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616 Chapter 3:Processes and procedures • Section 1: Acting on reported changes (07/2026) must have an effective date no earlier than the last day of the next month. Note: Additional processing time is needed for individuals that require an alternate format. A decision notice must do all of the following: • Except for mass changes, specify the action ODHS|OHA intends to take, the effective date of the action, the date the notice is mailed and the reason for the action. • Provide the name and phone number of the ODHS|OHA staff person or office to contact for additional information. • Inform the individual of their right to a hearing before an impartial person. This includes the following:

Š Specifying the method and time frame for requesting a hearing;

Š Informing the individual of their right to a pre-hearing conference with staff representing ODHS|OHA

Š Informing the individual of their right to representation (including legal counsel)

Š Informing the individual about availability of free legal help, and

Š Informing the individual of their right to have witnesses testify on their behalf. • Cite the Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) that supports the action being taken on the case. Continuing benefit decision notices and timely continuing benefit decision notices must also inform individuals of their right to continuing benefits. Individuals are entitled to a continuation of benefits if they request a hearing by the later of the following: • Within 10 days of the mailing of the notice, or • On or before the effective date of the action. (If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, extend the deadline to the next working day.)

Any benefits paid while awaiting the hearing’s final order are considered an overpayment if the decision is in favor of ODHS|OHA’s action, except for hearings on overpayment recovery issues. No notice is needed in the following scenarios: • Everyone in the benefit group is deceased, or • A hearing is dismissed or upholds ODHS|OHA’s decision and a notice was sent before the individual requested the hearing. Click here for ODHS/OHA Production Calendar, which provides deadlines for timely notice. A Notice of Expiration is automatically sent to the filing group when a case is going to expire. It includes the following information: • The date the certification or benefit period ends, and • The consequences of failure to apply for renewal. SNAP A decision notice must also state under what circumstances benefits will be continued pending a hearing. A continuing benefit decision notice and a decision notice must also state the individual’s household will incur a liability for any overissued benefits if benefits are continued pending a hearing, and the hearing