Appeals and Fair Hearings for SNAP in Nebraska: How to Challenge a Decision

If you live in Nebraska and disagree with a decision about your SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, you may have the right to ask for an appeal or fair hearing. This is a formal way to ask the state to review and possibly change a decision about your food benefits.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how SNAP appeals and fair hearings typically work in Nebraska, what to expect, and how to take the next step through official state channels. This site is not a government agency and cannot process appeals or applications, but it can help you understand the process.

What Is a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in Nebraska?

When the Nebraska agency that runs SNAP makes a decision about your case, you have the right to say, “I don’t agree, and I want someone else to review this.”

An appeal (often called a fair hearing) is:

• A formal review of a decision about your SNAP case
• Run by the state, not by HowToGetAssistance.org
• Usually handled by a hearing officer or similar official who was not involved in your original case
• Your chance to explain your side, provide proof, and ask the state to change the decision

You can usually appeal decisions such as:

• Denial of a SNAP application
• Lower benefit amount than you believe you qualify for
• Termination or suspension of benefits
• Overpayment claims (when the state says you received more benefits than you should have and must repay)
• Sanctions or penalties (for example, due to alleged failure to cooperate with program rules)

Who Runs SNAP Appeals in Nebraska?

SNAP in Nebraska is typically managed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or a similarly named state agency. That same department usually handles appeals and fair hearings.

For accurate, updated information specific to your case, you should contact:

• Your local DHHS office, or
• The state SNAP hotline or customer service line, or
• The appeals or fair hearings unit listed in your official notice letter

Always follow the instructions on your official notice, because appeal addresses, fax numbers, and phone lines can change.

Common Reasons People File SNAP Appeals in Nebraska

People in Nebraska may request a fair hearing when they believe:

• Their income or deductions were calculated incorrectly
• Someone else’s income was wrongly counted in their household
• The state did not properly count rent, utilities, or childcare costs
• The household size was recorded incorrectly
• They provided information or documents that were not taken into account
• They never received a renewal notice or request for information before benefits were cut off
• They are told to repay benefits they believe were issued correctly
• They disagree with a fraud determination, sanction, or work requirement decision

If you are unsure whether your situation can be appealed, you can call your local DHHS office or a legal aid organization for guidance.

Deadlines: How Long You Have to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing

Deadlines are critical. If you miss them, you may lose your right to a hearing.

In many states (including Nebraska), you typically must:

• Request a fair hearing within about 90 days of the date on your SNAP notice for most decisions
• Act faster (often within 10 days) if you want to keep your current benefits going while your appeal is being decided

The exact deadline for Nebraska should be listed on your:

• Notice of decision, or
• Notice of Adverse Action, or
• Overpayment notice

If you are close to the deadline or not sure, contact your local office or state SNAP hotline immediately and say that you want to request a fair hearing. You can always send more documents later.

How to Tell If You Have Appeal Rights in Nebraska

Most SNAP notices will clearly state if you have the right to appeal.

Look on your notice for:

• A heading like “Right to a Fair Hearing” or “Appeal Rights”
• Instructions that say you can “request a hearing” or “file an appeal”
• A mailing address, fax number, phone number, or online portal for submitting an appeal

If your letter is hard to understand, you can:

• Call the number on the notice and ask them to explain your appeal options
• Ask for an interpreter if you prefer another language
• Contact Legal Aid of Nebraska or another legal services provider to review your notice with you

Ways to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Nebraska

The exact methods can change, so follow the directions on your notice and confirm with your local DHHS office. Common options usually include:

1. By Mail

Many people submit a written appeal by mail. Typically you:

• Write a short letter stating:
  • Your name and contact information
  • Your case or client number
  • That you are requesting a fair hearing
  • Which decision you are appealing (for example: “the notice dated July 3 reducing my SNAP benefits”)
• Sign and date the letter
• Mail it to the appeals address listed on your notice

To help prove you met the deadline, some people use certified mail or keep a copy and proof of mailing.

2. In Person

You may be able to request a hearing in person at your local DHHS office. You can:

• Bring your notice
• Tell the front-desk worker or caseworker you want to request a fair hearing about your SNAP case
• Ask them to date-stamp a copy of your written request so you have proof

3. By Phone

Some Nebraska offices accept hearing requests by phone. If this is allowed:

• Use the number on your notice or the main SNAP/benefits hotline
• Write down:
  • The date and time of your call
  • The name or ID of the person you spoke with
  • Any confirmation number they give you

Even if you request by phone, it can still be helpful to follow up in writing.

