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If you will experience financial hardship while waiting for a decision on your appeal, you can file for financial support through the SBT. This is called interim assistance.
To apply, fill out pages 3 and 4 of Appeal (Form 1).
Make sure you complete every section of the form. You will need to disclose your personal information, household income, assets, monthly expenses and any additional information that may affect your financial status. Before submitting the form, make sure you sign the bottom of page four.
If you don't provide complete information, your application may be delayed or denied. Complete requests for interim assistance are normally processed quickly. If you receive interim assistance it means that the Social Benefits Tribunal recognizes you will experience financial hardship while waiting for a decision. Receiving interim assistance does not mean you have won your appeal.
It is important to note that if you lose your appeal, you may have to pay back the interim assistance.
If your interim assistance is scheduled to run out before the tribunal makes a decision, you can ask for an extension by sending a short letter to SBT. Answer these two questions in your letter:
Fax or mail your letter at least 14 days before your interim assistance expires. If your extension request is urgent, please call the Social Benefits Tribunal. If your request is granted, you will receive an order in the mail extending your interim assistance.
If your interim assistance expires before you make an extension request, you may need to reapply. To reapply, fill out pages 3 and 4 of Appeal (Form 1).
If you have any questions or concerns about interim assistance, please contact us by telephone at 416-326-0978 or toll free at 1-800-753-3895, or visit our website at sjto.ca/sbt.