How to Request a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in Georgia

If you disagree with a SNAP (food stamp) decision in Georgia, you may have the right to ask for an appeal or fair hearing. This guide explains how that process typically works in Georgia, what to expect, and how to move forward through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, appeal office, or application site. This article is only meant to help you understand the usual steps so you can work directly with official Georgia agencies.

Understanding SNAP Appeals and Fair Hearings in Georgia

SNAP in Georgia is managed by the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS), part of the Georgia Department of Human Services.

When DFCS makes a decision about your SNAP case, you may receive a Notice of Action or a similar letter. Common decisions include:

• Approving benefits at a certain amount
• Denying your application
• Reducing your benefits
• Ending (terminating) your benefits
• Claiming you were overpaid

If you disagree with a decision, Georgia usually allows you to appeal and ask for a fair hearing. A fair hearing is a formal meeting, often by phone or video, where a hearing officer (who is not your caseworker) reviews your case.

When You Can Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Georgia

You can usually request a fair hearing if:

• Your application was denied
• Your benefit amount is lower than you believe it should be
• Your benefits were reduced or stopped
• Your recertification was denied
• There is a long delay in processing your application or recertification
• You receive a notice that you owe money back (an overpayment or claim)
• You believe DFCS made a mistake or did not follow the rules

If something in your SNAP case does not seem right, you can usually:

1. Ask your caseworker for an explanation, and
2. Request a fair hearing if you are still not satisfied.

Important Deadlines for Georgia SNAP Appeals

Georgia follows federal SNAP rules, but timelines can be very specific. Always check the date and instructions on your official notice.

Typically:

• You have about 90 days from the date on the notice to request a fair hearing on most SNAP decisions.
• If you want to keep your current benefit amount while you appeal a reduction or termination, you usually must request a hearing before the date the change takes effect (often within about 10 days of the notice date).

Your notice from DFCS usually explains:

• How many days you have to appeal
• Where to send your hearing request
• Whether you can keep getting benefits during the appeal

⚠️ Tip: Do not wait. If you think you want a hearing, submit your request as soon as possible and keep a copy or proof that you submitted it.

First Step: Informal Contact With Your DFCS Caseworker

Before or while you request a fair hearing, many people choose to:

• Call or visit their local DFCS office
• Ask to talk with their caseworker or a supervisor
• Request a case review or clarification

Sometimes, mistakes can be corrected informally, such as:

• A missing document gets added to your case
• Income was entered incorrectly and then fixed
• A misunderstanding about household members is cleared up

Even if you try to solve it informally, it is usually safest to submit your hearing request before the deadline so you do not lose your right to appeal if the issue is not resolved.

How to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Georgia

Georgia allows hearing requests in several ways. The exact options may vary, so follow the instructions in your official DFCS notice or contact your local DFCS office.

Common ways to request a hearing:

1. In Writing (Mail, Fax, or Drop-Off)

You can usually write a short letter or fill out a section of your notice that says you want a fair hearing.

Your written request should include:

• Your full name
• Your case number (if you have one)
• Your address and phone number
• A clear statement like: “I am requesting a fair hearing about my SNAP benefits.”
• The date you are writing the request
• Your signature

You can typically:

• Mail it to the address listed on your notice
• Fax it, if a fax number is provided
• Drop it off at your local DFCS office and ask for a date-stamped copy for your records

2. In Person

You may visit your local DFCS office and tell staff you want to request a fair hearing. Ask:

• Whether there is a specific form to complete
• For a receipt or copy showing your request was made

3. By Phone

In some cases, you may be able to request a hearing by calling your local DFCS office or a listed phone number on your notice. If you request a hearing by phone:

• Write down the date and time of the call
• Note the name of the worker you spoke with
• Ask if you need to submit anything in writing as well

Information and Documents to Gather for Your Appeal

The hearing officer will decide based on evidence. It often helps to gather documents that support your side.

Common helpful documents include:

• Your denial or reduction notice from DFCS
• Pay stubs, wage statements, or proof of income
• Bank statements, if they are relevant to your case
• Rent or mortgage receipts, lease agreements
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, etc.)
• Child care expense receipts
• Medical expense receipts for elderly or disabled household members
• Proof of household members (IDs, birth certificates, etc., where relevant)
• Any letters, emails, or notes from DFCS about your case
• Notes from you describing who you live with, your expenses, and any recent changes

Keep all documents in a folder and bring them to the hearing or submit them by the deadline the hearing notice provides.

What Happens After You Request a Georgia SNAP Fair Hearing

Once you submit a hearing request, a typical process looks like this:

1. Confirmation of Request

   • You may receive a letter from DFCS or the state hearing office confirming they got your appeal.
   • Sometimes your local office may contact you to try to resolve the issue before the hearing.

2. Hearing Notice

   • You should receive a written notice with:
     • The date and time of the hearing
     • Whether the hearing will be in person, by phone, or by video
     • Instructions for submitting evidence before the hearing
   • Read this notice carefully and follow any instructions or deadlines.

3. Pre-Hearing Review or Conference (Sometimes)

   • In some cases, the local office may offer a pre-hearing conference to see if the problem can be fixed without a hearing.
   • You can choose to participate, but you usually do not lose your right to a formal hearing by doing so.

