If you disagree with a decision while applying for or receiving Ontario Works, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed.
When a decision is made about your eligibility for Ontario Works or other benefits such as the Housing Stabilization Fund, you will be sent a Notice of Decision letter that will:
You may be able to resolve the issue faster by speaking with your caseworker. If you cannot resolve the issue with your caseworker, you may speak to management at your local Toronto Employment & Social Services office.
If the issue is still not resolved, you can follow the instructions in the Notice of Decision letter about how to request an Internal Review.
You have 30 days from the day you receive the Notice of Decision letter to submit a written request to your caseworker for an Internal Review.
Your request should include:
Your request can be in a letter, or you can submit a Request for Internal Review Form to your local office.
Your request will be reviewed by Toronto Employment & Social Services’ Appeals Review Unit within 30 days of receiving it. Internal Reviews are prioritized to respond to urgent requests.
The Appeals Review Unit will send you an Outcome of Internal Review letter within 30 days with the result and whether you are able to appeal the decision if you still disagree.
If you do not receive an outcome within 30 days, please follow up with your caseworker.
If you disagree with the results of the Internal Review, you can escalate your concern to the Social Benefits Tribunal or the Decision Review Committee.
Your Outcome of Internal Review letter will tell you whether you can appeal the decision to the Social Benefits Tribunal or request a review by the Decision Review Committee.
The Social Benefits Tribunal is an independent group that is separate from Toronto Employment & Social Services and the Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services. The Social Benefits Tribunal hears appeals from people who disagree with a decision that affects:
To make an appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal, complete an Appeal Form and submit it within 30 days of receiving your Outcome of Internal Review letter. Appeal forms are available at your local Toronto Employment & Social Services office or from the Social Benefits Tribunal website.
Send your completed form by fax to 416-326-5135 or by mail to:
Social Benefits Tribunal
15 Grosvenor Street, Ground Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2G6
You will receive a letter from the Social Benefits Tribunal with the date, time, and location of your appeal hearing. More information about the appeal process is available on the Social Benefits Tribunal website.
You may be eligible to receive interim financial aid while waiting for your hearing. Contact the Social Benefits Tribunal to apply for interim assistance or if you have any questions about the appeal process or your appeal.
Toronto Employment & Social Services has a separate process for decisions about discretionary benefits which cannot be appealed to the Social Benefits Tribunal.
Some of the discretionary benefits that may be reviewed by the Decision Review Committee include, but are not limited to:
Your request for a review by the Decision Review Committee should include:
Your request must be written within 30 days of receiving the Outcome of Internal Review letter.
Send your request by mail to:
Decision Review Committee
Toronto Employment & Social Services
PO Box 3888 Stn Industrial
Markham, Ontario L3R 5T2
The Decision Review Committee will provide an impartial review of decisions made by Toronto Employment & Social Services. The committee will review the appeal as well as applicable legislation, policies, and other relevant information before making a decision. You will be notified of the decision in writing. The committee’s decision is final.
The Decision Review Committee meets monthly and consists of three senior management staff from the City of Toronto. The General Manager of Toronto Employment & Social Services is the only permanent member.
The current committee members are: