How to Request a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in Michigan

If your Michigan SNAP (food assistance) benefits were denied, reduced, closed, or delayed, you may be able to appeal and ask for a fair hearing. This is a formal way to ask the state to review a decision about your case.

This guide explains how appeals and fair hearings for SNAP usually work in Michigan, what to expect, and how to move forward through the official state process.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, it does not run SNAP, and it cannot accept appeals or applications. For actions on your case, you must use Michigan’s official SNAP offices and portals.

SNAP Appeals and Fair Hearings in Michigan: The Basics

In Michigan, SNAP (often called Food Assistance Program or FAP) is run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

If you think MDHHS made a mistake on your case, you can usually:

• Ask your caseworker to review or explain the decision, and/or
• Formally appeal and request a fair hearing with an administrative law judge.

A fair hearing is a legal process where you can:

• Tell your side of the story
• Present documents or witnesses
• Ask questions about how MDHHS handled your case
• Have a judge decide whether the agency followed the rules

You do not have to be a legal expert to ask for a hearing, but deadlines are strict, so acting quickly matters.

When You Can Appeal a SNAP Decision in Michigan

You can usually request a hearing any time you believe MDHHS:

• Wrongly denied your SNAP application
• Approved you for fewer benefits than you think you qualify for
• Stopped or lowered your ongoing benefits
• Delayed a decision past normal processing times
• Asked you to repay an overpayment you do not agree with
• Sanctioned you (reduced/ended benefits) for alleged rule violations you dispute

Your Notice of Case Action or hearing rights notice from MDHHS usually tells you:

• What decision was made
• When it starts
• How long you have to appeal
• Where and how to request a hearing

If you are unsure whether your situation is appealable, you can:

• Contact your local MDHHS office
• Call the state benefits or SNAP hotline
• Reach out to a legal aid organization in Michigan for guidance

Important Deadlines for SNAP Appeals in Michigan

Michigan generally gives a limited number of days from the date on the notice to request a fair hearing. That time limit can depend on:

• The type of decision (denial, reduction, closure, overpayment)
• Whether you are asking to keep benefits during the appeal

Because deadlines are so important, most people are advised to:

• Read every notice from MDHHS carefully
• Look for the section titled “Hearing Rights”, “Appeal Rights,” or similar
• Count days from the date on the notice, not the day you opened it

If you think you’re close to the deadline, you may want to:

• Submit your appeal request in writing as soon as possible, and
• Follow up with your local office or the official MDHHS hotline to confirm they received it

How to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Michigan

You usually have several options to request a hearing. The exact process can change, so always check your most recent MDHHS notice or contact your local office for the current procedure.

1. By Mail or In Person

Many Michigan notices come with a hearing request section or form. Typically, you can:

1. Fill out the hearing request form on the notice, including:
   • Your full name
   • Your case number
   • Your address and phone number
   • A short statement like, “I want a hearing about the SNAP decision dated [date].”
2. Sign and date the form.
3. Mail or hand-deliver it to your local MDHHS office or the address listed on the notice.

If delivering in person, you can ask the office to stamp a copy for your records showing the date they received it.

2. By Phone

Some Michigan districts allow you to request a hearing by phone through:

• Your local MDHHS office, or
• The state benefits hotline or SNAP customer service line

If you request a hearing by phone, it is still wise to:

• Write down the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke with
• Follow up in writing if possible, to have a paper trail

3. Through the Official Online System (If Offered)

Michigan may allow appeal requests through its official online benefits portal (the same place where many people apply for benefits or upload documents). This can change over time.

To check:

• Log in to the official Michigan benefits portal you used to apply or manage benefits, or
• Contact MDHHS or your local office and ask if online hearing requests are available for your case

Information to Include in Your Hearing Request

To avoid delays, your hearing request usually should include:

• Your full name
• Date of birth (sometimes requested)
• Case number or client ID
• Current address and phone number
• Type of benefit: SNAP or Food Assistance Program (FAP)
• Which decision you’re appealing (with date of the notice, if possible)
• A brief statement that you disagree with the decision and want a hearing

You do not have to explain everything in detail in your request. You can provide more information later, during the hearing.

Can Your SNAP Benefits Continue During the Appeal?

In some situations, if you appeal before a specific deadline, you may be able to keep getting your current SNAP benefits while you wait for the hearing decision. This is sometimes called “aid continuing.”

Important points:

• You generally must file your appeal before the date the change takes effect, or within a certain number of days from the notice date (the notice should explain this).
• If you lose the hearing, you might have to repay any extra benefits you received during the appeal period.
• If you win, the agency may need to restore benefits or correct past months.

Always check the hearing rights section of your notice or speak to your local MDHHS office to understand your options and deadlines.

What Happens After You Request a SNAP Hearing in Michigan

Once your hearing request is received, a few things usually happen:

1. Acknowledgment and Scheduling

You should receive:

• A written notice confirming your hearing request
• A hearing date, time, and method (usually phone or video, sometimes in-person)
• Instructions on how to join the hearing and what to do if you cannot attend

If the time or date does not work for you, you may be able to request a reschedule (called an adjournment), but that must usually be done before the hearing date and for a good reason.

2. Access to Your Case File

You have the right to review your case file and any documents MDHHS plans to use at the hearing. You can usually:

• Ask your local MDHHS office for a copy of your case file or key documents
• Review them in person or request copies (sometimes there may be copying rules or limits)

This helps you see how the agency calculated your income, household size, and benefits, and what rules they relied on.

