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The freedom to make such a request must not be limited or interfered with in any way. 4205.05.05 ASSISTANCE IN EXERCISING THE RIGHT TO APPEAL

The DFR is responsible for helping individuals exercise their right to appeal. (f6) Any time an individual expresses a disagreement with any action taken, the person who is addressing the disagreement must verbally advise of the right to request a fair hearing. Assistance is to be provided to the individual who is having difficulty in preparing the written request for an appeal.

Individuals must be informed that they may self-represent at the hearing or be represented by an attorney, a relative, a friend, or any other spokesman of their choice. Information and referral services should also be provided to help the individual make use of any free legal services that are available in the community. This information is included on the eligibility notices. 4205.10.00 APPEALABLE ACTIONS

Any action with which an applicant/recipient disagrees may be appealed, for example when an application for SNAP or Cash Assistance is denied or not acted upon with reasonable promptness, (f7) when it is believed the DFR has taken erroneous action to reduce, suspend or discontinue assistance, or for TANF, when a determination is made that a protective payee should be assigned or discontinued. 4205.15.00 GROUP APPEALS

The Central Office Hearings and Appeals Section may respond to a series of requests for hearings by providing group hearings on similar questions or changes in federal or state law or regulation. (f12) Similarly, a group of individuals who wish to appeal some aspect of policy may request to be heard as a group.

If there is disagreement as to whether the issue is one of federal or state law or regulation or the facts of an appellant's personal situation, Hearings and Appeals will make the decision as to whether the appeal may be included in a group hearing.

The ALJ may limit the discussion in a group hearing to the sole issue under appeal. When an appellant's request for a hearing involves additional issues to the one serving as the basis for the group hearing, the appeal will be handled individually.

An appellant scheduled for a group hearing may choose to withdraw and be granted an individual hearing regardless of whether the grievance is limited to the sole issue involved in the group hearing.

Policies governing the conduct of individual hearings are pertinent to group hearings. Each appellant or representative will be given full opportunity to present the case or have the case presented by a representative.