12 Fair Hearings,2605(b)(13) - Assurance 13

12.1 How many fair hearings did the Grant recipient have in the prior federal Fiscal Year? 9 12.2 How many of those fair hearings resulted in the initial decision being reversed? 0 12.3 Describe any policy and/or procedural changes made in the last federal Fiscal Year as a result of fair hearings? None 12.4 Describe your fair hearing procedures for households whose applications are denied and/or not acted upon in a timely manner. Applicants or clients who want a formal Fair Hearing should contact the county agency that served them and that office will make the necessary arrangements for such a hearing. The first step in this process should be an agency conference where agency personnel and the applicant/client try to resolve any difficulties. Please note that this is an informal hearing only, and in no way does it interfere with the applicant’s or client’s right to request a formal hearing. Those staff members concerned with applicant’s/client’s specific application, as well as a supervisor, should attempt at this time to explain fully how any decisions were arrived at, and they should take any additional information that the applicant/client wishes to present. If the problem is resolved at this level, the applicant/client should be notified of the decision about any change in determination if applicable, by the appropriate contractor agency. If the applicant/client is still not satisfied with the determination and requests a formal hearing, the appropriate contractor agency will the n make arrangements for a fair and impartial hearing. The opportunity for a hearing will include the right to appeal from the following: 1. A denial of benefits, in whole or in part; 2. A change in the amount of benefit; 3. The manner or form of payments; 4. Undue delay in making payment adjustment or acting upon a request or application; 5. A denial of a request for a correction or a deletion in the case file. Procedures to follow upon request for Fair Hearing by DEAP applicant/client: 1. Clearly explain the basis for questioned decisions or actions to DEAP applicant/client; 2. Explain his/her rights and the Fair Hearing proceedings to the applicant/client; 3. Provide the necessary forms and explain to the applicant/client how to file his appeal, and, if necessary, how to fill out the forms; and 4. Advise the applicant/client that he may be represented by an attorney, relative, friend or other spokesperson and explain that he may contact his local bar association to locate the legal services available in the county. 12.5 When and how are applicants informed of these rights? Applicants are informed of their right to a fair hearing by the intake worker at the time of the appointment The application signed by the applicant, includes a statement notifying applicants of their right to a fair hearing. The notification about the right to a fair hearing is also included in the paper application and in the eligibility letter. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.