Can I appeal to the Social Security Tribunal?
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The Social Security Tribunal (SST) is independent of Service Canada. It hears appeals about Old Age Security (OAS), the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), the Allowance and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Whether you can appeal depends on which decision you have and when you received it.
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Who made the decision you disagree with?
Look at the top of the letter. Service Canada decides OAS, GIS, the Allowance and CPP. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) decides income tax, the OAS clawback and tax credits.
Which letter do you have?
A reconsideration decision is the new letter Service Canada sends after you ask it to review its first decision.
When did you receive the reconsideration decision?
Count from the day the letter reached you, not the date printed on it.
Which part of the Tribunal made the decision?
The General Division hears your appeal first. The Appeal Division reviews General Division decisions. The name is at the top of the decision.
When did you receive the General Division decision?
Likely eligible
You can likely appeal to the Social Security Tribunal.
Why
You have a reconsideration decision and you are within 90 days of receiving it. The Tribunal must receive your Notice of Appeal within that time. There is no fee, and you do not need a lawyer.
What to do next
- Fill out the Notice of Appeal: Income Security form from the Tribunal's website. It is the same form for OAS, GIS and CPP. You can also start an appeal through My Service Canada Account.
- Explain what you think is wrong with the decision and what the right result should be. Attach copies of documents that support you.
- Send it to the Tribunal by email to [email protected], by fax to 1-855-814-4117, or by mail to Social Security Tribunal of Canada, PO Box 9812, Station T, Ottawa, ON K1G 6S3. Email or fax is faster than mail.
- Sending it to Service Canada does not file your appeal. It must go to the Tribunal.
- If your GIS case is about how your income was calculated, the law sends that part to the Tax Court of Canada instead. Call the Tribunal at 1-877-227-8577 if this may apply to you.
Your answers
More help
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
We cannot tell from your answers
You are past 90 days, but a late appeal may still be accepted.
Why
The deadline is 90 days from the day you receive the reconsideration decision. If you are late, a General Division member decides whether your reason is reasonable. The Tribunal cannot accept an appeal filed more than 1 year after you received the decision, so act now.
What to do next
- Send your Notice of Appeal: Income Security right away, by email or fax if you can.
- On the form, explain why you are late. Send proof, such as medical records.
- If the late appeal is refused, the file is closed and Service Canada's decision stands. You can ask the Appeal Division to review that refusal within 90 days.
- Call the Tribunal at 1-877-227-8577 (TTY 1-866-873-8381) with questions.
Your answers
More help
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
Likely not eligible
It is likely too late to appeal this decision to the Tribunal.
Why
The Tribunal cannot accept an appeal filed more than 1 year after you received the reconsideration decision, whatever the reason for the delay.
What to do next
- Check the date you received the letter carefully. If it was less than 1 year ago, send your appeal right away with your reason for being late.
- Ask Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 to explain your options for your file.
- Get free advice. In Ontario, community legal clinics help with OAS, GIS and CPP problems. Elsewhere, try legal aid or your Member of Parliament's office.
Your answers
More help
- Read our full guide: Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal
- Read our full guide: Ask for a decision to be reviewed
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
Likely not eligible
Not yet. You must ask Service Canada for a reconsideration first.
Why
You cannot appeal to the Social Security Tribunal until you have a reconsideration decision from Service Canada. The first decision letter is not enough to start an appeal. You have 90 days from the day you receive the first decision letter to ask for a reconsideration.
What to do next
- Use our reconsideration check to see how to ask and which form to use.
- Ask in writing: online in My Service Canada Account, on a form, or in a signed letter.
- If you still disagree with the reconsideration decision, come back to this check.
Your answers
More help
- Can I ask Service Canada to review (reconsider) a decision?
- Read our full guide: Ask for a decision to be reviewed
- Read our full guide: Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
Likely eligible
You can likely apply to the Appeal Division, but you need permission.
Why
The Appeal Division must receive your application within 90 days from the day you received the General Division decision. First it decides whether to give you permission to appeal (leave to appeal). You must show an arguable case that the General Division made a mistake, or give evidence it did not have.
What to do next
- Fill out the Application to the Appeal Division: Income Security form and send it to the Tribunal.
- Say clearly what mistake you think the General Division made, or what new evidence you have.
- You will usually get the decision on permission within 30 days after you apply.
- Free help may make a difference. In Ontario, community legal clinics often help with these appeals.
Your answers
More help
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
We cannot tell from your answers
You are past 90 days. A late application may still be accepted.
Why
The deadline to apply to the Appeal Division is 90 days from the day you received the General Division decision. If you are late, you must explain why. It cannot accept an application more than 1 year after you received the decision.
