How to Request a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in Indiana

If you live in Indiana and your SNAP (food stamp) benefits were denied, reduced, delayed, or stopped, you may have the right to ask for an appeal or fair hearing. This is a formal way to ask the state to review a decision about your case.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how the Indiana SNAP appeal and fair hearing process typically works. It is for general information only. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, cannot access your case, and cannot file an appeal for you. To take action, you will need to contact official Indiana offices or hotlines.

SNAP Appeals and Fair Hearings in Indiana: The Basics

In Indiana, SNAP is usually run by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) through local offices and staff who process applications and manage cases.

If you disagree with a SNAP decision, you can usually:

• Ask for an appeal or fair hearing (sometimes called a “hearing request” or “administrative hearing”).
• Have your case reviewed by someone not directly involved in the original decision.
• Present your side, submit documents, and bring witnesses or representatives.

Common reasons people request SNAP appeals/fair hearings in Indiana include:

• Application denial (you were told you do not qualify).
• Benefit amount is lower than you believe it should be.
• Benefits were stopped or reduced without a reason you understand.
• Delays in processing your application or recertification.
• Overpayment notice that you think is wrong.
• Sanctions or penalties for alleged violations that you disagree with.

If any of these apply, you typically have a limited time to request an appeal, so acting quickly is important.

Indiana SNAP Appeal Deadlines

Indiana, like other states, sets specific time limits for requesting a fair hearing.

Common timelines (these can change, so always confirm with your local office or the state SNAP hotline):

• Denial or reduction of benefits: You generally must request a hearing within 90 days from the date on the notice that explains the decision.
• Notices about overpayments or fraud-related actions: These may have shorter or special deadlines.
• If you want benefits to continue during the appeal (also called “aid continuing”): You usually must ask for the hearing before the date the change takes effect or within a specific number of days after the notice.

Because deadlines are strict, it’s wise to:

• Read all notices carefully and look for phrases like “You have the right to a fair hearing” or “time limit for appeal.”
• Call your local office or state hotline as soon as you get a notice you disagree with.

How to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Indiana

You cannot request a SNAP appeal through HowToGetAssistance.org. To start an appeal in Indiana, you usually have several options:

1. Request by Phone

You can often:

• Call your local county Division of Family Resources (DFR) office, or
• Call the main FSSA / SNAP hotline for Indiana.

When you call:

• Say clearly that you want to “request a fair hearing for my SNAP case.”
• Have your case number, name, date of birth, and address ready.
• Ask for:
  • Confirmation that your hearing request has been filed, and
  • Information on what happens next and any deadlines you should know.

2. Request in Writing

You can usually request a hearing in writing by:

• Mailing a signed letter to your local SNAP/DFR office,
• Faxing the request, or
• Submitting an appeal/hearing request form if Indiana provides one on its official benefits portal or at local offices.

Your written request should include:

• Your full name and contact information.
• Your case number (if you have one).
• A short statement like:
  • “I am requesting a fair hearing regarding the decision dated [date] about my SNAP benefits.”
• Your signature and date.

Keep copies of everything you send, and if possible, proof of mailing or fax transmission.

3. Request Through the Official Online Portal (If Available)

Indiana typically has an official online benefits portal where you can:

• Apply for SNAP,
• Check your case, and sometimes
• Submit a hearing request or message.

If you use the portal:

• Log in to your account through the official Indiana benefits website (not through any third-party site).
• Look for options such as “Appeal,” “Fair Hearing,” “Contact Us,” or “Dispute a Decision.”
• Follow the instructions and save any confirmation number or screenshot showing your request was submitted.

If you’re unsure whether you successfully filed the appeal online, call your local office or the state hotline to verify.

Information and Documents to Gather for Your Appeal

Before and during your fair hearing, it helps to have organized documents. While requirements can vary by case, this checklist is a helpful starting point:

Basic personal and case information:

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, etc.)
• SNAP case number
• Copies of all recent notices or letters from the state about your benefits

Financial and household documents:

• Pay stubs or a letter from your employer
• Unemployment benefits or other income proof
• Social Security benefit letters (if applicable)
• Bank statements showing recent balances and transactions
• Rental or mortgage agreement and recent utility bills
• Child support orders or proof of payments made/received

Other helpful papers:

• Medical expense records (if someone in your household is elderly or has a disability, since high medical costs can affect SNAP calculations)
• Childcare costs you pay in order to work or attend training/school
• Any letters, emails, or notes from your caseworker
• A written timeline of what has happened with your case

You do not need to submit every document at once, but having them ready can make it easier to respond quickly when the hearing office asks for evidence.

What Happens After You Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Indiana

Once you request a hearing, the process usually includes these steps:

1. Confirmation and Scheduling

You should receive a written notice that:

• Confirms your hearing was requested, and
• Gives you the date, time, and format of the hearing.

Hearings may be:

• By phone
• By video
• In person at a designated location

The notice should also explain:

• Whether you can reschedule (and how to do that)
• How to submit documents before the hearing
• Your rights in the hearing (such as the right to bring a representative)

2. Pre-Hearing Review (Sometimes)

Sometimes, after you request a hearing:

• A supervisor or specialist may review your case before the hearing date.
• They might contact you to clarify information or offer to fix an error (for example, if there was a clear mistake in counting your income).

If the issue is corrected to your satisfaction, you may choose to withdraw your hearing request. If you are not satisfied, you typically can continue with the hearing.

