Fair Hearings

GENERAL RULE - A household has an opportunity for a fair hearing when it disagrees with actions affecting its benefits. Any request for a fair hearing must be made within ninety days of the date of the action. The Department may waive time limits. Requests for hearings may be made orally or in writing at the Regional Office or at the Central Office. All decisions of fair hearing officials are binding on the Department.

NOTE: Clients who are dissatisfied with any action shall be given the opportunity to discuss their case with the immediate supervisor. The household shall be advised that this meeting with the supervisor is optional and will not delay or replace a fair hearing.

TIME LIMITS ON HEARINGS - The Department has sixty days from the date of the request for a hearing to hold the hearing, render the decision, and notify the household. Decisions will be implemented immediately.

The household can have the hearing postponed for up to thirty days. The time limit is extended accordingly.

NOTE: Hearing requests from households planning to move from the area within sixty days shall be processed faster than normal to enable a decision and possible restoration of benefits before they leave.