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Glossary term

Fair hearing

Definition

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

LIHEAPState-run · HHS 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.MedicaidState-run · Centers 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.SNAPState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.WICState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceWIC gives healthy foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children with low income.CHIPState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesCHIP gives low-cost health coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.Child Care AidState-run · HHS 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.SSIFederal · Social Security AdministrationSSI pays monthly cash to people with limited income and resources who are older, blind or have a disability.TANFState-run · HHS 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.UnemploymentState-run · US Department of Labor / state workforce agenciesUnemployment insurance pays temporary cash benefits to workers who lose their jobs and meet their state's rules.SSDIFederal · Social Security AdministrationSSDI pays monthly benefits to people who cannot work because of a disability and who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.School MealsState-run · USDA 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.