Answers to some frequently asked questions about the amendments and appeals process...
Questions
- What can I do if I discover an error in the information or in the interpretation of the information submitted to Agricorp after receiving my CAIS decision letter?
- What can I do if I am deemed to be ineligible for the CAIS program because I missed a deadline?
- What can I do if I wish to appeal an Agricorp decision about my CAIS file or program eligibility?
Answers
What can I do if I discover an error in the information or in the interpretation of the information submitted to Agricorp after receiving my CAIS decision letter?
Once you have received a decision on your CAIS calculation you have 90 days from the date on your decision letter/Calculation of Program Benefits (CPB) statement to submit an amendment request to Agricorp.
An amendment is:
- a change to any of the information originally submitted on your CAIS forms used to calculate your eligibility for a benefit (for example, revised income/expenses, revised inventory values), or
- a request to reconsider any interpretation of data, calculation adjustment, or any other issue related to the decision, such as the applying of CAIS program rules or policies to your file.
To request an amendment:
STEP 1: Submit your amendment request in writing
You or your representative must submit your amendment request in writing to the following address:
Please include the following in your letter:
- Your name(s) and CAIS PIN(s)
- Subject line: AMENDMENT REQUEST FOR 20XX PROGRAM YEAR,
- The reasons for the amendment
- Any information or documents to support your request
STEP 2: Agricorp reviews your amendment request
Agricorp will review your information for the program year including any issues raised in your request.
STEP 3: Agricorp sends you a result.
You will receive a letter from Agricorp indicating that your amendment was accepted, partially accepted, or declined. In most cases, depending on the amendment issue, you will also receive a revised CPB number.If you do not agree with the results of your amendment request you will have 90 days from the date of the decision letter to either:
- submit additional information, along with a letter requesting a second amendment, or
- submit a letter of appeal to be forwarded to the National CAIS Committee-Ontario Appeals Sub–Committee. The decision of the Sub–Committee is final.
What can I do if I am deemed to be ineligible for the CAIS program because I missed a deadline?
If you missed any deadline in a given year and, as a result, are deemed ineligible for CAIS or for an increased program benefit, you may submit a letter requesting reconsideration of this decision.
To be reconsidered for program eligibility after missing a deadline:
STEP 1: Submit your reconsideration request in writing
You or your representative must submit your reconsideration request in writing to the following address:
Please include the following in your letter:
- Your name(s) and CAIS PIN(s)
- Subject line: RECONSIDERATION REQUEST FOR 20XX PROGRAM YEAR,
- The steps you took to ensure you met the deadline.
You are responsible for knowing and following program policies and meeting deadlines. Exceptions may be made in exceptional circumstances where forces beyond your control prevented you from meeting program requirements. (Examples include fire, unscheduled surgery, and the death or serious illness of the participant or an immediate member of the participant’s family.) Documentation to verify the circumstances (e.g., doctor’s letter) would support your request.
STEP 2: Agricorp reviews your request
Agricorp will review your written request.
STEP 3: Agricorp sends you the result
You will receive a letter from Agricorp indicating that your request for reconsideration was accepted or declined.
If your reconsideration request was declined, you will be given 90 days from the date on the decision letter to submit an appeal to the National CAIS Committee–Ontario Appeals Sub–Committee. The decision of the Sub–Committee is final.
What can I do if I wish to appeal an Agricorp decision about my CAIS file or program eligibility?
You may submit a letter of appeal to the National CAIS Committee–Ontario Appeals Sub–Committee if you disagree with Agricorp’s decision about either of the following:
- Your amendment request
- Your reconsideration for program eligibility after missing a deadline.
STEP 1: Submit your appeal in writing
You or your representative must submit your appeal request in writing to the following address:
Please include the following in your letter:
- Your name(s) and CAIS PIN(s)
- Subject line: APPEAL REQUEST FOR 20XX PROGRAM YEAR,
- The reasons for the appeal
- Any information or documents to support your request
STEP 2: Agricorp receives your appeal request
Agricorp will send you a letter acknowledging receipt of your appeal request.
STEP 3a: Appeal Brief
A program officer will prepare an appeal brief containing both your position and Agricorp’s position. A copy of the appeal brief will be sent to you and you will have 30 days to further comment and/or submit additional documentation.
STEP 3b: Appeals Sub–Committee Meeting
The Ontario Appeals Sub-Committee will meet to review the appeal brief. You will be offered the opportunity to participate in the meeting either in person or by teleconference, to answer questions of clarification that may arise during the Committee’s consideration of your appeal. You will not be permitted to present new information not already contained in the appeal brief or your appeal request.
STEP 4: The Ontario Appeals Sub–Committee sends you the result
After all of the facts relevant to your appeal have been reviewed, the Ontario Appeals Sub-Committee will recommend that your appeal be either accepted or denied. The Sub-Committee submits their recommendation to you and to Agricorp in writing. The decision of the Sub-Committee is final.
PLEASE NOTE: Any appeal requests that have not previously gone through the Amendment Process, will automatically be considered as an Amendment, not an Appeal.
