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? 15 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? No policy or procedural changes have been made as a result of fair hearings, at this time. 12.4 Describe your fair hearing procedures for households whose applications are denied and/or not acted upon in a timely manner. Households must request an appeal in writing. DHHS utilizes form DA-6 (attached) for this. A fair hearing is held unless the situation can be alleviated prior to the hearing. Attached is the Economic Assistance Guide for Client Appeals, which outlines the steps to the fair hearing process. Note: Clients who are not satisfied with the determination on their application may also request an informal conference. 12.5 When and how are applicants informed of these rights? Applicants are informed of their rights to a fair hearing on the application forms utilized to determine LIHEAP benefits. See the attached EA-117 (paper application for Economic Assistance programs). The EA-117, telephone application, and electronic application (iServe application) are different types of applications utilized for multiple Economic Assistance programs, including LIHEAP. Each of these applications provides information regarding fair hearings that is similar to the language displayed on the attached EA-117. The EA-117 states, "If you disagree with any action taken by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) which affects your benefits, you may request a fair hearing in writing. Fair hearing for SNAP can be requested verbally by contacting DHHS. You may continue to receive your current level of assistance until a hearing decision is made IF (1) DHHS receives your request for a hearing within in 10 days from the mail date listed on the agency notice, and (2) for SNAP benefits only, your certification period has not expired. A fair hearing request must be made within 90 days of the action or inaction. Your or your representative have the right to examine your case record. At the hearing, you may represent yourself or be represented by another person". The notice of action that is sent to the client also contains the right to appeal information (see attached N-FOCUS Notice). In addition, Title 465 NAC and Title 53 NAC also provide fair hearing information (see attached). 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.