Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal Ministry of Social Development

People who apply for or receive assistance under the BC Employment and Assistance Program have a right to quality service, fair access to programs and transparent decision-making.

Request for Reconsideration:

First step in appealing a decision by an Income Assistance worker.

Can be made where a decision by a worker resulted in the refusal, reduction or discontinuance of assistance, supplements or child care subsidies as well as with regard to the conditions of an employment plan.

Reconsideration form can be obtained at a local Employment and Assistance Centre. The worker will complete sections 1 and 2 of the form, while client completes sections 3 and 4 and must return it to the Centre within 20 business days, along with any documentation or information.

Client may ask for an advocate to assist in completing the form.

Request will be reviewed and decision made within 10 business days of the request being received by the Ministry office.

Appeal Tribunal:

If the client disagrees with the decision, the next stage is the Social Development Appeal Tribunal. The appeal must be filed within seven (7) business days of the date the reconsideration decision was received. See website for more information: www.gov.bc.ca/eaat