4. Online or by Fax

In some cases, Nebraska may allow appeals through:

• An online benefits portal, or
• Fax to a number listed on your notice

If you fax:

• Keep a copy of your request
• Save the fax confirmation page as proof

Key Information to Include in Your Appeal Request

To avoid delays, your appeal request should usually include:

• Full name
• Mailing address and phone number
• SNAP case number or client ID (shown on your notice or EBT paperwork)
• The date of the decision you are appealing
• A short statement: “I am requesting a fair hearing regarding my SNAP benefits.”
• Why you disagree (one or two sentences is usually enough to start)
• Your signature and the date

You can always provide more explanation and documents later before or during the hearing.

What Happens After You Request a SNAP Hearing in Nebraska?

1. Acknowledgement and Scheduling

After you request a hearing, the state typically:

• Reviews your request to confirm it was on time
• Schedules a hearing date and time
• Sends you a written notice with:
  • The hearing date, time, and location (or phone/conference details)
  • Instructions on how the hearing will be held
  • Information about your rights, such as bringing a representative or interpreter

If the scheduled time doesn’t work, contact the hearing office number on the notice as soon as possible to ask if you can reschedule. Policies vary, and last-minute requests may not always be granted.

2. “Pre-Hearing” Review of Your Case

Sometimes, once you file an appeal, the agency may:

• Take another look at your case
• Call you to ask for more documents
• Try to resolve the issue informally before the hearing

If they fix the problem and you agree, you may choose to withdraw your appeal. Only withdraw in writing and only if you are satisfied with the new decision and fully understand it.

3. Preparing for the Hearing

You have the right to see the evidence the agency will use at the hearing. You can generally:

• Ask to review your case file
• Request copies of:
  • Your application and recertification forms
  • Income calculations
  • Notices the agency says it mailed
  • Any documents they say you did or did not provide

If you need time to review these documents, you can ask the hearing officer for a postponement so you can prepare.

Your Rights in a Nebraska SNAP Fair Hearing

During a SNAP fair hearing in Nebraska, you typically have the right to:

• Speak on your own behalf
• Have an interpreter if you don’t speak English well or prefer another language
• Bring a representative, such as:
  • A lawyer
  • Someone from a legal aid program
  • A trusted friend, family member, or advocate
• Present documents and other evidence, like:
  • Pay stubs
  • Rent receipts or lease
  • Utility bills
  • Childcare receipts
  • Letters from employers, landlords, or service providers
• Question the agency’s witnesses (for example, your caseworker)
• Submit a written statement if you feel more comfortable explaining in writing

If you need disability-related accommodations (for example, if you have vision, hearing, or mobility challenges), you can ask the hearing office or DHHS ADA coordinator for help so you can participate in the hearing.

What to Expect at the Hearing

In Nebraska, SNAP fair hearings may be held:

• By phone or conference call
• By video (if available)
• In person at a local or central office

What usually happens:

1. The hearing officer explains the process and everyone’s roles.
2. The agency (DHHS) explains:
   • What decision they made
   • Why they made it
   • The rules they relied on
3. You or your representative have a chance to:
   • Tell your side of the story
   • Explain why you think the decision is wrong
   • Show your documents and evidence
4. Both sides may ask questions.
5. The hearing officer may ask for additional information or clarification.
6. The hearing is formally closed, and the hearing officer reviews all information.

You usually won’t get a decision on the spot. The decision comes later in writing.

After the Hearing: The Decision

After the hearing, the hearing officer or agency typically:

• Reviews:
  • The rules that apply to your situation
  • The evidence and testimony from both sides
• Issues a written decision that:
  • States whether the agency’s decision is upheld, changed, or reversed
  • Explains the reasons and rules used
  • Includes information on any further review or appeal options

Possible Outcomes

• Decision in your favor

  • Your benefits may be approved, increased, or restored
  • In some cases, you might receive back benefits for months you should have been eligible

• Decision partly in your favor

  • The agency’s decision may be modified, such as a smaller overpayment amount or a shorter sanction period

• Decision against you

  • The agency’s decision remains as is
  • If you kept benefits during the appeal and lose, you may have to repay some or all of those benefits, depending on the rules

If you disagree with the hearing decision, ask the hearing notice or your local office how to request further review. Options are usually limited and have strict deadlines.