4. The Hearing Itself

   • A hearing officer (not your caseworker) leads the hearing.
   • DFCS will usually have a representative present.
   • You will have a chance to:
     • Explain why you think the decision is wrong
     • Present your documents or evidence
     • Ask questions about DFCS’s evidence
   • Hearings are usually less formal than a court, but you are under oath and they may be recorded.

5. Decision

   • After the hearing, the hearing officer will send a written decision.
   • The decision will explain whether DFCS’s action is:
     • Upheld (agreed with), or
     • Reversed/changed (in your favor), or
     • Partially changed
   • The notice will also state whether DFCS must take any action, such as restoring benefits.

Can You Keep Getting SNAP While Appealing in Georgia?

In some situations, you may be able to keep your current benefit amount while the hearing is pending, especially if you appeal a reduction or termination within a short time frame.

Typical conditions:

• You generally must appeal before the date the change in benefits takes effect.
• This is sometimes called “continuation of benefits”.
• If the hearing decision later goes against you, you might be required to repay some or all of the extra benefits you received while appealing.

Your notice of action usually explains:

• Whether you can request continued benefits
• The deadline to do so
• The possible risk of an overpayment

If you are unsure, ask your DFCS office to explain your options before deciding.

Common Reasons SNAP Decisions Get Challenged in Georgia

People often request fair hearings when they believe there has been:

• Incorrect income calculation
  • Example: Your employer reports more hours than you actually worked.
• Wrong household size
  • Example: DFCS counts someone as part of your household who does not live and eat with you.
• Uncounted deductions
  • Example: High rent, utility costs, child care, or certain medical expenses were not fully counted.
• Missed or misplaced documents
  • Example: You turned in a form, but it was not added to your case.
• Processing delays
  • Example: Your application or recertification has been pending for a long time and you have not been told why.
• Overpayment claims
  • Example: DFCS says you were overpaid, but you believe the amount or time period is wrong.

If any of these sound familiar, that is often a sign that an appeal or fair hearing might be appropriate.

Your Rights in a SNAP Fair Hearing in Georgia

During the hearing process, you typically have the right to:

• Request a hearing in a timely manner
• Review your case file before the hearing
• See the evidence DFCS plans to use
• Bring witnesses to support your case
• Submit documents and other evidence
• Have an interpreter if you do not understand English well
• Request disability accommodations if needed (for example, for mobility, hearing, or vision issues)
• Be represented by a lawyer, advocate, or other authorized representative (at your own choosing and cost)

If you need language help or disability accommodations, contact your local DFCS office or the hearing office as soon as you receive the hearing notice.

Getting Help With a Georgia SNAP Appeal

You do not need a lawyer to request or attend a SNAP fair hearing, but some people choose to get help.

Possible sources of help include:

• Legal aid organizations in Georgia
• Nonprofit advocacy groups that focus on public benefits
• Local community action agencies
• The statewide 2‑1‑1 information line, which may refer you to local legal or social service agencies

These organizations are separate from HowToGetAssistance.org and DFCS. Availability may vary by county.

Typical Timeline: Georgia SNAP Appeal Process (Summary)

Below is a general overview. Your specific case may differ.

*These time frames are general. Always rely on details from your official DFCS notices and ask your local office if you have questions.

If You Miss the Hearing or Need to Reschedule

Life happens, and sometimes people cannot attend their scheduled hearing.

• If you know in advance you cannot attend, contact the hearing office or DFCS right away to ask about rescheduling.
• If you miss the hearing, the hearing officer may issue a decision without you, often based only on DFCS’s information.
• In some cases, if you missed the hearing for a good reason (like hospitalization, emergency, or not receiving notice in time), you may be able to ask for the hearing to be reopened. This is time‑sensitive, so act quickly and explain your situation.

Check your hearing notice or call your local DFCS office for exact instructions.

What If You Lose the SNAP Appeal in Georgia?

If the hearing decision is not in your favor, the written decision will explain:

• The reasons the hearing officer agreed with DFCS
• What this means for your current or future SNAP
• Any steps you might still be able to take

Options after an unfavorable decision may include:

• Reapplying for SNAP if your situation has changed (for example, lower income, new expenses, or a change in household size)
• Talking to legal aid about whether there is any further review or legal option available in your situation
• Exploring other food assistance options, such as:
  • Local food pantries
  • Community meal programs
  • Faith-based food programs
  • School meal or summer meal programs for children

These resources are separate from SNAP and may have their own rules and eligibility requirements.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Georgia Channels

Because SNAP is a government program, it’s important to work only with official Georgia and federal contacts for your case:

• Look for communication from Georgia DHS/DFCS
• Use phone numbers and addresses listed on your official notices or on the official state benefit portal
• Be cautious of:
  • Websites that ask for fees to “guarantee” approval or handle your appeal
  • People who request your full Social Security number, EBT PIN, or banking details by email/text
  • Social media accounts that are not clearly official government accounts

If you’re unsure whether a site or phone number is official, you can:

• Call your local DFCS office directly (using a number from a mailed notice or a local government directory), or
• Dial 2‑1‑1 for help identifying correct local government contact information.

By understanding how SNAP appeals and fair hearings generally work in Georgia, you can better protect your rights and present your situation clearly to the officials who make decisions. All requests, evidence, and final actions must go through Georgia’s official DFCS and hearing channels, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.