Issue Alert - 09-04-01
Document Actions
| Date: | 04/10/2009 | |
| Program Area: | All Programs |
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| Issue Summary: |
The Department of Human Services (DHS) will now accept faxed hearing requests |
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| Persons Affected: | Individuals either who were either denied or terminated from assistance or whose application is still pending past the program’s standard of promptness, and wish to request a hearing. |
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| For More Information: |
Center for Civil Justice 320 S. Washington, 2nd Floor Saginaw, MI 48607 (989) 755-3120, (800)724-7441 Fax: (989) 755-3558 E-mail: info@ccj-mi.org
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Background
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Clients or their Authorized Hearing Representatives (AHR) have a
right to request a hearing to challenge a denial, reduction, or termination of
benefits by the Department of Human Services (DHS). They also can request a hearing if their
application for benefits has not been processed within the mandatory time
limits. Except for the Food Assistance
Program (FAP), all hearing requests must be signed and in writing. Hearing requests for FAP can be either oral
or in writing. |
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| What's Happening? | ||
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DHS will now accept written hearing requests
via fax. Hearing requests sent by fax
still must contain either the client’s or AHR’s signature.
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What Should Advocates Do?
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Inform clients of that they can request hearings by fax. Assist clients with the faxes if possible
especially when the client is close to a deadline. Keep a fax printout showing tha the fax was
sent and received. |
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What Should Clients Do?
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Be aware that you can request a hearing in writing either by
mailing the request to the local office, submitted the request to the office in
person, or faxing the hearing request. If
you mail the request, it is best to get a receipt showing it was delivered if
you can afford to do so. If you hand
deliver the request, sign it into the log book if you DHS office has one. If you fax the request, get a fax printout
showing that it was sent and received. Be
aware of all deadlines for requesting a hearing. You have 90 days to request a hearing from
the date of the letter from DHS denying or terminating your benefits. In some instances, you can continue to
receive benefits at the current level if you request your hearing within 11
days of the date on the notice of termination or reduction. |
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Finding Help
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Most legal aid and legal services offices handle these types of cases, and they do not charge a fee.
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CORT Legal Work Supervision – Dublin, Ohio
