Are you appealing the decision of Social Development Canada?

Your letter of appeal must be in writing and sent to our office by mail or fax within 90 days of receiving the decision of Social Development Canada, or you may use the Appeal Form to start your appeal.

Have you included the following information in your letter of appeal?

Your name, address and telephone number including area code.

Your Social Insurance Number or OAS Account Number.

Your reasons for appealing the decision of Social Development Canada and the date you received their decision.

Are you past the 90-day period? If so, please write a detailed explanation of the reasons why you are late in appealing.

If you have decided to have someone represent you at the hearing, please send us your signed authorization indicating the name, address and telephone number of your representative.

Have you received your Hearing File?

Have you read it carefully?

Do you have all the information that will help you prove your case?

If you feel information is missing, have you obtained a copy for yourself and sent a copy to us?

Have you received our letter telling you when and where your hearing will take place?

Can you attend your hearing on the date, time and location we have scheduled for you? If not, call us right away:
- free of charge at 1-800-363-0076
- call collect from outside of Canada at 613-946-0320.

Are you prepared for your hearing?

Do you understand the legislation that defines how you qualify for your benefit? If not, please call our office and a Client Service Officer will be pleased to answer your questions.

Have you reviewed your Hearing File and the SDC Explanation of Decision Under Appeal?

Have you highlighted or underlined any information that supports your case and that you want to tell the Tribunal about? Don't forget to note the page numbers for easier reference at the hearing.

Have you prepared and organized your notes?

Have you received all the information you have been waiting for? If so, have you sent it to us? Have you kept a copy for yourself?

If you are still waiting for more information, do you expect to receive it before the hearing? If you think you might not receive it in time for the hearing, please call us right away.

Have you considered:
- how you want to present your case at the hearing, and
- any questions you would like to ask the representative of Social Development Canada at your hearing?

Has a Client Service Officer from our office called you to explain what happens at your hearing and what costs we cover?

Do you require an interpreter for your hearing? If so, have you advised our office?

Have you advised our office of any special needs you may have or any travel arrangements you may require?

Does your appeal involve survivor's benefits, a division of unadjusted pensionable earnings, or an assignment of a retirement benefit?

Are you aware of the potential involvement of added parties?

Are you aware of our obligation to ensure that the information is shared with the added party?

Have you moved?

If so, have you given our office your new address and telephone number, or the name and telephone number of a person we may contact if we need to get in touch with you?