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Page | 23 prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

1310 TO FILE A COMPLAINT

If an individual believes that he/she has been discriminated against he/she may file a complaint alleging discrimination based on any of the following: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Any individual(s) who expresses a desire to file a discrimination complaint will be immediately advised of his/her right to do so. The individual can file the complaint directly to any of the entities stated below without assistance from DSS staff. However, if assistance in filing the complaint is requested, DSS staff will assist the individual(s) in completing the complaint within 180 days of any incident or action in which discrimination is/was alleged.

Complaints of age discrimination are required to be referred for mediation. Mediation involves the use of an impartial, third-party mediator, who assists the complainant and respondent in reaching terms that both parties find satisfactory, without imposing a decision upon the parties. Participation in mediation is not optional, but mandatory for both the complainant and the State Agency against who the claim was filed. Refer any of these age complaints to the Regional Manager and the SNAP Administrator immediately upon receipt. These complaints will be referred within 5 working days of receipt to the FNS Regional Civil Rights Officer.

Forward any alleged discrimination complaint to Discrimination Coordinator, Director of DSS Division of Legal Services, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, South Dakota 57501-2291. Also submit a copy of the complaint to the Regional Manager and the SNAP Administrator.

Individuals may also file a complaint of discrimination with the following agencies:

(1) South Dakota Division of Human Rights (605)773-3681 (2) U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services (for discrimination in administering SNAP (Food Stamp Program) write to Food and Nutrition Services, Mountain Plains Regional Office, Civil Rights Coordinator, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 903, Denver, CO 80204- 3585