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SNAP CERTIFICATION MANUAL – SECTION 16000 16700 Administrative Disqualification Hearings 16770 Participation In the Program During the Hearing Process

postponement may be limited to one at the discretion of the Administrator of the Office of Appeals and Hearings. If the hearing is postponed, the time limits for processing the hearing will be extended for as many days as the hearing is postponed not to exceed 90 days.

16770 Participation In the Program During the Hearing Process SNAP Manual 12/01/00 All household members have the right to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program while the determination of an IPV is pending. If the action for which the charge has been brought does not affect the household’s current circumstances, the household will continue to receive SNAP based on the latest certification. Recertification will be based on current circumstances. Benefits will not be continued if the household does not reapply. The county office will terminate or reduce benefits if there is verification that the household is totally ineligible or eligible for fewer benefits and the household fails to request an administrative hearing and continuation of benefits. This is true even if these facts lead to the suspicion of an IPV and a resulting administrative disqualification hearing. For example, the county office may have verification that a household failed to report a change in circumstances that will cause a reduction in SNAP benefit amount. Benefits will be reduced even though DHS has not yet demonstrated through the hearing process that the failure to report involved an IPV.

16780 Conducting the Hearing SNAP Manual 12/01/00 The hearing officer should make a particular effort to arrive at the facts of a case in a way that makes the SNAP household feel at ease.

16781 Attendance SNAP Manual 12/01/00 The hearing be attended by a representative of the county office that initiated the suspected IPV and by the household and/or representative. With the household’s consent, friends or relatives may also attend the hearing. If space limitations exist, the hearing officer may limit the number of persons allowed to attend at the hearing. The oath will be administered to all persons presenting testimony at the hearing.