About the Authority
The Student Allowance Appeal Authority hears appeals against decisions of the Director-General of Education regarding tertiary grants and awards, and Ministry of Social Development decisions regarding student allowances.
If you have applied for an allowance, award or grant for tertiary study and are unhappy with a review decision by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), you can apply to have your case heard by the Student Allowance Appeal Authority.
The Authority is entirely independent of MSD, but includes one member appointed by the Minister of Social Development.
The Authority makes its decisions based solely on written submissions and documents presented by the person appealing the decision, and MSD. There is no hearing.
In deciding an appeal, the Authority may confirm the original decision made by MSD or, if the appeal is successful, substitute a new one. The Authority will explain the reasons for its decisions in writing and they are final - neither the appellant nor MSD can appeal them.
The Authority is based in Wellington and is serviced by the Tribunals Unit of the Ministry of Justice.
