Notices to Self Represented Claimants

Teleconferences play an important role in resolving claims in the Independent Assessment Process.

If a self-represented claimant does not participate in a scheduled teleconference, it can delay the scheduling of a hearing or the resolution of a claim. Recently the number of postponed teleconferences has increased.

To address this issue, and to move claims forward, the Chief Adjudicator has introduced a Guidance Paper (policy) on participating in teleconferences.

The policy sets out procedures to be followed at teleconferences:

• All participants must receive a notice of the teleconference.
• Self-represented claimants must participate in teleconferences so they are aware of important decisions that could affect their claim. In most cases, a Claimant Support Officer will also participate in teleconferences to assist self-represented claimants. Self-represented claimants can also invite support persons and/or health supports to sit in on the call.
• Failure to participate in a teleconference the first time it is scheduled will result in a postponement.
• If someone who is supposed to participate in a re-scheduled teleconference does not dial in and participate, the adjudicator may impose conditions, including:
  • Not allowing any further postponements,
  • Requiring that participants confirm their participation at subsequent teleconferences in writing; and
  • Any other conditions that the adjudicator finds reasonable.

Adjudicators can proceed with a teleconference even if a self-represented claimant fails to participate. If a teleconference takes place without a self-represented claimant, the adjudicator will record the teleconference and provide a report on the outcome.

Adjudicators can dismiss a claim if a self-represented claimant does not participate in a scheduled teleconference, however the adjudicator must follow all the rules that apply to the dismissal of claims. These rules are found in the Incomplete File Resolution procedure.

Read the new policy on participating in teleconferences.