Documents and Evidence
Once you receive your Notice of HearingNotice of Hearing: This is the document the Tribunal sends to you once they receive your application, and approve it for a Tribunal hearing. This document will have important information, such as the date and location of your hearing, and your personal Tribunal file number (called the ‘Appeal File Number’)., it is important to prepare for the hearing.
The Social Benefits Tribunal will allow an appellant (the person making the appeal) to present documents at the hearing to help the appellant tell his or her story. These documents are called evidenceEvidence: A letter, a picture, a document, or testimony that is related to your case. that may help prove your side of the story. Information provided by a witness who has promised to tell the truth can also be evidence to help you prove your side of the story..
Evidence can include bringing a person who knows your side of the story and can speak to the tribunal about your case. This person is called a witness, and can help by giving oral testimonyOral Testimony: Speaking and answering questions at the hearing about your case, telling what they know to be true about your case..
Appellants must give copies of any documents, or the names of any witnesses, to the Tribunal. A copy of this list must also be given to the local ODSP office.
This must be done at least 20 days before the hearing. The documents to be used in the appeal can be delivered to the tribunal and to the ODSP office either in person, by mail, or by fax. This is important because any documents that are not received by the tribunal and the ODSP office by the 20-day deadline cannot be used at the tribunal hearing.
What About Letters From your Doctor?
Any medical letters must be sent to both the Disability Adjudication UnitDisability Adjudication Unit: The DAU decides whether people meet the definition of disability. It is part of the Ministry of Community and Social Services. and to the tribunal. You should send these letters as soon as possible. You cannot send them later than 30 days before the date of your hearing.
You can ask a social worker, lawyer, or family member to help you prepare any medical documents for your hearing.
Providing Services to People with Disabilities
The Social Benefits Tribunal describes how it provides service to people with disabilities with a Customer Service Policy linked here: Providing Services to People with Disabilities.