Reconsideration Process

Applicants or recipients can request a reconsideration of certain aspects of the Department's decision regarding their financial assistance application. These aspects include:

• Amount (unless it is a fixed amount)
• Duration
• Attached conditions
• Refusal of an application
• Suspension
• Revocation
• Variation
• Recovery of overpaid or improperly paid money

To request reconsideration, use the Department's Reconsideration Form within 21 working days from when the Department issued the decision. You will receive a reconsideration decision within 21 working days.

There are three potential outcomes:

• The Department will not reconsider, where the decision or a decision relating to substantially the same issue was already reconsidered
• The original decision stands based on the facts
• The Department changes the original decision based on the facts

If you are still unhappy with the decision after reconsideration, you may appeal to the Financial Assistance Appeals Tribunal by following the Appeals Process.

• How we can help
• Apply for financial assistance
• Financial assistance in an emergency 
• Conditions