Decision Reviews and Appeals

If you disagree with a decision made about your case or request for assistance, you can follow a process to have that decision reconsidered.

This is called the right to appeal.

Download a brochure with more information about appeals and the appeals forms English (PDF) | French (PDF)

About the Appeal Process

The appeal process ensures all rules have been followed properly in making a decision about your case. Rules are any policies, regulations or laws that tell caseworkers how to make decisions.

There are two parts to the appeal process:

You can also talk to your caseworker about the decision and ask any questions you may have.

Decision Reviews

The first step of the appeal process is a decision review. Decision Review Services will review your request and the decision made about your case.

To start the appeal process, you must submit a letter requesting a decision review. This must happen within 30 business days of the date on the letter you received explaining the decision.

You can fill out the form at the end of this brochure or write your own letter. Your letter should include:

  • The decision you disagree with
  • Why you disagree
  • If you have new information related to the decision
  • Your name, address, phone number, date of birth, and signature
  • Your case number and name of your caseworker, if you know it
  • You can drop the letter or form to your local office, mail it to the address on the decision letter we sent you, or email a scanned copy to DecisionReview@novascotia.ca

Appeal Hearings

The second step is an appeal hearing. The hearing is where a member of the Assistance Appeal Board will review the decision. The hearing is your opportunity to explain why you think the original decision was incorrect and should be changed.

If you disagree with the decision review and want an appeal hearing, you must let us know within 10 business days after you get the decision review letter.

You can do this by checking the “Yes, I want an appeal hearing” box at the bottom of the decision review letter and signing it. You can then mail it, bring it to your local office, or email a scanned copy to DecisionReview@novascotia.ca.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about appeals, you can talk to your caseworker or call 1-833-424-5124 to talk to Decision Review Services.