Requesting a review of a decision from the Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale

A review is a means of obtaining an assessment of a decision. 

You have the right to be represented when submitting your application for review. You also have the right to be accompanied or assisted during an interview with the reviewer.  

You can be represented, accompanied or assisted by 

• a person of your choice (e.g. lawyer, relative, friend)  
• an organization of your choice 

If you are represented by another person or organization, you will need to send a proxy form (PDF 237 Kb). It must be sent at the same time as your application for review. 

You can also intervene while your application is being studied. It is possible to 

• make yourself heard during a telephone interview; 
• submit documents to add to your file; 
• provide the information you need to defend your point of view. 

You can ask for explanations so that you fully understand the decision that has been made. You will have the opportunity to provide explanations or additional documents throughout the review process.

The Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité's customer contact centre can help you with your application for review if it concerns social assistance or employment assistance services.  

Social assistance includes the following programs: 

• Social assistance program 
• Social Solidarity program 
• Aim for Employment program 
• Basic Income Program 

If your application for review concerns a claim made to the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, you must contact its customer service centre directly.

It is possible to apply for the review of a decision concerning

• the amount of the Aim for Employment Program benefit 
• Social Assistance program 
• Basic Income Program 
• Social Solidarity program 
• Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, with the exception of contributions to the plan 
• notices of claim in connection with public employment service measures and programs 

For other programs, it is possible to apply for a review of 

• notices of claim 
• the reduction of a benefit in order to repay a debt 
• an amount owed to you by Revenu Québec (e.g. a tax refund) that has been used to repay a debt 

Other programs for which it is possible to apply for a review are 

• the Emergency Financial Assistance Program  
• the Financial support for pregnant minors program 
• The Support program for older workers 
• the Specific Assistance Program for Ukrainians (financial assistance for Ukrainian nationals). 

Some decisions are made by the Minister, who uses his or her discretionary power. These decisions are not subject to review, regardless of the program. 

To submit your application for review, you have 90 calendar days from the date of receipt of the written decision you wish to contest.

However, your application for review may be considered even if you miss this deadline. To do this, you must demonstrate that 

• you were unable to act earlier 
• your delay is due to reasons beyond your control 

There are two ways to make an application for review. You can use a form or write a letter.

If you choose to fill in a form, you will need to use a different review form for each program: 

• Application for review of social assistance programs or public employment services (PDF 491 Kb);
• Application for review of the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (PDF, 146 Ko)  .

If you choose to write a letter, you'll need to make sure it includes 

• your file number  
• your name  
• your contact details 
• the date of the notice of decision or notice of claim in question 
• the reason for your request 

You may attach any documents you consider useful to support your application for review.

Departmental staff will help you if you need assistance in formulating your request. 

There are several ways to send your form:

• by mail
• online
• in person

Transmitting an application for review of a social assistance program

Send your application for review to the Services Québec office where the decision was rendered. 

You can submit your application by mail or online.

A decision will be sent to you in writing.

If your application is for a social assistance program, the decision will be notified within 10 workdays only if your benefits are reduced by more than 50%.

For other situations, decisions will be notified within 30 calendar days. 

For applications concerning the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, the decision will be notified within 90 calendar days. 

It may take longer to respond to an application for review. This is the case if you have requested time to submit comments or file additional documents. 

Individual and Family Assistance Act 

Act respecting parental insurance