Appeal and Hearing Process






On the day of your hearing, please arrive 15 minutes early. SBT members hear more than one appeal in a morning or afternoon. You may have to sit in the waiting room before your hearing.

There is no dress code for the hearing.

SBT hearings are private and confidential. A typical hearing could include:

  • The SBT member who hears and decides the appeal
  • You and your legal representative, if you have one
  • A representative from Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works
  • Witnesses
  • A friend or family member to support you
  • An interpreter, if you have asked for one.

The role of the member

When the hearing starts, the member will describe the hearing process and say what the issue being appealed is. The member may ask you and the ODSP/OW representative whether you agree on the issue being appealed and any facts.

The member controls the hearing. Because the member has to stay neutral, he or she cannot provide legal advice or tell you how to present your case. The member may ask questions to better understand your position or your evidence.

When the hearing is over, the member considers all the evidence and arguments, makes a decision and writes a decision explaining the result.

The hearing will be recorded. The recording is available on request for a small fee. See: Practice Direction on Recording Proceedings.

The role of the parties

The hearing is your opportunity to explain why you think the decision is wrong and give your evidence. Both sides will present their arguments. The member and the representative from the ODSP or OW office may ask you questions.

Everyone participating in the hearing is expected to be courteous and respectful of each other. See SJTO Common Rule A7.