Appeals and Fair Hearings for SNAP in Maryland: How to Disagree with a Decision

If you live in Maryland and get SNAP (food stamp) benefits, you have rights when you disagree with a decision about your case. This includes decisions to:

• Deny your application
• Lower or stop your benefits
• Claim you were overpaid
• Delay processing your case

This guide explains how SNAP appeals and fair hearings typically work in Maryland, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, not a law office, and not a place to apply or file appeals. For any official action—such as filing a fair hearing request—you must use Maryland’s official SNAP offices, hotlines, or portals.

Understanding Your Right to Appeal SNAP Decisions in Maryland

Maryland SNAP is administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), usually through your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office or similar agency.

If you get a notice (letter, online message, or decision document) about your SNAP case and you disagree with it, you typically have the right to:

• Ask for an explanation or an informal review with your caseworker or local office
• Request a fair hearing with an independent hearing official at the state level

A fair hearing is a formal process where:

• You explain why you think the decision was wrong
• The agency explains how it made its decision
• An independent hearing official reviews the evidence and makes a decision

You do not have to be a lawyer to ask for a hearing, and many people handle this process on their own, sometimes with help from legal aid or an advocate.

Common Reasons People Appeal SNAP Decisions

People in Maryland often request an appeal or fair hearing for situations like:

• Application denied when they believe they meet SNAP rules
• Benefits reduced without what they feel is a valid reason
• Benefits ended (terminated) suddenly or incorrectly
• Benefit amount seems too low compared to their income, rent, or expenses
• Overpayment/repayment notice that they disagree with
• Delays where the office has not decided the case within a reasonable time
• Sanctions or penalties they believe are unfair or mistaken

If you receive a notice and something doesn’t look right, you can usually:

1. Read the notice carefully – it should explain the decision and your right to a hearing.
2. Check the deadline for requesting a hearing (often 90 days from the date on the notice for SNAP decisions, but always go by what your notice says).

If you are unsure whether you should appeal, many people contact legal aid organizations, a local help center, or 211 for guidance.

Deadlines: How Long You Have to Request a Fair Hearing

Your hearing rights and deadlines are extremely important. Time limits can vary slightly based on the type of decision, but for SNAP in Maryland:

• For most denials, reductions, or terminations of SNAP, you usually have 90 days from the date of the notice to request a hearing.
• For delays (for example, your application is not processed on time), you may be able to request a hearing after a certain number of days have passed without a decision.

Always:

• Look at your notice of action or notice of adverse action
• Find the section labeled something like “Right to Appeal” or “Fair Hearing Rights”
• Follow that information, as it reflects the official rules for your case

If you are close to the deadline, it’s often better to submit a hearing request quickly, then gather documents afterward, rather than waiting until everything is perfectly prepared.

How to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Maryland

The exact process can vary slightly by county or by how Maryland updates its systems, but most people can request a hearing using one or more of the following official options:

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

Many people request a hearing by writing a short statement, such as:

Include:

• Your full name
• Your case number (if you have one)
• Your address and phone number
• The type of benefit (SNAP)
• A copy of the notice you’re appealing (if possible)

You can typically:

• Mail it to your local Department of Social Services office
• Fax it to the local office or the state DHS hearing office (check your notice for the fax number)
• Drop it off at the local office and ask for a date-stamped copy for your records

2. In Person at Your Local Office

You may be able to:

• Go to your local DSS office
• Tell the receptionist or worker that you want to request a fair hearing on your SNAP case
• Fill out any hearing request form they provide

Ask if you can get a copy of the completed form with a stamp or signature showing the date.

3. By Phone (If Allowed)

Some Maryland offices or the state DHS may accept hearing requests by phone:

• Call the number listed on your notice (often the local DSS number or a DHS customer service line)
• Tell them you want to request a fair hearing about your SNAP decision

If you request a hearing by phone, it is often helpful to:

• Write down the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with
• If possible, also send a written request so you have a clear record

4. Through the Official Online Portal (If Available)

If Maryland’s official benefits portal offers online hearing requests:

• Log into the official Maryland benefits portal (for example, the same site where you applied or manage benefits)
• Look for options such as “Appeal,” “Hearing Request,” or “Disagree with a Decision”
• Follow the on-screen instructions

To confirm you are on an official state site, check that:

• The website clearly lists Maryland Department of Human Services or a similar official agency
• The address, phone numbers, and contact information match what appears on your official notices

Never submit personal information or case details on any private website that is not clearly a Maryland state government site.

Important: Keeping Your Benefits During the Appeal (“Aid Paid Pending”)

In some cases, if you appeal a change before the effective date, your SNAP benefits may continue at the same level until the hearing decision is made. This is often referred to as “aid paid pending” or continued benefits.

Key points:

• You usually must request the hearing before the date the change takes effect (check your notice for this deadline).
• If you lose your hearing, you may be asked to repay any extra benefits you received during the appeal period.
• If you win, your benefits should be corrected, and you may receive back benefits if you were underpaid.

Your notice or your local office can confirm whether continued benefits apply in your situation.

What Happens After You Request a Fair Hearing?

After your request is received by Maryland DHS or your local office, several steps typically occur.