What to do next
- Send the Application to the Appeal Division: Income Security right away.
- Explain why you are late and include proof if you have it.
- Call the Tribunal at 1-877-227-8577 (TTY 1-866-873-8381) with questions.
Your answers
More help
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
Likely not eligible
It is likely too late to apply to the Appeal Division.
Why
The Appeal Division cannot accept an application more than 1 year after you received the General Division decision.
What to do next
- Check the date you received the decision carefully. If it was less than 1 year ago, apply right away and explain why you are late.
- Get free advice. In Ontario, community legal clinics help with OAS, GIS and CPP problems. Elsewhere, try legal aid or your Member of Parliament's office.
Your answers
More help
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
We cannot tell from your answers
The next step is the Federal Court, and you have 30 days.
Why
If you disagree with the Appeal Division decision, you can apply to the Federal Court or the Federal Court of Appeal within 30 days. Court is more formal than the Tribunal.
What to do next
- Act quickly. The deadline is short.
- Get legal advice. It is strongly recommended at this stage. In Ontario, try a community legal clinic. Elsewhere, try legal aid.
Your answers
More help
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
Likely not eligible
Not at the Social Security Tribunal. CRA decisions have their own process.
Why
The Tribunal hears appeals of Service Canada decisions. To challenge a CRA decision, such as your income tax, the OAS clawback, the GST/HST credit or the Disability Tax Credit, you first file a notice of objection with CRA. If you still disagree after CRA's decision on your objection, you can appeal to the Tax Court of Canada within 90 days of the date CRA sends its decision.
What to do next
- File a notice of objection in CRA My Account (Register my formal dispute), on form T400A, or by a signed letter.
- Call CRA at 1-800-959-8281 with questions.
Your answers
More help
- Can I ask Service Canada to review (reconsider) a decision?
- Read our full guide: Ask for a decision to be reviewed
- Read our full guide: Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
We cannot tell from your answers
First find out who made the decision.
Why
The Social Security Tribunal hears appeals about Service Canada decisions on OAS, GIS, the Allowance and CPP. Decisions by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) about tax and tax credits go through CRA's objection process instead.
What to do next
- Look at the name and return address at the top of your letter.
- Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 (TTY 1-800-255-4786), or the Tribunal at 1-877-227-8577, and ask.
- Then come back and run this check again.
Your answers
More help
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
We cannot tell from your answers
Find out which decision you have.
Why
You can appeal to the Tribunal only after Service Canada has reconsidered its decision. If this is the first decision, ask for a reconsideration instead. Each step has a 90-day deadline from the day you receive the letter.
What to do next
- Read the letter. A reconsideration decision says it is the result of your request for a review.
- Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 and ask which kind of decision you have.
- Write on the letter the date you received it.
Your answers
More help
- Can I ask Service Canada to review (reconsider) a decision?
- Read our full guide: Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
We cannot tell from your answers
Check which part of the Tribunal decided.
Why
After a General Division decision, you can apply to the Appeal Division within 90 days. After an Appeal Division decision, you can apply to the Federal Court or the Federal Court of Appeal within 30 days. The name of the division is on the decision.
What to do next
- Read the top of the decision, or call the Tribunal at 1-877-227-8577 and ask.
- Then come back and run this check again. Do not wait, as the deadlines are short.
Your answers
More help
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
We cannot tell from your answers
Send your appeal now, even if you are not sure of the date.
Why
Your deadline is 90 days from the day you received the decision. Late appeals need a reason, and none can be accepted more than 1 year after you received the decision. Acting now is the safest choice.
What to do next
- Send your form right away, by email or fax if you can.
- Say when you think the letter arrived. If you may be late, explain why and send proof.
- Call the Tribunal at 1-877-227-8577 (TTY 1-866-873-8381) with questions.
Your answers
More help
This check is general information, not legal or financial advice. OAS Guides is not part of, or connected to, the Government of Canada or Service Canada. Only the government office that runs the program can decide whether you qualify, and we cannot promise any result. Figures were last checked on 2026-10-04.
Where these rules come from
- Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement appeals: Process at a glance (Social Security Tribunal of Canada)
- Other Canada Pension Plan appeals: Process at a glance (Social Security Tribunal of Canada)
- Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement General Division: When to appeal by (Social Security Tribunal of Canada)
- Notice of Appeal: Income Security (Social Security Tribunal of Canada)
- Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement Appeal Division: How to appeal (Social Security Tribunal of Canada)
- Ways to contact the Social Security Tribunal (Social Security Tribunal of Canada)