A new partnership with an independent support service

People appealing decisions on Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan or Old Age Security often do so under difficult and stressful circumstances.

From time to time, our Call Centre and Registry staff and members conducting hearings encounter appellants who need support. Recognizing this, we recently partnered with an independent distress and crisis helpline because we want appellants to have the support they need.

During their conversation with us, if an appellant demonstrates a need for distress or crisis support, we will offer to transfer the call to the crisis support line. This organization is a 24/7 confidential telephone listening and crisis intervention service that has contacts across the country. Callers will receive free, confidential, and compassionate crisis support. The choice to speak with someone in this organisation is completely voluntary.

As we work to make the Social Security Tribunal more accessible and client-centric, this service will be beneficial to those who need support while going through the appeal process.