with a reconsidered decision. Click here for a printable brochure.

Need more help?

• Advocacy Access, from Disability Alliance BC, assists people with disabilities to apply for and appeal the denial of provincial disability benefits.
• Find an Advocate, from PovNet, provides a list of community advocates who may be able to provide assistance or information.
• Find more help near you on Clicklaw HelpMap.

See our related common questions:

• See all common questions about disabilities
• See all common questions about pensions, benefits & welfare

tags

persons with disabilities (PWD) benefit, reconsideration and appeal, msdsi, employment and assistance appeal tribunal