An application cannot be rejected for a FORMAL DEFECT or procedural IRREGULARITY that does not affect the right to benefit or the value thereof.
As soon as the application is filed the Income Security will promptly proceed to check the information contained in the application and make a DECISION.
Decisions made by the Income Security must be:
- in writing;
- supported by reasons;
- communicated to the adults concerned.
Any NOTICE delivered to the person to whom it is addressed or to a person representing him or her or mailed to the last known address is VALIDLY GIVEN.
Assistance should not be denied or withdrawn WITHOUT GOOD REASON. If a document or item of information is missing from a file but is not conclusive for the outcome of the decision the application should be allowed. The question of what is conclusive is a question of fact but essentially depends on whether there would be a change in the level of assistance if the missing information were available. This does not prevent the recipient subsequently doing what is necessary to regularize his or her situation.
Care must be exercised in CHECKING the applicant's statements and immediate responses cannot be given in all cases. An applicant is often in a difficult situation and what is necessary to relieve that situation must be done. Provided they seem reasonable, there is nothing to contradict them and no contrary presumption can be set up against them, the applicant's statements must be accepted on their merits at least for the first month. Immediate checking must be limited to the most important factors, such as the amount of income.
Applicants or recipients are INFORMED of decisions made regarding them as soon as possible, giving the REASONS for refusing to grant assistance, cessation or reduction of benefits.
In the case of a NOTICE concluding that the recipient does or is not prevented from availing himself or herself of an employment assistance measure, the notice sent is accompanied by the report of the physician designated to provide medical expertise when such expertise has been requested.