Picture of two sunflowers in memory of Peg and Leigh.

Medical Appeals Board

If you disagree with a decision made by the Ministry related to your benefit eligibility or obligations on medical grounds, you may appeal to the Medical Appeals Board (MAB) for the decision to be reviewed.

The role of the MAB is to take an impartial look at all the information available on your health condition and capacity for work.

If you do not agree with a decision made on medical grounds to decline or cancel the following assistance, you can appeal the decision to the Medical Appeals Board:

  • Child Disability Allowance
  • Supported Living Payment on the ground of health condition, injury or disability

(This includes countries where New Zealand has a Reciprocal Agreement under which clients can receive the Supported Living Payment)

  • Jobseeker Support, or
  • Veteran’s Pension when you are under 65 years of age with a health condition, injury or disability that is not related to your service. (Other appeals in relation to Veteran’s Pension are administered by Veteran’s Affairs New Zealand).

You can also appeal to the Medical Appeals Board if you are on Jobseeker Support, Supported Living Payment, Sole Parent Support, or are a partner of a main beneficiary and disagree with a decision made on medical grounds regarding you work obligations or work preparation obligations.

You may appeal a decision that you do not have a good and sufficient reason for not complying with a drug test obligation and/or failing to apply for work that requires drug tests, on the basis that you are addicted to or dependent on controlled drugs.


Medical appeal process

The following resources provide information on the medical appeal process:


How to start the medical appeal process

It's always a good idea to speak first to the Ministry staff member who made the decision you disagree with. If this does not work, fill in the form below and send it or take it into your local site. You can also write a letter or e-mail to start the medical appeal process.


Who else can help

There are a number of places you can get more help to support you through the medical appeal process.

Free legal and benefit advice in your region

Advocacy groups

An advocate deals with the Ministry on someone's behalf; they can only do what the person they represent has said they can do. This consent must be in writing unless the person is present with the advocate.


If you still disagree

The decision of the Medical Appeals Board is binding and there’s no further right of appeal.


Picture of two sunflowers in memory of Peg and Leigh.

Documents

Information about Medical Appeals Boards

Medical Appeals Board flowchart

Medical Appeals Board Hearing Application Form

Board members information pack

Process overview and information pack

Related links

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