How To Appeal A Food Stamps Decision If You Are Denied SNAP Benefits

appeal food stamps decision denied snap benefits

How To Appeal A Food Stamps Decision If You Are Denied SNAP Benefits


In this community resource, I will explain the food stamps appeal process.

If you are denied food stamps, it is important to understand how the SNAP appeal process works. You have a limited amount of time that you can appeal a SNAP decision that you do not agree with.

This guide will help you to navigate the food stamps appeal process, so continue reading to see who you need to speak to about a food stamp decision that you disagree with.

How The Food Stamp Appeal Process Works

This is food stamp appeal flow chart provides you with a general understanding of how the appeal process works. Keep in mind that each state will have its own administrative review process.

food stamp appeal process

What To Do If You Were Denied Food Stamps?

If you are denied food stamps, the first step is to determine why. Your state health department likely sent you a letter explaining why you got denied food stamps. The explanation in this letter will help you understand why you were denied SNAP benefits and what steps you can take to file an EBT appeal.

If you did not receive a food stamp denial letter, you can visit your local food stamp office or call the health and human services office in your state to better understand why your SNAP benefits application was denied. You can reach your local office by dialing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program hotline at 800.221.5689.

Common Reasons Why You Got Denied Food Stamps

The most common reasons for being denied food stamps are that the household income is too high or there are assets that exceed the limit. If you think the denial was in error, you can appeal the decision.

Each state has different income limits that you must meet in order to qualify, so yes you can be denied food stamps if your income is too high. Exceeding the food stamp income limits or asset limits could result in being denied for the SNAP program.

You can learn more about income/asset limits by contacting the SNAP hotline at 800.221.5689 and being connected to your state’s health and human services department.

How To Appeal A Food Stamps Decision

To appeal a SNAP decision after you have been denied food stamps, you will need to request a fair hearing with your state’s health and human services department. You can visit your local food stamp office to appeal a decision or contact your state’s food stamp department by dialing the SNAP hotline at 800.221.5689 and requesting a fair hearing today.

A state hearing request can be made in person, in writing, or by calling your state’s health and human services department. That being said you are encouraged to either send an EBT appeal letter (which you can show as proof that you filed an appeal request) or write down the date and time that you call to challenge a denied food stamp application.

Food Stamps Appeal Letter Example

When writing an EBT appeal letter, you want to:

  1. Plainly state that you would like a fair hearing due to your food stamps being denied.
  2. Provide a good cause reason why you disagree with the eligibility decision.
  3. Include contact information like your name, address, phone number, case number, and the name of your food stamps case manager.

The following example of a food stamps appeal letter was created by Bay Area Legal Services. You can either use this template or contact a non-profit legal assistance organization near you to help you draft a SNAP appeals letter.

Food Stamps Appeal Letter Example
You can use this SNAP benefits appeal letter if you feel that your food stamps denial was the wrong decision.

Documents Needed To Appeal A Food Stamp Denial

Documents that you will need to appeal a SNAP benefits denial are:

  • Write a food stamp appeal letter stating why you believe the dial was the wrong decision.
  • If you were denied because they believe you made too much money, you can show past bank statements or paycheck stubs to show your true income.

When appealing a SNAP benefits denial, any document you believe will persuade the health department that they made the wrong decision should be utilized.

How Long Do You Have To Appeal A Food Stamp Denial?

You will need to request a fair hearing with your state’s SNAP benefits program no within 90 days of receiving a food stamp denial letter. You will need to contact your state’s food stamp program for the specific timeframe, but generally, to appeal a denial of SNAP benefits, you need to follow up within 90 days.

How Soon Can You Apply For Food Stamps After Being Denied?

You can reapply for food stamps at any time after you are denied. This includes the very next day if your monthly income changes due to losing your job.

Being denied food stamps because your income is too high is one of the main reasons that people do not qualify for SNAP benefits. If you are denied ensure the income that you listed on your food stamps application is accurate.

If you are wondering “if I get denied food stamps can I apply again” the answer is yes. In fact, you are encouraged to apply for SNAP benefits again if your income was reduced.

Many times I speak with individuals who are currently unemployed but were denied food stamps when they had a monthly income. If you were denied in the past, but at the moment you have a $0 monthly income, now would be the time for your to reapply for food stamps. 

Food is a basic need for humans, which is why your state’s health department will allow you to apply for food stamps anytime after you are denied.

Conclusion

To appeal a food stamp denial you will need to request a fair hearing with your state’s health and human services department. During this scheduled hearing, you will want to explain why you disagree with the decision to deny your food stamp benefits.

You may also be wondering if “you can apply for food stamps after being denied” and the answer is yes. If you are denied SNAP benefits and the next day, you lose your job, you could qualify since your income has decreased.

Whether you were denied food stamps during the pandemic or if your current SNAP benefits were reduced/terminated, the first step starts with requesting a fair hearing. You can do this by contacting your state’s health and human services department. If you are unsure how to get in touch with the food stamp department in your state, simply call the SNAP hotline at 800.221.5689 to start the food stamp appeals process.

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2 thoughts on “How To Appeal A Food Stamps Decision If You Are Denied SNAP Benefits

  1. tom Reply

    Nick, I am having so much trouble with HHS over my medical bills. Where can I find the handbook and guidelines (laws) they use, so I can set up my appeal?

    • Nick Bryant Post authorReply

      Hi Tom sorry to hear that HHS is giving you trouble. What are you looking for guidelines for SNAP approval or help with medical bills?

      If you haven’t contacted the Texas Ombudsman consider doing so. They manage complaints about state programs like Medicaid and SNAP. You can probably send them an email or call with your question to get an answer. They usually respond in about 1 – 2 days via email.

      https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/your-rights/hhs-office-ombudsman

      If you still need help finding that handbook let me know specifically what you are searching for and I’ll see if I can help you get that information.

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