new decision. There are Stage 2 and 3 requests to review an eligibility decision.
Each stage has its own set timelines and documentation requirements which are
outlined in the Directive, “Review Process for Decisions on Eligibility”^31. A Stage
3 decision is final. Such a decision could likely only be reviewed through a
judicial review process.
- Waiting Lists and Prioritization
According to information contained on the Developmental Services website^32 , the
government intends that “funding entities will be created to allocate funding and
prioritize referrals for services and supports”. The funding entities will also
provide support for people who are on waiting lists for services. There is no
indication about the timing for the creation of the funding entities. Until they are
created, regional DSO agencies are to work with support agencies in the
community to prioritize referrals and to assist those who are on waiting lists for
services and supports.
The Directive, “Individuals in Urgent Need of Support”^33 , addresses situations in
which a person may need to apply for urgent services and supports such as in
situations were the person’s primary unpaid caregiver is no longer able to provide
care or where the individual is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The
Directive does not allow the application entity to provide emergency services but
only outlines the need for an application entity to have a process in place to deal
with emergency requests.
(^31) Online: Ministry of Community and Social Service, “Policy Directive Review Process for
Decisions on Eligibility “
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/publications/developmentalServices/policy_application/3_dir
ectives.aspx 32
33 Supra note 3^
Online: Ministry of Community and Social Service, “Policy Directive Individuals in Urgent Need
of Support”
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/publications/developmentalServices/policy_application/6_dir
ectives.aspx