The Old Age Security (OAS) Appeals Process

1. What is the Old Age Security appeals process? 
2. What is a Review Tribunal? 
3. When do I appeal to a Review Tribunal? 
4. How do I appeal to a Review Tribunal? 

1. What is the Old Age Security appeals process?

If you are dissatisfied with the decision of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada concerning your application for an Old Age Security benefit, you may request a reconsideration of your case from the Service Canada Regional Director in your Region. You have 90 days to request in writing a reconsideration after you receive our original written decision.

If you are still not satisfied after receiving our reconsideration decision, you may request an appeal by writing to the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals.

2. What is a Review Tribunal?

A Review Tribunal is an independent body, which does not act on behalf of the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, the appellant or any other parties to the appeal. The Review Tribunal consists of three persons: a Chairperson, who is always a lawyer, and two other members.

Its main purpose is to analyze each case on the basis of the evidence submitted (oral and written) and make a decision on the appeal. The Tribunal can confirm or change the decision made at the reconsideration stage, but it does not have the power to change the legislation.

To learn more, visit the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals.

3. When do I appeal to a Review Tribunal?

You have the right to appeal to the Review Tribunal if you are dissatisfied with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's (HRSDC) decision regarding your request for reconsideration. You must do so within 90 days of receiving written notification from HRSDC of the results of the reconsideration decision.

4. How do I appeal to a Review Tribunal?

You or your representative must submit a written request to the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals.

• your name, address, telephone number and social insurance number or Old Age Security number;
• your reason for appealing and the facts that form the basis of your appeal;
• any information that supports your appeal;
• the date you received a denial letter;
• your signature or that of your representative.

If you are being represented by a family member, friend, lawyer or another person, please include his or her name, address, telephone number and relationship to you in your letter of appeal. Send your appeal to:

The Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals
Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security
PO Box 8250, Station T
Ottawa, ON  K1G 5S5

More Information

For more information about the Old Age Security Program and the Canada Pension Plan, please contact us.

Have your social insurance number on hand when you call.

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