3. Preparing for the Hearing

Before the hearing date, it helps to:

• Review the notice that explains why your benefits were denied or changed.
• Write down:
  • What you disagree with, and
  • Why you believe the decision was wrong.
• Make a list of key points you want to tell the hearing officer.
• Make copies of any documents you want to use as evidence.

You usually have the right to:

• Ask to see your case file before the hearing.
• Bring a representative, such as:
  • A trusted family member or friend,
  • A social worker, or
  • An attorney or advocate (if you have one).

4. The Hearing Itself

At the hearing, typically:

• An impartial hearing officer runs the meeting.
• A representative from the state SNAP agency may attend to explain the decision.
• You (and your representative, if you have one) can:
  • Tell your side of the story,
  • Present documents,
  • Ask questions, and
  • Respond to statements from the agency.

The hearing is usually less formal than a court, but you are still under oath and should answer questions truthfully.

If you need language interpretation or an accommodation for a disability, you can usually request this before the hearing through the hearing office or your local DFR office.

5. After the Hearing: Decision

After the hearing:

• The hearing officer will review all the evidence and testimony.
• A written decision is mailed to you.
• The decision will say whether the original SNAP action is:
  • Upheld (stays the same),
  • Modified (changed), or
  • Reversed (overturned in your favor).

If the decision is in your favor, the state may have to:

• Issue benefits you were wrongly denied, or
• Adjust your benefit amount for future months.

If the decision goes against you, the notice usually explains whether you have any further appeal options (such as judicial review), and any related deadlines.

Will My SNAP Benefits Continue During the Appeal?

Whether your benefits continue during an appeal can depend on:

• What kind of decision you are appealing, and
• When you requested the hearing.

In many states, including Indiana:

• If you request a hearing before your benefits are reduced or stopped, you may be able to keep getting your current benefit amount until the hearing decision is made.
• If you lose the hearing, you may owe back some of the benefits you received during the appeal period.

Because this can affect your finances, it’s important to:

• Ask your local office or the hearing office:
  • Whether your benefits will continue while you appeal, and
  • Whether you might have to repay benefits if the decision is not in your favor.

Common Reasons SNAP Cases Are Denied or Changed in Indiana

Understanding common issues can help you decide whether an appeal makes sense and what evidence you may need.

Typical reasons include:

• Missing documents or verification

  • For example, not turning in proof of income, housing, or identity by a deadline.

• Income above the limit

  • The state’s calculation shows your household income is too high.

• Reporting issues

  • Not reporting a new job, extra income, or household changes on time.

• Not completing an interview or recertification

  • Missing a scheduled phone or in-person interview.
  • Not returning recertification forms.

• Household composition questions

  • Disagreement about who should be counted in your household.

• Overpayment or suspected fraud

  • The state believes you were paid too much, or that rules were broken.

An appeal is usually about whether the rules were applied correctly and whether the facts in your case file are accurate and complete.

When an Appeal Might Be Helpful vs. When to Submit New Information

Not every issue needs a full hearing. Sometimes you can fix problems directly with your caseworker.

When a Fair Hearing May Be Helpful

• You believe your income or expenses were calculated wrong.
• The state misunderstood your situation (for example, you do not live with someone they counted in your household).
• You provided information, but the notice says you did not.
• You strongly disagree with a sanction, fraud finding, or overpayment.

When It May Be Better to Provide New Information Instead

• You did not turn in documents on time but have them now.
• Your situation changed (new job, lost job, new expenses).
• You simply missed an appointment or interview and can reschedule.

You can still talk to your local office about sending updated documents, even if you also pursue a hearing. Staff may be able to correct some issues without going through the entire appeal process.

Simple Snapshot: Indiana SNAP Appeal Options

Getting Help With a SNAP Appeal in Indiana

If the process feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Many people seek free or low-cost help with their appeals.

Options can include:

• Legal aid organizations
  • These groups may help with SNAP appeals, especially for low-income individuals.
• Community or social service agencies
  • Some nonprofits or community centers have staff who can explain letters, help organize paperwork, or attend hearings with you.
• 211 information line
  • By dialing 211, many people can connect with local resources for food, housing, and legal help referrals.
• Advocates or case managers
  • If you already work with a social worker, housing case manager, or another support worker, they may be able to help you prepare.

When asking for help, bring:

• Your denial or change notice
• Any hearing scheduling letters
• Your case number and a list of questions you have

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because SNAP is a government benefit, there are sometimes fake websites or third parties that claim they can “guarantee approval” or “expedite benefits for a fee.” It is important to use official Indiana resources.

Tips to stay safe:

• Never pay a fee to apply for SNAP or to file a SNAP appeal.
• Use contact information listed on:
  • Official Indiana FSSA or Division of Family Resources materials, or
  • Official state government documents you receive in the mail.
• When using a website:
  • Make sure it is clearly labeled as an Indiana government site.
  • Avoid entering your Social Security number or case details into unfamiliar or unofficial sites.
• Be cautious of anyone who:
  • Promises “guaranteed” approval,
  • Asks for upfront payment, or
  • Requests your EBT card number and PIN over the phone or email.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an information-only resource. It does not have access to Indiana’s systems and cannot view your case, change your benefits, or file appeals on your behalf.

If you disagree with a SNAP decision in Indiana, your next step is to review your notice, note the deadline, and contact your local DFR office, the state SNAP hotline, or an official benefits portal to request a fair hearing or to ask how to correct any missing information. Having your documents organized and understanding the process can make it easier to move forward.