Step 1: Confirmation of Your Hearing Request

You should receive:

• A confirmation that your hearing request was received, usually by mail
• Details about:
  • Date and time of the hearing
  • Location (in-person, by phone, or by video)
  • How to submit documents
  • Your right to bring a representative (like a lawyer, advocate, or trusted person)

If you do not receive confirmation after a reasonable time, you can call your local office or the state hearing office to check the status.

Step 2: Informal Resolution (Optional)

Sometimes, before the actual hearing date:

• A caseworker or supervisor may contact you to try to resolve the issue informally
• If the problem can be fixed (for example, missing documents are found, or a mistake is corrected), you may decide to withdraw your hearing request

If you are unsure whether you should withdraw, you can ask for advice from legal aid or a trusted advocate.

Step 3: Preparing for the Hearing

Before the hearing:

• You have the right to review your case file and any documents the agency plans to use.
• You can collect your own evidence, such as:
  • Pay stubs
  • Rent receipts or lease
  • Utility bills
  • Medical expenses (if relevant to your SNAP calculation)
  • Immigration or identity documents
  • Any letters or notes that support your case

You may also:

• Write down a timeline of what happened
• Prepare a short list of key points, such as:
  • What decision you disagree with
  • Why you think it is incorrect
  • Which documents support your position

If you want help, contact legal aid in Maryland, 211, or a local nonprofit that works with low-income families. They cannot guarantee representation, but they may offer free advice or referrals.

Step 4: The Hearing Itself

A Maryland SNAP fair hearing is usually:

• Held by phone, video, or in-person (depending on current state practice and what your notice says)
• Run by an impartial hearing officer or administrative law judge

What typically happens:

1. The hearing officer explains the process and reads the issue being decided.
2. The agency representative (often from the local DSS) explains their decision and presents their documents.
3. You (and your representative, if you have one) can:
   • Tell your side of the story
   • Present your documents and any witnesses
   • Ask questions of the agency representative
4. The hearing officer may ask both sides clarifying questions.
5. The hearing is usually recorded.

You should receive a written decision after the hearing, usually by mail.

Typical Outcomes of a Maryland SNAP Fair Hearing

After considering all the evidence, the hearing officer can:

• Agree with you (reverse or change the agency decision)
• Partly agree and partly disagree
• Agree with the agency and leave the decision as is
• Send the case back to the local office for further action or review

If you win your hearing:

• Your SNAP benefits may be restored, increased, or corrected
• You may receive back benefits for months when you should have received more

If you lose:

• The original decision generally stays in place
• If you had continued benefits during the appeal, you may be required to repay any extra amount
• You may have the option to appeal further through the court system, which often requires legal help

The written decision you receive should explain:

• The reasoning
• The rules applied
• Your next steps or further appeal rights, if any

Key Documents to Gather for a SNAP Appeal in Maryland

Having the right paperwork can help make your case clearer. Here are common documents people gather, depending on their issue:

Always bring:

• Your hearing notice
• Your photo ID (for in-person hearings)
• Any letters from the agency relating to the issue

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt a SNAP Appeal

People in Maryland sometimes run into problems with appeals because of issues like:

• Missing the deadline on the notice
• Not updating their address, so hearing notices go to the wrong place
• Not opening or reading mail from the agency
• Not attending the hearing (no-show), which can result in dismissal
• Not bringing any documents to support their side
• Assuming that the hearing officer already has all the facts or knows their full situation

To avoid these problems:

• Open and read every letter from Maryland DHS or your local DSS
• Write down all important dates and deadlines
• If you can’t attend the hearing as scheduled, contact the hearing office in advance to ask about a postponement
• Keep copies of everything you send or receive

If You Don’t Qualify for SNAP or Lose Your Appeal

If you are denied SNAP or lose your hearing, other resources may still be available in Maryland:

• Food pantries and community food banks – Many local churches, nonprofits, and community centers offer free groceries.
• Soup kitchens and community meals – Can provide prepared meals, especially in larger cities or through faith-based groups.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – If you are pregnant, postpartum, or have children under 5, you may qualify for WIC even if you do not receive SNAP.
• School meals and summer food programs – Families with school-age children may be able to access free or reduced-price meals through schools.
• 211 Maryland – By dialing 211, many residents can be connected to local food and benefit resources, including help finding pantries or legal aid.

These programs are run through official agencies, schools, and nonprofit organizations, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Maryland SNAP Channels

To protect your personal information and avoid scams:

• Use phone numbers and addresses listed on your official notices, or on clearly identified Maryland Department of Human Services materials.
• Check that websites clearly show they are a Maryland state government site (often with state logos and government contact information).
• Be careful of any site that:
  • Charges a fee to file a SNAP application or appeal
  • Promises “guaranteed approval”
  • Asks you to send documents through unsecure or personal email addresses

HowToGetAssistance.org is only an information resource. To file or manage a SNAP appeal, you must work directly with Maryland DHS, your local Department of Social Services, or the official state hearing office.

If you have a recent SNAP decision letter from Maryland and you are unsure what to do, the most direct next steps are usually to read the appeal section on your notice, contact your local DSS office or state DHS office at the official phone number listed, and consider reaching out to legal aid or 211 for additional guidance.