Internal Review

Internal Reviews are easy to write.

Because OCAP does direct action casework, we almost never write internal reviews for cases we work on. Instead, we write a letter to the supervisor and if we don't get a resolution we take action.

However, if you are applying for ODSP and are denied, you have to write an internal review letter and there is no way around it. Also, if you don't live in Toronto or another town with a direct action anti-poverty group and aren't able to start one, you will have to write an internal review.

(Right now it is 10 days.) If you get a decision letter, it should tell you how long you have.

If you are late in sending off your internal review letter, send it anyways and explain why it is late. They may still accept it. If you don't get it in on time because you have a disability, they have to give you more time and if they don't you can get a lawyer to fight it on human rights grounds.

You can hand write or type your letter.

If you cannot write it yourself, you can have a friend or family member write it for you and you can sign it.

Sample Letters:
Letter 1

Date

Disability Adjudication Unit
Address
Address

To Whom It May Concern:

I am requesting an internal review of your finding that I am not disabled under the ODSPA. I am requesting this review because I am disabled and your office made an incorrect finding.

Sincerely,
Jo Blow

Letter 2
Date

Supervisor
Some Social Services Office
Address
Address

Dear Sir or Ma'am:

I am requesting an internal review of the decision made by Worker #123 regarding my Special Diet benefit. My worker refused me the benefit because she said that I wasn't allergic to wheat. My worker is not a doctor. A doctor signed my form and that is all that is required by the policy for me to get my special diet.

I am requesting a review of this decision and would like you to issue me my Special Diet plus all arrears.

Thank you,
Auntie Poverty