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SNAP notice of adverse action
SNAP (food assistance) notice
What federal rules say a snap notice of adverse action must contain, and how a household can keep their benefits while they disagree.
Required parts of the notice
| Part | What the law says | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| What will happen What the agency is going to do to your benefits. | “The proposed action” | 7 CFR 273.13(a)(2) ↗ |
| The reason Why your benefits are changing. | “the reason for the proposed action” | 7 CFR 273.13(a)(2) ↗ |
| Your right to a fair hearing That your household can ask for a fair hearing. | “the household's right to request a fair hearing” | 7 CFR 273.13(a)(2) ↗ |
| SNAP office phone number A phone number for the SNAP office (toll-free or one that accepts collect calls), and if possible a contact name. | “the telephone number of the SNAP office” | 7 CFR 273.13(a)(2) ↗ |
| Keeping benefits during the hearing That you can keep getting benefits while you wait for the hearing. | “the availability of continued benefits” | 7 CFR 273.13(a)(2) ↗ |
| Repayment risk That if you keep benefits and then lose the hearing, you may have to pay back the extra amount. | “the liability of the household for any overissuances received while awaiting a fair hearing if the hearing official's decision is adverse to the household” | 7 CFR 273.13(a)(2) ↗ |
| Free legal help Where to get free legal representation, if it is available in your area. (required when it applies) | “If there is an individual or organization available that provides free legal representation, the notice shall also advise the household of the availability of the service” | 7 CFR 273.13(a)(2) ↗ |
The deadline that keeps your benefits
7 CFR 273.15(k)(1)
“If a household requests a fair hearing within the period provided by the notice of adverse action, as set forth in § 273.13, and its certification period has not expired, the household's participation in the program shall be continued”
If you request a fair hearing within the period given in the notice, your benefits continue at the old level while you wait, as long as your certification period has not ended.
By this date, request a fair hearing. Say you want your benefits to continue.
7 CFR 273.13(a)(1)
“the period includes at least 10 days from the date the notice is mailed to the date upon which the action becomes effective”
The notice period must be at least 10 days from mailing to the date the change takes effect.
If no separate deadline is given, request a hearing before this date to keep your benefits.
7 CFR 273.15(g)
“A household shall be allowed to request a hearing on any action by the State agency or loss of benefits which occurred in the prior 90 days.”
Holdline adds 90 days to the letter date to show the outer limit for asking.
Sources
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