How to Request a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in California

If your CalFresh (SNAP) application is denied, your benefits are cut off, or you disagree with a decision about your case, you may have the right to ask for a state hearing (also called a fair hearing or appeal) in California.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how that process typically works, what deadlines to watch for, and how to prepare. It is informational only. This site is not a government agency or application portal. To file an appeal or hearing request, you must go through official California or county channels.

Understanding SNAP / CalFresh in California

In California, SNAP is called CalFresh. It is a food assistance program that helps low‑income households buy groceries using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

CalFresh is administered locally by county social services or human services departments, under oversight from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

When you apply, report changes, or renew your case, the county makes decisions about:

• Whether you are eligible
• How much in benefits you get
• When your benefits start or stop
• Whether you must provide more verification documents

If you disagree with one of these decisions, you may be able to challenge it through the state hearing (appeals) process.

What Is a Fair Hearing (State Hearing)?

A state hearing (often called a fair hearing or appeal) is a formal process where:

• You explain why you think the county made a wrong decision about your CalFresh.
• An independent Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) from the State of California listens to both you and the county.
• The judge makes a binding decision based on the rules and the evidence.

A hearing can be held:

• By phone
• By video (in some areas)
• In person at a designated location

You do not have to pay to request or attend a fair hearing.

When You Can Request an Appeal or Hearing

You can generally ask for a hearing if you disagree with:

• Denial of a CalFresh application
• Termination (stopping) of your CalFresh benefits
• Reduction in your benefit amount
• The start date of your benefits (for example, you think they should start earlier)
• Overpayment notices that say you were paid too much and must pay money back
• Sanctions, penalties, or disqualification decisions
• The county’s refusal to act on your application or request (for example, no decision within required timeframes)
• Any other written Notice of Action (NOA) about your CalFresh that you believe is wrong

Even if you think the issue seems small (like a minor benefit calculation), you may still have the right to a hearing.

Important Deadlines for CalFresh Fair Hearings in California

The deadline to request a hearing is one of the most important things to understand.

Standard filing deadline

In California, you usually must request a hearing within 90 days of the date on the Notice of Action (NOA) that you disagree with.

• The 90‑day clock generally starts from the mailing date shown on the notice.
• If you miss this deadline, your appeal might be dismissed as late, and the county’s decision may stay in place.

Keeping your current benefits while you appeal (Aid Paid Pending)

In some cases, you can ask to keep your current benefit level while your hearing is pending. This is sometimes called “Aid Paid Pending” (APP).

To typically qualify for continued benefits during the appeal:

• You usually must request the hearing before the effective date of the reduction or termination shown on your notice, or within a limited timeframe listed on that notice (often 10 days from the date of the notice).
• The decision must involve a reduction, suspension, or termination of benefits.

If you qualify for Aid Paid Pending:

• Your benefits may continue at the old amount until the hearing decision.
• If the judge later agrees with the county and says your benefits were too high, you might have to repay some or all of the extra benefits.

Your Notice of Action should explain whether you can keep receiving benefits pending the hearing and the specific deadline for requesting that.

How to Request a SNAP / CalFresh Fair Hearing in California

You cannot request a hearing through HowToGetAssistance.org. You must use official state or county channels.

In California, people typically request a hearing in one of these ways (check your notice for exact options):

1. By phone

• Call the state hearing phone number listed on your Notice of Action or other official CalFresh letter.
• You may need to provide:
  • Your name
  • Case number
  • Address and phone number
  • The program (CalFresh / SNAP)
  • Which decision you are appealing

Ask the representative to confirm that your hearing request has been received and note any confirmation or case ID they provide.

2. By mail or fax

• Use the hearing request section on your Notice of Action, or a state hearing request form if provided.
• Fill in:
  • Your personal information
  • The reason you disagree
  • Whether you need an interpreter or any accommodations
• Mail or fax it to the address or fax number listed on the notice or on the state hearing instructions.

Keep a copy of everything you send, and if possible, proof of mailing or fax confirmation.

3. In person at your county office

You can usually request a hearing at your local county social services / human services office:

• Tell the front desk or your eligibility worker that you want to request a state hearing about your CalFresh.
• Ask for help filling out the hearing request form if you need it.
• Ask for a copy and any stamped receipt showing the date you requested the hearing.