3. Pre-Hearing Resolution

Sometimes, after you request a hearing:

• A specialist or supervisor may review your case
• The agency may correct a mistake without going through a full hearing

If this happens, you may be asked if you want to withdraw your hearing request. You do not have to agree to withdraw unless you are satisfied with the correction. If you’re unsure, you can ask a legal aid office for advice.

What to Expect During the SNAP Fair Hearing

Michigan SNAP hearings are usually handled by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) or hearing referee. The hearing is less formal than a court trial but still follows rules.

Who May Be There

• You (the person appealing)
• Your representative (if you have one, such as a lawyer or authorized friend/family member)
• A MDHHS representative (often a caseworker or supervisor)
• The Administrative Law Judge

Typical Hearing Process

While each hearing is unique, many follow a general order:

1. Introduction
   • The judge explains the issue, your rights, and the process.
2. MDHHS explains the decision
   • They describe how they calculated your benefits or why they took the action.
   • They may present documents or rules they relied on.
3. You present your side
   • You can explain what you think is wrong.
   • You may share documents (pay stubs, rent receipts, letters, etc.).
   • You can bring witnesses who know relevant facts.
4. Questions
   • The judge may ask questions.
   • You can ask questions of the MDHHS representative about your case.
5. Closing
   • Each side may make final comments.
   • The judge usually does not decide on the spot but will send a written decision later.

You have the right to:

• Speak for yourself
• Have an interpreter if you do not speak English well or need ASL
• Bring a representative (including an attorney or non-attorney advocate)
• Submit evidence and respond to what MDHHS presents

If you need an interpreter or disability-related accommodation, let the hearing office or your local MDHHS office know as early as possible.

Preparing for Your Michigan SNAP Hearing

Getting ready can make a big difference. Here are steps many people find helpful.

Gather Documents

Collect papers and proof that support your side, such as:

• Income records: pay stubs, employer letters, self-employment logs
• Housing costs: lease, rent receipts, mortgage statements, property tax bills
• Utility bills: heat, electric, water, sewer, trash
• Childcare or dependent care costs: bills, receipts, provider statements
• Medical expenses (for elderly or disabled household members, if relevant)
• Proof of household members: birth certificates, custody papers, school records
• Any letters or notices from MDHHS

Organize them in date order and label them clearly so you can easily explain them to the judge.

Write Down Your Key Points

It can help to make a simple outline:

• What decision you’re appealing
• Why you think it is wrong
• Which documents support your view
• Any important dates (when you reported changes, when you applied, when you sent forms)

Having notes can keep you from forgetting important details during the hearing.

Consider Getting Help

In Michigan, legal aid organizations sometimes assist with SNAP appeals, especially for low-income households. They may:

• Explain your rights
• Help you understand MDHHS rules
• Represent you at the hearing, if resources allow
• Help you negotiate with the agency

You can try:

• Calling Michigan’s statewide legal aid or legal services offices
• Contacting local legal aid programs in your county
• Dialing 211 to ask for referrals to legal help or advocacy groups in your area

After the SNAP Hearing: Decisions and Next Steps

Written Decision

After the hearing, the judge will issue a written decision that explains:

• The facts of your case
• The rules that apply
• Whether MDHHS’s action was correct or must be changed

The decision is usually mailed to you. Keep this document in your records.

If You Win

If the decision is in your favor, MDHHS may be ordered to:

• Approve benefits it previously denied
• Increase your monthly SNAP amount
• Restore benefits for past months (back benefits)
• Correct other parts of your case

If the decision orders action on your case and you do not see changes within a reasonable time, you can:

• Contact your local MDHHS office
• Call the state benefits hotline
• Ask the office how they are implementing the hearing decision

If You Lose

If the decision goes against you, the notice will typically explain:

• Whether you can request a rehearing
• Whether you can appeal further, such as by going to state court
• Any deadlines for taking those next steps

If you lose and had benefits continued during the appeal, the state may:

• Seek repayment of any extra SNAP benefits you received during the pending appeal period

If you are thinking about taking further action, you may want to:

• Contact a legal aid office
• Talk with an attorney about your options and timelines

Common Reasons People Need SNAP Hearings in Michigan

Understanding common issues can help you spot errors and prepare.

Some frequent reasons for appeals include:

• Income miscalculated
  • Overtime, fluctuating hours, or self-employment income counted incorrectly
• Household members not counted
  • A child, partner, or other person you buy and cook food with was left out
• Deductions missed or misapplied
  • Rent, utilities, childcare, child support, or medical expenses not properly credited
• Notices not received or misunderstood
  • Forms or verification requests you never saw or thought you had already submitted
• Sanctions or fraud allegations
  • Accusations of intentionally providing wrong information, which you dispute

Hearings are designed so that both you and the agency can clarify facts and make sure the rules are applied correctly.

Simple Overview: SNAP Appeal Steps in Michigan

Where to Get Official Help and Information

Because processes and forms can change, always rely on official Michigan sources for final instructions about your case.

You can:

• Contact your local MDHHS office (check your notice for address and phone number).
• Call the state benefits or SNAP hotline listed on your MDHHS paperwork.
• Visit Michigan’s official benefits website/portal to see options for managing your case.
• Dial 211 to ask for help finding local food resources, legal aid, and community organizations.

Remember:
HowToGetAssistance.org can help you understand the process, but it cannot:

• File or process your SNAP appeal
• Access or change your Michigan case
• Make decisions about your eligibility or benefits

To move forward with a SNAP appeal or fair hearing in Michigan, you must use the official MDHHS offices, phone lines, and online systems.