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How to Appeal

Proactive Disclosure

Timeframe

Our appeal process ensures that everyone will have enough time to prepare for the hearing. An appeal usually takes eight months to complete. You can expect your appeal to follow this schedule.

Here is the appeal process at a glance explaining what we do and what you need to do

What we do

Process Stage	Time Period	OCRT Activities
Filing an Appeal	Month 1&2	We get your letter of appeal. If we need you to explain something, or to give us more information, we will contact you by telephone or in writing. We send you a letter saying we got your appeal, an Appealing a Decision to a Review Tribunal Under the Canada Pension Plan brochure and a request form for our informational video "Your Best Shot" to help you prepare for your hearing. We get a copy of the information used by HRSDC to make its decision.
Preparing an Appeal	Month 3&4	We send you a package containing: A letter telling you the date, time and place of your hearing. A Hearing File containing all information regarding your appeal that has been received by our office. An expense-claim form.
	Month 4&5	A Client Service Officer calls you to explain the process and answer your questions. You will receive the HRSDC Explanation of Decision Under Appeal.
	Month 5&6	We send you a reminder letter about the date and time of your hearing.
Presenting the Appeal	Month 6&7	You have your hearing.
The Review Tribunal Decision	Month 8&9	The Tribunal makes its decision and prepares a written explanation. All the parties get the Review Tribunal’s decision and the reasons for that decision by registered mail.

What you need to do

Process Stage	Time Period	OCRT Activities
Preparing an Appeal	Month 1&2	Read the brochure carefully and watch the "Your Best Shot" informational video. Send us the “Authorization to Disclose” form if you have appointed a representative. If you intend to call witnesses at your hearing, let us know. Do you have more information to send us?
	Month 3&4	If you won’t be ready for your hearing or cannot attend on the the date indicated in our letter, call us immediately. Do you understand what’s in your Hearing File? Do you understand what you need to prove to a Review Tribunal? Is the information in your Hearing File complete? Does it include incorrect information? Have you sent us all the information you wish to rely on at your hearing? If not, send us the information now
	Month 4&5	Be prepared with your questions when we call you. Do you have any questions about the information in your Hearing File? Do you have questions about the hearing? Is it clear to you why HRSDC denied your claim? Will you be bringing witnesses to your hearing? Do you have any questions about the legislation affecting your case? Do you need an interpreter? Do you have special needs?
	Month 5&6	If you are still waiting for documentation to support your case, take immediate action to obtain it. All of your information should be sent to our office at least 30 days before the hearing. Think about how you will present your case. Carefully read HRSDC’s arguments in the HRSDC Explanation of Decision Under Appeal. Prepare your arguments (in writing or verbally). Highlight any information that you want to tell the Tribunal about. Prepare any questions you may want to ask HRSDC’s representative.
Presenting the Appeal	Month 6&7	You have your hearing and present your case to the Tribunal.
The Review Tribunal Decision	Month 8&9	You get the Review Tribunal's decision by registered mail within 8 weeks of the hearing date. Any party may appeal the decision of the Tribunal within 90 days.