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COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP)

NOTICE OF ACTION - DISASTER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

THIS IS TO INFORM YOU OF ACTION TAKEN ON YOUR APPLICATION FOR DISASTER SNAP BENEFITS.

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 CASE NUMBER

DATE COUNTY/CITY

ACTION ON APPLICATION DATED __________________

Approved for $ ______________for Disaster Benefit Period __________________ to __________________

Denied Reason __________________________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn Application withdrawn by household on __________________

If you do not agree with the action we have taken or the amount of benefits you are receiving, you can have a fair hearing on your case. At the hearing you will have a chance to explain why you think we made a mistake, and a hearing officer will decide if you are right. To request a fair hearing, you may call me at the number below or write to the Virginia Department of Social Services, Attention: Manager, Appeals and Fair Hearings, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060. You may also request a fair hearing by calling toll free 1-800-552-3431. You must request your hearing within the next 90 days.

In addition to filing an appeal, you also have the right to a conference with your local social services agency, at which time the agency must give you an explanation of its action. You must also be given the opportunity to present any information on which your disagreement with the agency’s action is based. At the conference, you have the right to have your story presented by an authorized representative, such as a friend, relative or lawyer. The local agency must provide a conference within three working days from the time of your request. If you would like to have a conference, please call me at the number below.

A fair hearing provides you the opportunity to review the way a local agency social services agency has handled your situation concerning your stated need for benefits. The fair hearing is a private, informal meeting at the local social services agency with you and anyone you wish to bring as a witness or to help you tell your story, such as a lawyer. A representative of the local agency will be present as well as a hearing officer. The person who conducts the hearing is someone from the State Department of Social Services, not someone from your local social services agency. The hearing officer makes a decision on your appeal.

You will be notified of the date and time for your hearing at the local social services agency or at a location agreeable to you and the agency. If you cannot be there on that day, call your eligibility worker immediately. If you need transportation, the local agency will provide it. You may bring a representative and/or witnesses to the hearing to help you tell your story. Your Benefit Programs Specialist, a local agency supervisor, and possibly other agency staff who know about your case may also be at the hearing to tell how the agency’s decision was reached.

At the hearing, you and/or your representative will have the opportunity to:

(1) Examine all documents and records which are used at the hearing;

(2) Present your case or have it presented by a lawyer or by another authorized representative;

(3) Bring witnesses;

(4) Establish pertinent facts and advance arguments; and

(5) Question or refute any testimony or evidence, including the opportunity to confront and cross- examine adverse witnesses.

The decision or recommendation of the hearing officer shall be based exclusively on evidence and other material introduced at the hearing, except when medical information is requested or other essential information is needed. In such an event, you and the local social services agency would be given the opportunity to question or refute this additional information.

You will be notified in writing of the hearing officer’s decision on your appeal within 60 days of the date your appeal request is received by the State Department of Social Services.

It is YOUR RIGHT TO APPEAL decisions of the local social services agency; consequently, if you want more information or help with an appeal, you may contact the local social services agency. It will not cost you anything to request a fair hearing, and you will not be penalized for asking for a fair hearing. If you desire free legal advice, you may contact your local legal aid office.

Benefit Programs Specialist

Telephone Number

For Free Legal Advice Call

1-866-534-5243

032-03-0662-04-eng (08/2024)