James Matherly has contacted your office looking for assistance with an appeal to the Social Benefits Tribunal. James filed an application for assistance with the Ontario Disability Support Program in January 2022 on the basis of being unable to work due to severe stress. His application was denied on March 21, 2022 as the case worker did not believe that this stress resulted in James being unable to work.

James requested an internal review by ODSP on April 15, 2022 and the decision to refuse his application was upheld. This decision was provided to James on June 29, 2022.

You are now retained by James to file a Form 1 Appeal to the SBT.

James strongly believes he should be granted support from ODSP as the stress James is suffering from causes him to have strong migraines, trouble focusing, anxiety and depression. He has a desire to work as he is a young, ambitious man but his current circumstances prevent him from doing so. James' doctor supports his position and has provided James with a letter stating he should not be working until this stress issue is under control.

James is married with two young children. His wife recently lost her job due to COVID layoffs at the factory where she was working. There is currently no income coming into the household other than a small amount from Employment Insurance for James' wife in the amount of $750/month and a loan from James' mother for $5000. Other than that, the family is left living off a small savings account which currently has $5000 in it. Their monthly rent is $1250/month inclusive of utilities and they spend approximately $500/month on groceries. The family is struggling financially and really needs help.

James' information is as follows:

DOB: May 12, 1990

Address: 15 Mayweather Way, Barrie, ON L4N2J8

Phone: 705-555-8989

Email:

Application information:

Case ID: 854693621-22

Office: 34 Simcoe Street, Barrie, ON

Case Worker: Jane Smith, 705-444-7521

Finish Form 1 Appeal with all the sections, including part 5