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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 234 19.5 Responsibilities Regarding Fair Hearings When a customer requests a fair hearing, OARA schedules an administrative review conference (ARC) to try to resolve the disagreement informally. If the conference resolves the issue, the customer or authorized representative may sign a written request to withdraw their fair hearing request. Customers are not required to attend the ARC. If a customer or their authorized representative does not attend the conference or decides not to withdraw the request, the fair hearing will proceed as scheduled. OARA acts as follows:  Reviews disputed ESA decisions  Keeps records of all requests for fair hearings sent to OARA  Discusses relevant laws and regulations with the customer (and their legal representative, if applicable) to clarify policy and legal issues once the customer requests a hearing  Conducts ARCs for all programs ESA administers 19.5.1 Agency Responsibilities OARA sets the date for the ARC, if possible, within 20 days of receipt of the hearing request. ESA mails an ARC notice to the customer, their representative and OAH. The written notice informs the customer of the following:  The time and place of the administrative review  The purpose of the review  That the review will not be held if they do not attend  That failure to attend will not affect the scheduled fair hearing  Their right to review the case record  The right to be represented by an individual they choose, including legal counsel, as well as the availability of low- or no-cost legal services from public and private sources Prior to the administrative conference, OARA may act as follows:  Discuss case issues with the center manager or others familiar with the case to determine whether ESA’s action or inaction was correct.  Review the case record to ensure that it is properly documented and accurately reflects ESA’s decisions.  Ask the supervisor to prepare an explanation for the action taken related to the disputed facts or issues. During the administrative conference, OARA will act as follows:  Inform the customer of their right to review the case record. Return