OAS and GIS Reconsideration — Challenge a Service Canada Decision Within 90 Days

What Is It?

If Service Canada denies, reduces, or stops your OAS, GIS, Allowance, or Allowance for the Survivor, you can ask for a reconsideration. If that still goes against you, you can continue to the Social Security Tribunal.

This matters because many disputes turn on correctable facts such as residence, income, marital status, or timing, not just hard legal arguments.

Do I Qualify?

• You received a decision about OAS, GIS, Allowance, or Allowance for the Survivor that you disagree with
• You are within the reconsideration deadline or have a good reason for being late
• You can explain what part of the decision was wrong
• You can provide documents or updated facts that support your position

How It Works

1. Request reconsideration within 90 days of receiving the decision letter.
2. Explain why the decision was wrong and attach any new documents.
3. Wait for the new reconsideration decision from Service Canada.
4. If necessary, file an appeal with the Social Security Tribunal.

What Most People Don’t Know

• The general deadline is 90 days from receiving the decision. Waiting too long can create avoidable problems.
• Many disputes are fact-driven. Income timing, years of residence, marital status, and current-year changes often matter more than people expect.
• A reconsideration can fix a record that was incomplete the first time. It is not only for obvious legal errors.
• The tribunal step is separate from Service Canada. If reconsideration fails, the appeal goes to an independent body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Service Canada — OAS pension and benefits: Request a reconsideration