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SNAP CERTIFICATION MANUAL – SECTION 16000 16500 The Administrative Hearing Process 16535 Contents of the Administrative Hearing Decision

The hearing officer will prepare a decision in compliance with FNS approved policy or federal regulations. The manager of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Section or designee may be asked to review the decision for correctness in relation to policy or federal regulation. The manager or supervisor of the Office of Appeals and Hearings may review the decision. The signed decision is binding on DCO and cannot be changed unless overturned in a court of law.

16535 Contents of the Administrative Hearing Decision SNAP Manual 12/01/00 A hearing decision consists of four parts: Introduction, Finding of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decision. Each of these parts is described below. Introduction This part of the decision summarizes the reason for the appeal. Any pertinent information regarding the appeal must be included. The date and location of the hearing must appear. The participants in the hearing must be named. Findings of Fact The facts used to make a decision appear in this part. Any testimony presented must be summarized in this part. Conclusions of Law This summarizes the SNAP policy that applies to the issue under appeal. Decision This part states the decision rendered. This decision must be based upon the facts presented and the appropriate conclusions of law. The decision must state if the county office was correct in taking the adverse action. If the county was incorrect, the action must be overturned by the decision.

16536 Notification of Hearing Decision SNAP Manual 12/01/00 Once a hearing decision is rendered, both the household and the county office will be notified in writing. The notice must supply the following information: 1. The decision 2. The reason for the decision as supported by SNAP policy or federal regulation 3. The impact of the decision on the household’s SNAP benefits as decided through the hearing process