Local-Level Dispute Resolution Conferences (DRC)

A. Before taking action to deny, terminate, reduce, or recover SNAP benefits, the local office shall provide the household an opportunity for a DRC. The individual may choose to bypass the DRC process and appeal directly to the SNAP fair hearings unit for a state-level fair hearing. B. If the household requests a DRC, the local office shall arrange one to attempt to resolve the disputed action. The household may be represented by legal counsel or have other persons present to aid the household in the DRC. C. Failure of the client to request a DRC within the prior notice period or failure to appear at the time of the scheduled DRC without making a timely request for postponement shall constitute abandonment of the right to a DRC, unless the client can show good cause for their failure to appear. “Good cause” includes, but is not limited to: 1. Death or incapacity of a client, or a member of his or her immediate family, or the representative; 2. Any other health or medical condition of an emergency nature; or 3. Other circumstances beyond the control of the client, and which would prevent a reasonable person from making a timely request for a DRC or postponement of a scheduled DRC. D. The local office may consolidate the SNAP DRC with disputes regarding other assistance payments programs, the Colorado Works (CW) Program, or disputes concerning Medicaid eligibility if the facts are similar and consolidation will facilitate the resolution of all disputes.