4. Online (if available)

Some people can request a hearing online through California’s official benefits portal or a state hearing portal. Availability and steps may change, so:

• Check your Notice of Action for any web address where you can file a hearing request.
• Make sure you are on an official .gov website before entering personal information.

What to Include in Your Hearing Request

When you request a state hearing, it helps to include:

• Your full name
• Case number or client ID (from your notice)
• Mailing address, phone number, and email (if you have one)
• Which program the issue is about (CalFresh / SNAP)
• The date and type of the Notice of Action
• A brief description of why you disagree, such as:
  • “My benefits were reduced but my income did not change.”
  • “I turned in all requested documents on time.”
  • “The county calculated my household size incorrectly.”
• Whether you want to keep benefits the same while you appeal (if the notice says this is allowed)
• Whether you need:
  • An interpreter (and which language)
  • Disability accommodations (e.g., wheelchair access, large print, etc.)
  • A phone or video hearing instead of in‑person, if available

You do not have to write a long or legal‑sounding explanation. A short, clear statement of what you disagree with is usually enough to start the process.

What Happens After You Request a Hearing

Once your hearing request is received:

1. Acknowledgment and scheduling

• The State Hearings Division (within the California Department of Social Services) usually sends you a letter confirming your hearing request.
• You receive a Notice of Hearing with:
  • Date and time of the hearing
  • Whether it will be phone, video, or in‑person
  • Instructions for participating (phone number to call, address to appear, or video link)
• You typically get advance notice, but timelines can vary.

2. County review (optional “case conference”)

Before the hearing, the county may:

• Review your case again
• Contact you to ask for additional documents
• Offer an informal “case conference” to try to resolve the issue without a full hearing

You can choose to participate in a case conference if you want, but you do not lose your right to a formal state hearing unless you clearly withdraw your request in writing or at the hearing.

3. Preparing the county’s evidence packet

Before the hearing, the county must usually prepare an evidence packet that includes:

• A summary of their reasoning
• Copies of documents they used to decide your case
• Relevant notices, forms, and policy references

You have the right to receive a copy of this packet before or at the hearing, and you can ask to review it in advance.

How to Prepare for Your Hearing

Good preparation can make your hearing easier to understand and more organized.

Gather documents

Collect and organize any papers that support your side, such as:

• Notices of Action (NOAs) and all letters from the county
• Application or recertification forms you submitted
• Proof of income:
  • Paystubs
  • Unemployment benefit letters
  • Self‑employment records
• Proof of expenses:
  • Rent or mortgage statements
  • Utility bills
  • Child care bills
  • Medical expenses (for elderly/disabled households, if relevant)
• Proof of household composition:
  • Lease showing who lives in the home
  • School enrollment records
  • Other documents showing who resides with you
• Proof of documents you turned in:
  • Date‑stamped copies
  • Fax confirmations
  • Email confirmations
  • Receipts from the county office

Arrange documents in date order and label them so you can find them quickly during the hearing.

Write down your story

It can help to write a short outline:

• What happened first (for example, you applied on a certain date)
• What the county did or didn’t do
• Why you think the decision is wrong
• What result you are asking for (for example, “approve my application,” “restore my previous benefit amount,” “remove the overpayment”)

You can read from your notes during the hearing.

Witnesses (optional)

If someone else has relevant information, you may ask them to be a witness, such as:

• A landlord (about your rent or who lives with you)
• An employer (about your pay or hours)
• A relative or friend (about your living situation or household size)

Witnesses can often join by phone or in person, depending on the hearing format. Check your Notice of Hearing for details.

What the Hearing Is Like

A fair hearing is generally less formal than a court trial, but it is still a legal proceeding.

Typically, at your hearing:

1. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) introduces the case and explains everyone’s roles.
2. The judge confirms:
   • Your identity
   • Whether you need an interpreter or accommodations
   • What decision you’re appealing
3. The county representative explains why they made their decision.
4. You or your representative can:
   • Present your side of the story
   • Submit documents
   • Ask questions of the county representative
5. The judge may ask clarifying questions to understand the facts and the rules.
6. At the end, the judge usually:
   • Explains that they will consider all the evidence
   • Tells you that you will receive a written decision by mail

You usually do not receive a decision the same day as the hearing.

