If you disagree with a decision made by the Department of Social Security in Malta, you have the right to appeal. Understanding the appeals process can help you prepare and increase your chances of successfully overturning the decision. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the appeals process.

Step 1: Understanding the Decision

When you receive a letter of decision from the Department of Social Security, it will include a written explanation of the reasons behind it. This document is crucial as it outlines the specific grounds on which the decision was taken.

Step 2: Requesting the Appeal

The first step in the appeals process is to submit a request for an appeal. This request must be filed within thirty (30) days of the date on the decision letter, using the online application. You can either choose to attend an in-person hearing or opt for an online hearing based on your convenience.

Step 3: Preparing for the Appeal

To prepare for the appeal hearing, gather all relevant information and documentation that supports your case. This may include any documentation that demonstrates your eligibility or supports your disagreement with the decision.

Step 4: Submitting the Appeal

You can submit your appeal online, which requires e-ID authentication if you have a Maltese Identity Card. If you are from a European Union country and do not have a Maltese Identity Card, you can use the eIDAS option. Non-European country citizens can use Self-Registration authentication.

• A trusted person, such as a legal advisor, may submit an online appeal on behalf of the appellant, but must authenticate using their own e-ID.
• An online appeal may also be lodged on behalf of the appellant by visiting one of the gov hubs.

If you submitted the request through your own authentican, as an appellant you have the option to choose your preferred mode of participation between attending an in-person hearing or opting for an online hearing, based on their convenience and comfort level. This choice allows appellants to have greater control over their hearing experience and ensures that their needs are accommodated. Whether attending in person or online, this form aims to provide an accessible and efficient way to facilitate the hearing  proceedings.

Step 5: The Appeal Hearing

Once submitted the details are vetted by the department and a notification is sent to the appellant with the date, time and venue of the sitting in front of the umpire. If the appellant requested to join as an online hearing, a date, time and link to join the online hearing is sent by an email notification.

During the appeals process, an independent appeals board will review the evidence and make a final decision on your case. The board will consider all relevant information presented, including the written decision, your request for reconsideration, and any additional evidence you provide. You may be asked to appear in person or join an online hearing to answer questions and provide further information.

Step 6: The Final Decision

After reviewing all the evidence, the appeals board will make a final decision. If your appeal is successful, the decision will be overturned, and you will receive the benefits or resolution you sought. If the appeal is denied, you will receive an explanation of the reasons for the decision taken during the appeals process.

What You Cannot Appeal For

While you are given the right to appeal a decision taken by the Department of Social Security, there are certain decisions that cannot be appealed. Specifically, you cannot appeal decisions taken by a board of medical doctors. However, if your application for an Invalidity Pension is rejected on medical grounds, you may still appeal that decision.

Additional Resources

A video tutorial is also available to guide you on how to submit an online appeal by clicking here.

A step-by-step video guide detailing the process of setting up an online appeal hearing with the Office of the Umpire by clicking here.

An appellant can monitor the progress of the appeal submission through the Citizen Portal.

For further assistance, visit our Contact Us page, select ‘Appeal against a Decision by the Department of Social Security’ from the drop-down list under the ‘Appeal against a Decision’ category, and provide the details of your issue. Alternatively, you can visit a Servizz.gov hub for in-person help or call Servizz.gov Freephone 153 (ext. 11).