6.1.7 Steps in the Social Security Review & Appeals System

Summary

The social security review and appeals system consists of internal and external review mechanisms. Social security recipients seeking a review of a decision should begin with the original decision maker, progressing to the next level ONLY when a satisfactory solution CANNOT be found. The levels of review and appeal, in increasing order, are:

• internal review:
  • original decision maker,
  • authorised review officer,
• external appeal:
  • Social Security Appeals Tribunal,
  • Administrative Appeals Tribunal,
  • Federal Court, and
  • High Court.

The appeals mechanisms are NOT explained in this Guide.

Act reference: SS(Admin)Act Schedule 1 clause 1-'authorised review officer'

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Last reviewed: 7 December 2009