u/KacHaLaK

Hello,

I was at my doctor's today and she told me that the "majority" of people get denied even at SBT, how true or false is this? This backpay is my only source of motivation and ambition, I can't afford to wait 1.5, 2 years just to get denied and have to start all over again. I'm seriously on the verge of mental collapse. I live in Richmond Hill and I was also wondering if an ER visit would help me win the appeal more? If yes, how long should I stay there and what should I frame this as? I mean on what basis should I go there voluntarily not to get "tortured" by them because I've had a very bad experience before at the involuntarily hold. They tied me to a stretcher and were stabbing needles in my legs and I was traumatized by that. How can I avoid that but also build an "undeniable" case for the judge? Please help..

Hello,

I recently made a post saying my ODSP got denied, I reached out to a legal aid clinic in Richmond Hill and apparently they are the "only" one serving this area too, I asked her that and she said yes, they are the ONLY one. Then I was told due to policy changes and low-key she was saying they are very overcrowded and underfunded, that they don't represent clients anymore at the tribunal. She said that statics show the success rate to be the same at SBT with or without a lawyer.

Long story short they said they don't represent people in Richmond Hill for ODSP cases at the tribunal and I'm left all alone in this and I suffer from real bad anxiety, I don't think I can represent myself. She said she can give me numbers to different lawyers but they are not free and I said I don't have any money.

I'm genuinely extremely disappointed in this system as I'm struggling VERY hard and can't make ends meet. I'm on OW and 733 dollars is nothing around here, won't even be enough for bills and groceries nevertheless rent.

She said however they have their paralegals or lawyers reviewing my case remotely after I'm denied my first appeal and for the appeal they just handed out a "self-care" package. Very lazy and underfunded AI stuff. Basically she said they're gonna review my case and tell me what's best to write and say but they can't represent me. Is this a thing? Where else can I go to get free assistance? I don't think I can represent myself and I genuinely am just living for this backpay, it's my only hope, I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET DENIED AT SBT. Please help..

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We spoke on the phone and afterwards this is the e-mail I got from them:

As discussed, we have attached the Internal Review Self-help kit including a letter explaining the Internal Review process, the Internal Review Form to be completed, and a sample of the form as well. In order to appeal an ODSP denial you must first file an internal review request. An internal review can be submitted by completing the attached form or in writing to the Disability Adjudication Unit. Please see attached Internal Review Self-help kit in order to request an Internal Review when denied ODSP. Please let me know if you have any questions.

We confirm that we have not been retained to provide you with assistance on your ODSP matter, and we are closing your intake with us. If your internal review is denied, please contact our main number 905-508-5018 or complete an online intake and a new intake will be opened at our clinic. At that point, your file will be assigned to one of our legal workers who will assess the merits of your case and provide you with an opinion of your ODSP appeal. We will also provide you with information and advise on how to prepare for your hearing before the Social Benefits Tribunal and how to represent yourself at your ODSP hearing.

To be clear, we are not acting for you at this time, therefore you remain sole responsible for complying with all time limits and for presenting your case at any appeal hearing.

Warm Regards,

Jennifer Rogers (she/her)

Case Manager, Licensed Paralegal

Community Legal Clinic of York Region

21 Dunlop Street, Suite 200

Richmond Hill, ON Phone: 905-508-5018 x 51

Fax: 905-508-7539