What happens when your application is approved?
Congratulations! You have been approved to receive Social Assistance and the Supplementary Allowance. Any change in your circumstances and your need for financial assistance will be assessed each month by submitting your monthly Assistance form (MAF) or your Assistance application card (ARC) to report your monthly income and submit the required documentation.
The required documentation could include:
- Utility bills;
- Job search documentation, if requested;
- Rent receipts;
- Pay stubs;
- Bank statements; and
- Proof of child support or maintenance
Other supplemental benefits you may receive
Once you are approved to receive Social Assistance, you can request approval to receive assistance for prescriptions if you are not eligible for funding through other programs. You will need to get approval before buying prescription drugs. If you do not, it is unlikely you will get reimbursed. Generally, low-cost, generic prescriptions are covered.
If there are any changes to your situation that could impact your eligibility for Social Assistance or the amount you receive, you must report it. If you do not report changes to your situation, you could receive more than the amount you are eligible for. This is called an overpayment. If you receive an overpayment it is considered a debt and will need to be repaid.
Changes that could impact the amount of financial assistance include changes to your:
- Financial situation
- Family arrangement
- Living arrangements
- Disability or health
- Employment status
What happens if your application is denied?
If you are not approved to receive Social Assistance and the Supplementary Allowance, you can undergo the appeals process. There are two steps in the appeals process: review requests and appeals to the Supreme Court.
Review Requests
The first step in the appeals process is the review request. The review request must be in submitted writing within 30 days of the date the decision was made. The review request must state the decision that you disagree with and the month it applies to.
A hearing will be held within 30 days from the day the review request was received. During the hearing you can present information that is relevant to the decision and explain why you disagree. The committee will then make a decision, which will be reported to the director. If the committee disagrees with the director’s original decision, the director will reconsider their original decision, which will be retroactive to the date of their original decision.
Appeals to the Supreme Court
If you still disagree with the decision made, you may appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. This request must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the day the committee made their decision. The Supreme Court may confirm the committee’s decision or refer the decision back to the committee for a second hearing.
Choosing the best option if you are denied
Here are some common reasons that people are denied with advice on the next step to take:
| If you were denied because: | Then take this step: |
|---|
| You do not meet the age requirement. | Wait until you are at least 19 years old and reapply. |
| Do you not meet the financial requirements. | Reapply when your basic needs cost more than your monthly income. |
| You do not qualify for the Supplemental Allowance. | You can still receive Social Assistance without the Supplemental Allowance. |