Keeping or Stopping Benefits During an Appeal

In many cases, you may be able to keep your current SNAP benefits while the appeal is pending, if:

• You request a hearing within a short timeframe (often within 10 days of the notice date), and
• The decision is about reducing or ending your existing benefits, not an initial denial

However, rules can be complex. Important points:

• If you keep receiving benefits and then lose the appeal, you may owe an overpayment the state can ask you to repay.
• If you don’t want to risk an overpayment, you can usually choose not to continue benefits during the appeal.

To understand what applies in Nebraska:

• Carefully read your notice of decision
• Call your local DHHS office or state SNAP hotline and ask them to explain your options
• Consider speaking with legal aid before deciding

Documents and Evidence That Can Help Your SNAP Appeal

Having the right documents can make a big difference. Useful items often include:

• Identification:

  • Driver’s license or state ID
  • Social Security card (if requested by the agency)

• Income proof:

  • Recent pay stubs
  • Self-employment records or ledgers
  • Unemployment benefit letters
  • Social Security or disability benefit notices
  • Proof of child support received or paid

• Expenses:

  • Rent or mortgage statement or lease
  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water, trash, phone if allowed)
  • Childcare or dependent care receipts
  • Medical expenses (for elderly or disabled members, if counted under SNAP rules)

• Household information:

  • Birth certificates (if needed for household composition)
  • School enrollment letters (if the question involves a child’s residence)
  • Custody or court orders

• Communication with the agency:

  • Copies of your applications and recertifications
  • Letters or notices from DHHS
  • Any fax confirmations, mail receipts, or emails you sent
  • Notes from phone calls (date, time, who you spoke with)

You don’t need every document on this list. Focus on items that directly relate to why the agency reduced, denied, or ended your benefits.

Sample Timeline: Nebraska SNAP Appeal Process

This is a general example; your case may move faster or slower.

*Check your official Nebraska SNAP materials for the most accurate timelines.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt a SNAP Appeal

People sometimes run into problems that could have been avoided. Common issues include:

• Missing the deadline to request a hearing
• Assuming a phone call with a caseworker automatically counts as a hearing request
• Not opening or reading mail from DHHS
• Not updating mailing address or phone number, causing missed notices
• Ignoring requests for additional information from the agency or hearing office
• Failing to attend the scheduled hearing (which can lead to dismissal of your appeal)
• Bringing no documents or evidence to support your side

To protect your rights:

• Act quickly once you get a notice you disagree with
• Put your hearing request in writing and keep a copy
• Open all official mail promptly
• Keep a small file with all SNAP-related papers and notes

Getting Help With a SNAP Appeal in Nebraska

You do not have to handle this alone. In Nebraska, people often get help from:

• Legal Aid of Nebraska or similar nonprofit legal services
• Community organizations that assist with benefits and advocacy
• 211 (dial 2-1-1), which can often connect you to local resources
• Social workers or case managers at community centers, shelters, or churches

These helpers are usually separate from the state agency; they can explain the process and, in some cases, represent you at a hearing. Ask if they assist with SNAP fair hearings specifically.

Verifying You Are Using Official Nebraska SNAP Channels

Because appeals involve personal information, it’s important to make sure you are dealing with official government contacts, not third-party impostors or scams.

Here are some ways to check:

• Confirm that phone numbers and addresses appear on:
  • Official letters from Nebraska DHHS
  • The state’s official government website (check that the web address ends in .gov)
• Be cautious if:
  • Someone asks you to pay a fee to file an appeal
  • You are asked for your full EBT card number and PIN over the phone or email
  • You receive unsolicited messages through social media about your SNAP case

If you’re unsure, call the main DHHS or state SNAP hotline listed on Nebraska’s official government site and ask them to confirm any address, phone number, or fax number before sending documents.

If You Don’t Qualify or Lose Your Appeal

If you are not approved for SNAP or your appeal is denied, you may still have other options for food assistance in Nebraska, such as:

• Food pantries and food banks
• Soup kitchens or community meals
• Faith-based organizations offering food boxes or vouchers
• School-based programs, such as free or reduced-price meals for eligible children
• Senior meal programs, like home-delivered meals or congregate dining for older adults

To find local resources:

• Call 211 and ask about food assistance in your area
• Contact local community action agencies or county social service offices

These programs have their own eligibility rules, but they can help stretch your food budget while you explore your options with SNAP.

Understanding how appeals and fair hearings for SNAP in Nebraska work can help you protect your rights and make sure your case is reviewed fairly. To move forward, carefully review your official notice, note your deadline, and contact your local Nebraska DHHS office or state SNAP hotline to follow the state’s official procedures.