Your hearing at the General Division – Canada Pension Plan (including disability), Old Age Security (including Guaranteed Income Supplement) and Canada Disability Benefit

Your hearing at the General Division

Canada Pension Plan (including disability), Old Age Security (including Guaranteed Income Supplement) and Canada Disability Benefit

1-877-227-8577 | 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday to Friday | info.sst-tss@canada.gc.ca

People at your hearing

• A General Division member (the decision-maker for your appeal)
• You
• Your representative (if you have one)
• A representative from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) may attend
• Other parties to the appeal and their representative (if any)

Other people you might want there. If you do, let us know.

• Witnesses: They have information to add to your file
• Interpreter: We’ll provide you one if you don't speak English or French
• Support person: They’re there to support you throughout the hearing

Types of hearing

Videoconference (from your personal device)

• Use your device (smartphone, tablet, or computer)
• Make sure your device is fully charged and find a quiet space
• We’ll give you the link to join
• Connect 10 minutes before your hearing
• Enter the videoconference meeting password slowly to avoid mistakes
• The member will be on screen at the scheduled time

Teleconference

• Make sure your device is fully charged and find a quiet space
• We’ll give you the number to call
• Call the number 10 minutes before your hearing
• Listen to the prompts
  • Enter the teleconference ID and security code slowly
• Wait on the line until the member speaks

Videoconference (at a Service Canada Centre)

• Go to the Service Canada Centre on your Notice of Hearing
• Get there 30 minutes early
• Service Canada staff will:
  • show you to the right room
  • explain the videoconference
• The member will be on screen at the scheduled time

In-person

• Go to the Service Canada Centre on your Notice of Hearing
• Get there 30 minutes early
• Service Canada staff will show you to the right room

In writing

• The member will make their decision based on the written arguments and supporting documents that the parties (including you) send in.
• You’ll communicate with the member through your written arguments

Accommodations

We’re here to help. Let us know as soon as possible if you need an accommodation for your hearing. Some examples are:

• an interpreter, if you don’t speak English or French
• breaks during your hearing
• asking participants to speak loudly or slowly
• dimmed lighting at your hearing
• more time to answer spoken questions

Structure

• The member starts the hearing with introductions and a summary of what the appeal is about

• They’ll explain how the hearing will unfold and when each person can speak

• Everyone giving evidence must promise to tell the truth

• The member will tell you what to call them. We don’t use the title “Your Honour.”

• If you’d like the member to address you a certain way, let them know

Length and breaks

• We'll schedule 90 minutes for in-person hearings. If you asked for an interpreter, we'll schedule for 2 hours.
• We'll schedule 60 minutes for teleconference and videoconference hearings. If you asked for an interpreter, we'll schedule for 90 minutes.
• Breaks are flexible. Just ask the member.
• You can ask for more time if you need it
• You can have food and drink with you

Getting ready

• Read your file
• Have your file with you
• Prepare any questions you may have for the member
• Understand and use the numbering system on the documents we send you

Decision

You’ll usually get your decision in writing within 30 days of your hearing.

We’ll send you a written copy of the decision, even if the decision is given orally at the hearing.