Getting Help and Representation

You have the right to represent yourself at the hearing, but you may also get help.

Representation options

Many people are allowed to bring:

• A legal aid attorney
• A paralegal or advocate
• A friend, family member, or other representative

If you want a representative, you may need to sign a written authorization allowing them to speak on your behalf.

Finding free or low‑cost help

You might find help by contacting:

• Local legal aid organizations (often focused on low‑income civil legal issues)
• Community‑based organizations that assist with benefits
• Senior legal services if you are an older adult
• Disability rights groups if your case involves disability‑related issues

You can dial 211 in many parts of California to ask for referrals to legal aid or advocacy groups. Always confirm that any organization you contact is a legitimate, non‑profit or official resource.

Common Reasons People Appeal CalFresh Decisions

Some typical reasons people in California request a fair hearing include:

• Application denied:
  • County says you did not provide documents, but you believe you did.
  • County says your income is too high, but you believe they calculated it incorrectly.
• Benefits reduced or stopped:
  • You reported changes as required, but the county seems to have misunderstood your situation.
  • You disagree with the county’s decision about who is in your household.
• Overpayment or fraud allegations:
  • The county claims you were overpaid, but you don’t think the calculation is correct.
  • You are accused of intentional program violation, and you want to challenge that finding.
• Delays or inaction:
  • No decision on your application within the usual processing time.
  • No action on documents or information you already submitted.

If you receive an official notice and do not understand why the decision was made, you may:

• Contact your county worker to ask for an explanation or correction.
• If you still disagree, use the state hearing process.

Possible Outcomes of a CalFresh Fair Hearing

After reviewing the evidence and rules, the judge typically issues a written decision. Some possible outcomes include:

• Decision in your favor (fully):
  • Your CalFresh benefits may be approved, increased, restored, or an overpayment may be removed or reduced, depending on the issue.
• Decision partly in your favor:
  • Some of the county’s actions are upheld, but other parts are changed.
• Decision in the county’s favor:
  • The county’s decision is upheld, and any reductions, terminations, or overpayments may stand.

If the judge orders the county to take corrective action, such as paying back benefits or adjusting your case, the county usually must do this within a specified timeframe.

If You Disagree With the Hearing Decision

If you are unhappy with the judge’s written decision, options may include:

• Asking for a rehearing under certain conditions (for example, if there was a clear legal or factual mistake, or new evidence that was not available earlier).
• Seeking legal advice about whether you can take the case to court (such as filing a writ in state court).

These options can be complex. If you are considering them, it may help to talk with a legal aid attorney or another qualified legal professional.

Staying Organized: Key Documents and Deadlines

Here is a simple summary of what to track:

Avoiding Scams and Using Official Channels

Because CalFresh and appeals involve personal information and benefits, it is important to make sure you are dealing only with official government offices or trusted non‑profit organizations.

Here are some tips:

• Check the website address:
  • Official California state and county sites usually end in .gov.
• Be cautious of fees:
  • Requesting a state hearing is generally free. Be careful with anyone asking for payment just to file an appeal.
• Protect your personal information:
  • Do not share your Social Security number, EBT card number, or full date of birth on social media or with unknown callers.
• Verify phone numbers and addresses:
  • Use contact information printed on your official CalFresh notices, or listed on your county’s official website, or available via 211.
• Know what HowToGetAssistance.org does:
  • This site offers general guidance and information only.
  • It does not process applications, appeals, hearing requests, or benefit payments.

If You Do Not Qualify or Lose Your Appeal

If your appeal is not successful or you are not eligible for CalFresh, you may still be able to get help from other resources. Common options people explore include:

• Food banks and pantries run by community organizations or faith‑based groups
• Community meal programs or soup kitchens
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) if you are pregnant or have young children and meet that program’s rules
• School meal programs for school‑aged children
• Local charitable organizations offering grocery cards or emergency food assistance

You can call 211 in many areas of California to ask about local food resources and community supports.

Understanding your rights to a fair hearing, watching the deadlines, and using official channels can help you challenge a CalFresh decision you believe is incorrect. If you feel overwhelmed, consider contacting your county office, a legal aid organization, or a trusted community group for further guidance through the official process.