Notices to Self Represented Claimants

Effective January 1, 2016, the minimum timeframe between the date a hearing is set and the date a hearing is held will be reduced for certain self-represented claimant files. The minimum timeframe for scheduling is now as follows:

• For self-represented claimants in the Accelerated Hearing Process, the hearing date will be set at least six (6) weeks prior to the hearing.
• For self-represented claimants requiring a travel advance the hearing date will be set at least eight (8) weeks prior to the hearing. (No change)
• For self-represented claimants without either of these requirements the hearing date can be set four (4) weeks prior to the hearing.

This will help IRSAS meet the deadline to complete all first claimant hearings by Spring 2016.

Given this change in policy, hearing participants, including claimant support, Canada’s representatives, church representatives, RHSWs, and Adjudicators need to be prepared to travel on shorter notice than has been the norm in the past.

Please note that this change does not affect the postponement policy. After a hearing is scheduled, any party may request a postponement in accordance with the postponement policy (Guidance Paper 7R1).