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How Do I Ask for a SNAP Fair Hearing?

Last reviewed 2026-07-16

Short answer

You can ask for a SNAP fair hearing by phone or in writing. Federal rule gives you 90 days from the state action you disagree with to make the request. If you were getting benefits and ask within your adverse action notice period, those benefits can usually continue while you wait for a decision.

What happened

You disagree with something SNAP did. Maybe your case was denied, your benefits were cut, or your case was closed. A fair hearing is the formal way to have someone outside your caseworker's office look at the decision again. It is different from just calling your caseworker to ask questions.

What usually applies

Federal rule lets you ask for a hearing on any state agency action or benefit loss from the prior 90 days. You can make this request out loud on the phone. You can also make it in writing. It does not need a special form. If you already got SNAP and you ask within your notice's response period, your benefits can often keep going at the old level while you wait. A state level hearing decision is usually due within 60 days of your request.

“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.”

From Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 7 CFR 273.15(g)Retrieved 2026-07-16

“A request for a hearing is defined as a clear expression, oral or written, by the household or its representative to the effect that it wishes to appeal a decision or that an opportunity to present its case to a higher authority is desired.”

From Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 7 CFR 273.15(h)Retrieved 2026-07-16

“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 on the basis authorized immediately prior to the notice of adverse action, unless the household specifically waives continuation of benefits.”

From Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 7 CFR 273.15(k)(1)Retrieved 2026-07-16

“Within 60 days of receipt of a request for a fair hearing, the State agency shall assure that the hearing is conducted, a decision is reached, and the household and local agency are notified of the decision.”

From Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 7 CFR 273.15(c)(1)Retrieved 2026-07-16

“Upon request, the State agency shall make available without charge the specific materials necessary for a household or its representative to determine whether a hearing should be requested or to prepare for a hearing.”

From Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 7 CFR 273.15(i)(1)Retrieved 2026-07-16

What to do

1
Count 90 days from the action you disagree with
This is the outside federal deadline. It runs from the date of the action or benefit loss, so ask early rather than waiting.
2
Ask for the hearing by phone or in writing
A clear spoken or written statement that you want to appeal counts as a request. Keep a note of the date you asked.
3
Say you want benefits continued, if you had them
Ask within your notice's response period. Stay in your current certification period. Your state will then usually keep your benefits going unless you say otherwise.
4
Ask your state agency for your case file
You can request the papers used in your case for free. This can help you get ready for the hearing.

When to get help

A SNAP fair hearing has real deadlines. It can affect food benefits your household needs now. Legal aid offices and local SNAP outreach groups help people prepare hearing requests. If your 90 day window is closing soon, or the notice is confusing, contact legal aid or your local 211 line right away.

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