My benefit was denied or cut off.
What to do now
Receiving a denial from SNAP is frustrating. But a denial isn't necessarily the final word. There's a formal appeals process, and it works, especially when the denial was due to an error in the documentation, incorrect information, or a misinterpretation of the rules.
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Why are requests denied?
The most common reasons are not related to ineligibility. Most rejections occur due to incomplete documentation, inconsistent information on the form, or failure to attend the mandatory interview.
Other cases involve administrative errors; the state calculated income incorrectly, failed to consider an important deduction, or misinterpreted the household's situation. These errors happen, and the appeals process exists precisely to correct them.
The right to a “Fair Hearing”
Every applicant whose request has been denied or whose benefit has been reduced or cut has the legal right to request a hearing called a Fair HearingThis is a formal process where you present your situation to an independent evaluator, who may reverse the original decision.
The deadline to request a Fair Hearing varies by state, but it's generally 90 days from the date of the denial letter. Don't wait; the sooner you apply, the more time you have to gather documents and prepare.
How to request a Fair Hearing
The denial or dismissal letter you receive by mail or email always indicates how to request a hearing. This is usually done by phone or a written form submitted to the local SNAP office.
In your request, please state your name, case number, and the reason why you believe the decision was incorrect. You do not need a lawyer, but you may bring someone you trust to assist you during the hearing.
If your benefits were cut and you were already receiving them...
There is an important rule here. If you request a Fair Hearing within 10 days of the date indicated in the court summons, the benefit can be maintained throughout the appeals process; this is called “continued benefits"If the appeal is lost, the state may demand the return of the amounts received during that period. But if you win, the benefit will be reinstated as normal."
Other options while you wait
The appeals process can take several weeks. In the meantime, emergency food resources are available in most communities, including food banks, church programs, and the Feeding America network (feedingamerica.org), which has over 60.000 distribution points in the U.S. You can find the nearest one to you through the website or by phone. 1-800-771-2303.
If the problem was in the recertification process
Many terminations occur because the recertification deadline passed without the form being submitted. In this case, it is possible to reopen the case as a new request, but the benefit is not retroactive to the date of the termination, only to the date of the new approval.
If you missed the recertification deadline due to a situation beyond your control, such as illness, a family emergency, or failure to notify the office, inform them. Some states have leeway to consider these circumstances.