The Old Age Security (OAS) Appeals Process

1. What is the Old Age Security appeals process?
2. What is a Review Tribunal?
3. When do I appeal to a Review Tribunal?
4. How do I appeal to a Review Tribunal?

1. What is the Old Age Security appeals process?

Clients who are dissatisfied with the decision of Human Resources Development Canada concerning their application for an Old Age Security benefit may request a reconsideration of their case from the Regional Director of Income Security Programs (see Regional Offices). They have 90 days to request a reconsideration after they receive our written decision.

If clients are still not satisfied with the reconsideration decision, they may request an appeal, in writing, to the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals 

2. What is a Review Tribunal?

A Review Tribunal is an independent body, which does not act on behalf of the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, the appellant or any other parties to the appeal. The Review Tribunal consists of three persons: a Chairperson, who is always a lawyer, and two other members.

Its main purpose is to analyze each case on the basis of the evidence submitted and make a decision on the appeal. The Tribunal can confirm or change the decision made at the reconsideration stage, but it does not have the power to change the legislation.

To learn more, visit the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals 

3. When do I appeal to a Review Tribunal?

You have the right to appeal to the Review Tribunal if you are dissatisfied with HRDC's decision regarding your request for reconsideration. You must do so within 90 days of receiving written notification from Human Resources Development Canada of the results of the reconsideration decision.

4. How do I appeal to a Review Tribunal?

You or your representative must submit a written request to the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals 

• your name, address, telephone number and Social Insurance Number or Old Age Security Number;
• your reason for appealing and the facts that form the basis of your appeal;
• any information that supports your appeal;
• the date you received a denial letter;
• your signature or that of your representative.

If you are being represented by a family member, friend, lawyer or another person, please include his or her name, address, and telephone number and relationship to you in your letter of appeal. Send your appeal to:

The Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals
Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security
P.O. Box 8250, Station "T"
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5S5

More Information

For more information about the Old Age Security Program and the Canada Pension Plan, please contact us at the telephone numbers below. The calls, which are free of charge, can be made anywhere from Canada and the United States.

For service in English: 1 800 277-9914
For service in French: 1 800 277-9915
TDD: 1 800 255-4786

Please have your Social Insurance Number on hand when you call.

Note: This web page provides an overview of the Old Age Security Program and its supplements, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance and Allowance for the survivor. It is intended to give a general description of how the program works, who is eligible and how benefits are determined. It is not possible, in this space, to provide a comprehensive description of all the details of the complex legislation governing this program. In case of disputes, the wording and provisions of the Old Age Security Act and Regulations prevail.

OAS Main Menu