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S N A P M A N U A L

215 Chapter 16 Notice of Adverse Action 1 6 . 1 U S E O F N O T I C E Prior to any action to reduce or terminate a household's benefits within the certification period, the Agency will, except as provided in Section 16.2 Exemptions from Notice, provide the household timely and adequate advance notice before the adverse action is taken. The notice of adverse action will be considered timely if the advance notice period includes at least 10 days from the date the notice is mailed to the date upon which the action becomes effective. Also, if the adverse notice period ends on a weekend or holiday, and a request for a fair hearing and continuation of benefits is received the day after the weekend or holiday, the Agency will consider the request timely received. NOTE: Economic Services workers should count backwards 12 days from the first day of the month that the action will be effective. The notice of adverse action will be considered adequate if it explains in easily understandable language: • The proposed action; • The reason for the proposed action; • The household's right to request a fair hearing; • The telephone number of the SNAP office (toll-free number or a number where collect calls will be accepted for households outside the local calling area) and, if possible, the name of the person to contact for additional information; • The availability of continued benefits; and • The liability of the household for any over-issuances received while awaiting a fair hearing if the hearing official's decision is adverse to the household. • If there is an individual or organization available that provides free legal representation, the notice will also advise the household of the availability of the service. Chapter 16