Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT) Appeal Walkthrough

What is the Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT)?

The Social Benefits Tribunal (SBT) is an independent tribunal created by the Ontario government to hear appeals from people who disagree with decisions made by ODSP or Ontario Works.

If your Internal Review was denied or ignored, appealing to the SBT is your crucial next legal step. Over 50% of appeals presented at the SBT are successful!

Step-by-Step SBT Appeal Process

Step 1: File Appeal Form 1 Within 30 Days

You have 30 calendar days from the date of your Internal Review decision letter to file Form 1 (Appeal Form) with the Social Benefits Tribunal.

Step 2: Request Interim Assistance

If ODSP has cancelled or reduced your monthly income support while appealing, check the box on Form 1 requesting Interim Assistance. If granted, your ODSP payments will continue until the tribunal issues a decision!

Step 3: Connect with Legal Aid Ontario

Free legal representation is available for ODSP appeals through community legal clinics across Ontario. Contact Legal Aid Ontario or your local clinic immediately upon filing.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Medical Evidence

Work with your legal representative and healthcare team to collect detailed specialist reports, diagnostic tests, and objective medical evidence addressing the specific grounds for refusal.

Step 5: Attend Your Hearing

Hearings are held virtually (via Zoom/phone) or in person before an impartial SBT Adjudicator. You, your legal worker, and an ODSP representative will present evidence.

Do not face an SBT hearing alone. Community Legal Clinics specialize in ODSP appeals and provide 100% free legal advice and representation to eligible low-income Ontarians.

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