Practice Direction - Setting aside a withdrawal

1.1 This Practice Direction applies to any appeal that an appellant has withdrawn.

1.2 If an appellant doesn’t want to move forward with their appeal, they can end their appeal. This is called a withdrawal.

1.3 The SST confirms the withdrawal, tells all parties that the withdrawal is final, and closes the appeal file. The SST doesn’t make a decision on the appeal. This means that the previous decision is the final decision.

1.4 Sometimes, the appellant wants to reopen their appeal file. This can happen only if the SST sets aside the withdrawal.

2.1 If you withdrew your appeal and you want the SST to consider setting aside your withdrawal, send us a written request at info.sst-tss@canada.gc.ca

2.2 Your request has to include:

• your name
• your appeal file number
• why you withdrew your appeal
• why you now want to set aside your withdrawal and continue with your appeal
• what exceptional circumstances justify setting aside the withdrawal
• whether setting aside the withdrawal would harm or disadvantage another party
• any other relevant information

3.1 The SST will share your request with the other party or parties to the appeal. You and the other party or parties can make arguments for or against your request.

3.2 A vice-chairperson will review your request, the parties’ arguments, and the circumstances of the withdrawal.

3.3 When deciding whether to set aside the withdrawal, the vice-chairperson will consider:¹

• whether there are exceptional circumstances going to the root of the decision to withdraw, that justify setting aside the withdrawal. For example:
  • a serious misunderstanding
  • incorrect information
  • another significant issue that affected the decision to withdraw
• whether setting aside the withdrawal would cause any harm or disadvantage to another party
• any other relevant circumstances

3.4 The vice-chairperson will give the parties a written decision, with reasons.

3.5 If the vice-chairperson sets aside the withdrawal, the appeal file will be reopened and the appeal will move forward. If the vice-chairperson doesn’t set aside the withdrawal, the appeal file will remain closed.

4.1 Under section 8(5) of the Social Security Tribunal Rules of Procedure; opens a new window  (Rules), the Tribunal may decide the procedure for anything not covered in the Rules or the Social Security Tribunal Regulations, 2022 opens a new window .

5.1 This Practice Direction came into effect on June 22, 2026.