Policy Effective: May 1, 2025

A customer has the right to a review of an adverse Department action by requesting a hearing.

A customer must request a hearing in writing or orally within 90 days of the date of the notice of agency action with which the customer disagrees or within 30 days for a Medical, Financial, or Child Care Overpayment. The Department will document any oral request for a hearing inwriting.

Only a clear expression by the customer or authorized representative to the effect that the customer wants an opportunity to present his or her case is required.

The request for a hearing can be made at the local office or the Division of Adjudication, by phone, email, fax or mail.

If the customer disagrees with the level of SNAP benefits paid or payable, the customer can request a hearing within the eligibility period, even if that is longer than 90 days.

If a request for restoration of lost SNAP benefits is made within one year of the loss of benefits a customer may request a hearing within 90 days of the date of the denial of restoration.

Hearings are scheduled as telephone hearings. If an in-person hearing is needd, the customer must contact the Division of Adjudication in advance of the hearing and request that the hearing be converted to an in-person hearing. The ALJ will tell the customer and the Employment Center: the time, date, place, and reason for the hearing. Generally, the ALJ has to mail this notice at least 10 days before the hearing. However, if all parties agree, the ALJ can hold the hearing sooner.

Legal counsel is available to the Employment Center.