Using artificial intelligence in appeals at the Social Security Tribunal

1.1 AI is information technology that performs tasks normally done by humans, like creating, learning, and problem-solving. AI does this by using algorithms to process huge amounts of data. It then identifies patterns and generates human-like responses based on that data.

1.2 Examples of common generative AI tools are:

• ChatGPT
• Google Gemini
• Microsoft Copilot

1.3 Searching on Google, Bing, or Yahoo! may now give you AI-generated answers instead of traditional search results.

2.1 You’re responsible for making sure the information you give the SST is accurate.

2.2 AI could help you do things like research the law or help write your arguments. If you use AI, double-check results and sources, since AI-generated material can be wrong.

2.3 Check that the information you get applies to your case and reflects what is important for your appeal. AI uses what is publicly available on the internet to generate its material, so it’s possible that it used unreliable sources.

3.1 AI is known to make up legal cases or summarize legal cases inaccurately.¹ If you’re using AI-generated text that references a law or a decision from a court or tribunal, check the information by going to an official source like the SST’s website opens a new window or CanLII opens a new window.

3.2 Read the law or the decision to see whether it says what AI tells you it says. If you can’t find the case, it may not exist.

3.3 If you’re filing AI-generated material that mentions tribunal or court decisions, include the neutral citation and a hyperlink to the decision, if possible.² A neutral citation looks like this:

• 2025 SST 837
• 2011 FCA 153

3.4 If there’s no neutral citation, give us a copy of the decision.

4.1 Let us know when you’ve used AI. This helps us understand the role it’s playing in the proceedings and ensures transparency.

4.2 It’s common for a member to ask questions and make procedural decisions during the appeal process. A member might:³

• ask you whether you’ve used AI
• ask you questions about your arguments
• require you to provide a hyperlink or copy of a decision or law you’ve mentioned in your arguments
• ask you about the decision or law you’ve mentioned in your arguments
• require you to resubmit your arguments if they contain AI-generated errors
• limit the length of your written arguments
• take other steps to manage your appeal efficiently

4.3 If you rely on AI-generated information that contains errors, the member may place less weight on it when deciding your appeal.

5.1 Section 8(5) of the Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure allows the SST to decide appeal procedures.

6.1 This Practice Direction came into effect on July 9, 2026.