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Glossary

Fair hearing

A chance to present your side of the story if a benefit agency denies your application or cuts off your benefits.

If an agency says you don't qualify for a benefit or stops your payments, you have the right to ask for a fair hearing. At a fair hearing, you can explain why you think the agency made a mistake. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to help make your case. Only the agency decides whether you qualify—applying for a fair hearing is free.

For example: If SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) denies your application and you disagree, you can request a fair hearing to show that your income actually qualifies. Or if Medicaid stops your coverage, you can ask for a hearing to prove you still meet the rules.

You usually have a deadline to request a fair hearing, so check the agency's notice carefully. Each program has its own fair hearing process, so ask your state agency how to request one.

Programs where this matters

LIHEAPHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesLIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling bills, and may help in an energy crisis such as a shut-off notice.MedicaidCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.WICUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceWIC gives healthy foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children with low income.CHIPCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesCHIP gives low-cost health coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.Child Care AidHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesChild care assistance helps families with low income pay for child care so parents can work, look for work, or go to school or training.SSISocial Security AdministrationSSI pays monthly cash to people with limited income and resources who are older, blind or have a disability.TANFHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesTANF gives cash help and support services to families with children who have low income. Each state runs its own program.UnemploymentUS Department of Labor / state workforce agenciesUnemployment insurance pays temporary cash benefits to workers who lose their jobs and meet their state's rules.SSDISocial Security AdministrationSSDI pays monthly benefits to people who cannot work because of a disability and who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.School MealsUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceFree and reduced-price school meals help children eat well at school, and Summer EBT helps families buy food for children in the summer.