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does not positively indicate the household has waived continuation of benefits; continue benefits on the eligibility determination authorized immediately prior to the adverse action notice, if the hearing request was received no later than the date on which the adverse action took effect. 2. The claimant does not turn in the request by the date the adverse action took effect. NOTE: If the notice of adverse action period ends on a weekend or holiday and a request for an administrative hearing and continuation of benefits is received the day following the weekend or holiday, the State agency will consider the request timely. The Department’s Representative must clearly and thoroughly explain the claimant’s responsibility to repay benefits received during the hearing process if the adverse action is upheld. Continued benefits are authorized when all financial and non-financial requirements are met, except for the issue in dispute, until a hearing decision is rendered. This includes an appeal to the Board of Public Assistance (1506-4). Changes reported during the benefit continuation period are acted on per the household’s reporting requirements. (See 'Reduction of Continued Benefits' below). If the decision is in the Department’s favor, recovery of benefits issued during the continuation period must be initiated, if appropriate, and/or the adverse action imposed. The household is not entitled to continued benefits if the hearing request is because benefits are denied at the time of recertification. REDUCTION OF CONTINUED BENEFITS: Once benefits are continued or reinstated, do not reduce or terminate benefits prior to the official hearing decision unless: 1. Eligibility ends for failing to meet any other eligibility requirements or time-limits are reached. a. ABAWD time limits have expired. b. The certification period expires, and the household fails to complete the certification process for ongoing benefits. 2. A change affecting the client’s eligibility or basis of issuance occurs while the hearing decision is pending, and the household unit fails to request a hearing after the subsequent notice of adverse action. 3. The Hearing Officer makes a preliminary determination (in writing and at the hearing) the sole issue is one of State or Federal law or policy and no issue of improper benefit calculation, misapplication, or misinterpretation of State or Federal law or policy exists; or, 4. A mass change affecting the client’s eligibility or benefit level occurs while the hearing decision is pending. (See SNAP 1501-2, 'Mass Change'). MASS CHANGE CONTINUATION: A mass change occurs when changes in either State or Federal law require automatic benefit adjustments for classes of recipients. When benefits are reduced or terminated due to a mass change, continue benefits at the prior amount only if the issue being contested is that: 1. Eligibility or benefits were improperly computed; or,