Pension Appeal Process

The SFPP Corporation Board of Directors (the Board) has established a process for resolving disputes involving members and other persons entitled to benefits under SFPP. This page outlines the steps of the appeal process.

Alberta Pensions Services Corporation (APS) is the benefit administrator for the Plan. If a member of the Plan or any other person entitled to a benefit under the Plan disagrees with an administrative decision by APS, the individual is encouraged to request an explanation from APS.

If the individual is not satisfied with the explanation and wishes to pursue it further, the next step is to request an administrative review from APS within 30 days of being informed of the administrative decision.

To request an administrative review by APS, write a letter to:

Client Service Advocate
c/o Alberta Pensions Services Corporation
5103 Windermere Boulevard SW
Edmonton, AB T6W 0S9

Or contact APS through Secure Messages.

In an administrative review, APS will examine the individual’s complaint in detail. If, after the administrative review, the individual is not satisfied with APS’ decision, the individual can appeal the decision to the Board.

A request for an appeal must be in writing and must be received within 30 days of the administrative review decision. A Notice of Appeal form is provided on the SFPP website. The appeal request should include the facts of the situation, the Appellant’s position on the matter, and the requested outcome.

To request an appeal to the SFPP Corporate Board, send the appeal form to:

SFPP Corporate Board
1500 College Plaza
8215 – 112 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2C8

1. The Review Coordinator (an SFPP Corporation employee named to oversee the process of the Appeal) will send a copy of the Notice of Appeal (or other form of appeal request) and all provided information to APS.
2. APS will respond with a submission including the details of the appeal. This submission will be provided to the Appellant, who may respond with any further written representations, including any new information or evidence.
3. If the Appellant chooses to respond, APS may make one final submission.
4. The Review Coordinator will then compile the appeal materials into a Written Record, and the SFPP Corporation CEO will review the Written Record and make a recommendation on proceeding to an appeal hearing (if a hearing was requested). The CEO will apply the following two tests in making this decision: does the appeal constitute abuse or misuse of the Appeal Policy; and/or does the appeal have no reasonable prospect of success?
   1. If the CEO does not recommend proceeding to a hearing, the Board will review the written record and confirm or overturn that decision. If the appeal does not proceed to a hearing, the Appellant will be sent a written notice of this decision with reasons.
   2. If the CEO recommends proceeding to a hearing, then the steps listed in the Hearing Appeal Panel Process will take place.
   3. If a hearing was not requested, the Board will review the Written Record, make a decision, and communicate the decision to the Appellant.

If an appeal is to proceed to a hearing, a hearing panel consisting of three Board Directors, including the Board Chair or Vice-Chair, will be convened. The Appellant may bring legal counsel or other representation, and the parties will have the opportunity for oral submissions, cross-examination, and rebuttals.

After the hearing panel has made its decision, the Review Coordinator will send a copy of the hearing panel’s written decision, including the reasons for its decision, to the Appellant and to APS.