I applied for disability benefits and my application was denied. What do I do now?

It is advised that you contact an advocate at your nearest AIDS Organization when you first receive the denial letter. Here are the steps to appealing:

• Act within 20 business days of your denial. Do not wait, it is very important to act immediately as the appeal is time limited to 20 business days. This means that you count weekdays, not weekends or holidays.
• Go to your local Ministry office for a Request for Reconsideration form. It is a good idea to phone your Employment and Assistance Worker (EAW) before you go to the office to tell them what you need. This way your EAW can complete their sections of the form before you go to pick it up.
• You need to have your application form. If you do not have a complete copy of your application form ask your worker to contact the Health Assistance Branch in Victoria immediately so that your form can be faxed to your local office. The application form is very important because it tells you what your doctor and/or assessor said about your disability.
• Read the denial letter carefully. The denial letter gives the reasons why you were turned down. Look at the reasons carefully and then compare them to what your doctor and assessor put in your application.
• Talk to your doctor and assessor about your appeal. Make an appointment to see your doctor/assessor to discuss the reasons you have been turned down. Ask them to provide you with a letter that explains how you meet the disability criteria. Take the denial letter with you. Ask your doctor/assessor to explain, in a letter, how your disabilities make it difficult for you to complete daily living activities.
• Supporting documentation you may need to include:
  • Letters from your doctor/assessor.
  • Any other information that helps explain you disability, your limitations, and the help you need.
  • This information must be included with your Request for Reconsideration.