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h) Notice of Adverse Action: Prior to the imposition of any adverse action, including a sanction, case closure, or benefit reduction, a notice of adverse action must be sent to the recipient. The notice must meet the adequate and timely standards. To be adequate, the notice must describe the action to be taken, the reason for the action, and the right to appeal the action. The notice must also include a statement of the legal authority for the action. To be timely, the notice must be sent at least 15 days prior to the effective date of the adverse action.

i) Administrative Review and Fair Hearing Rights: TANF applicants or recipients who disagree with a proposed action, or an action that has been taken, may request an administrative review and/or a fair hearing. Administrative review is an informal process whereby DHS and the applicant or recipient attempts to resolve the issue. An individual who requests an administrative review may proceed to a fair hearing if he or she is not satisfied with the outcome of the administrative review. Recipients who request a fair hearing prior to the effective date of the adverse action may request that assistance continue at current levels pending the outcome of the fair hearing. A fair hearing may be requested after the effective date of the adverse action, but assistance cannot be continued pending the fair hearing decision.

j) Complaints: Customers with complaints about services received by DHS may register all complaints with the Office of Performance Monitoring within the DHS/ESA.

k) Two-Month Community Service Requirement: D.C. intends to opt out of the option to require participation in community service