An AccessAbility Support client of the Department of Social Development and Seniors
(the Department) complained of delays by the Social Programs Appeal Board (the
Board) in scheduling hearings. The person explained that after filing various appeals
within the previous six months, they had not been told when their appeals would be
heard.
Within five days of us reaching out with questions, the Department contacted the
individual and their appeals were scheduled shortly after. The Department
acknowledged that the legislative and policy obligations to hear appeals within 15 days
and for the Board to issue decisions within 30 days of a request being filed had not
been met.
In response to our questions about the scheduling delay, the Department explained that
staff were in contact with the individual during this period and were trying to resolve their
concerns informally.
While we appreciated the intention of the Department was to help the individual, we also
recognized that legislation provides for unincumbered access to an appeal hearing
within 15 days of an application being made. Acknowledging this, the Department
committed to ensuring that all appeals are scheduled and decided on in accordance
with legislative and policy timelines.