You can ask for a review of your application or benefit. Effective September 1, 2024 decisions regarding eligibility for the Affordable Child Care Benefit are made based on the Early Learning and Child Care Act and the Early Learning and Child Care Regulation. They replace the Child Care Subsidy Act and the Child Care Subsidy Regulation.
Contact the Child Care Service Centre to discuss the issue with an adjudicator. You can give them details about your situation and they will try to help find a solution.
You may appeal the decision with the Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal. The tribunal will decide whether the ministry correctly applied the legislation. They will also look at whether the ministry considered the evidence submitted.
To request an appeal, submit the Notice of Appeal form. You must submit the form within seven days of notification of the reconsideration decision. If you do not, it will be legally binding that you have accepted the decision. You will not be able to file an appeal after that date.
An appeal panel will review the reconsideration decision at an appeal hearing. The hearing usually takes place within 15 business days after you deliver your Notice of Appeal form.
You will present your case at the hearing. You can submit evidence reasonably required for full and fair disclosure related to the reconsideration decision. You can also have someone represent you or help you make your case. A representative for the Ministry of Education and Child Care will present the ministry's case. They will not have authority to make decisions in the case.
The appeal panel will confirm or rescind the ministry's decision. Based on the documentation presented and any supporting testimony, the panel will make a final decision in writing. A majority decision is normally made within five business days of the hearing. A copy of the final decision will be sent to you and the Ministry of Education and Child Care.
If you were already receiving the Affordable Child Care Benefit, you may be eligible to continue receiving it while you wait for the outcome.
If you requested a reconsideration of a decision that discontinued or reduced your benefit amount, the previous benefit amount you received will continue to be paid until a decision is made.
If your application was denied, you will not receive the Affordable Child Care Benefit until a decision is made about your eligibility.