How to Request a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in New Hampshire

If you live in New Hampshire and disagree with a decision about your SNAP (food stamps) benefits, you usually have the right to appeal and request a fair hearing. This article explains, in plain language, how the process typically works in New Hampshire and what steps you can take through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational resource, not a government agency or application site. You cannot file an appeal or check your SNAP case here, but you can use this guide to understand your options and then contact the official New Hampshire office that handles SNAP.

Understanding SNAP Appeals and Fair Hearings in New Hampshire

What is a SNAP appeal?

An appeal is a formal way to tell the New Hampshire SNAP agency that you think a decision on your case is wrong or unfair and that you want it reviewed.

You might appeal decisions such as:

• Your application was denied
• Your benefit amount was reduced
• Your case was closed or terminated
• You are being asked to repay an overpayment
• Your expedited/emergency SNAP request was denied or delayed
• You disagree with a fraud or intentional program violation (IPV) finding

In New Hampshire, SNAP is administered by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Appeals and fair hearings are typically handled through the state’s administrative appeals unit or fair hearings office.

What is a fair hearing?

A fair hearing is a more formal step in the appeal process. It is a meeting (in person, by phone, or sometimes video) where:

• An impartial hearing officer (someone who was not involved in your case decision) listens to both sides
• You can explain your situation, present documents, and bring witnesses
• The SNAP agency explains why it made its decision
• The hearing officer issues a written decision after reviewing the evidence and rules

A fair hearing is not a criminal court case. It is an administrative process focused on whether the agency followed the correct SNAP rules and state policies.

When You Can Request a SNAP Appeal in New Hampshire

You usually have the right to appeal any SNAP decision that affects your benefits, including:

• Denials of applications
• Reductions in benefit amount
• Closures or suspensions
• Delays in processing beyond the normal timeframes
• Overpayment notices or repayment demands
• Sanctions or penalties for alleged violations
• Disagreements about household composition, income, or deductions

Time limits (deadlines) to appeal

Deadlines can change, so it is important to check the notice you received and/or contact the official New Hampshire SNAP office. However, SNAP programs typically follow timelines like:

• Standard appeals: usually up to 90 days from the date on the notice
• To continue benefits while appealing a cut or closure: you often must request your hearing within 10 days of the notice date (or before the effective date of the change)

On your notice, look for phrases like:

• “You have the right to a fair hearing”
• “You must request a hearing by…”
• “If you want your benefits to continue…”

If you are close to a deadline, it is usually better to submit a request as soon as possible and then gather additional documents later.

Common Reasons People Appeal SNAP Decisions

Understanding why decisions are made can help you decide if an appeal may be appropriate.

People often appeal when they believe:

• Income or expenses were counted incorrectly
  • Overtime or temporary income was treated as ongoing
  • Child support, medical costs, or shelter expenses were not fully counted
• Household members were added or removed incorrectly
• Their application or recertification was denied even though they submitted required documents
• They received an overpayment notice they do not understand or believe is wrong
• Their case was closed for missed interview or paperwork, but they did try to comply or had good cause
• They were not properly notified about changes before they happened

If the decision seems based on missing or outdated information, an appeal or talking with your worker may allow you to clarify or update your case.

How to Start a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing Request in New Hampshire

You must file your appeal through official New Hampshire DHHS channels, not through this site. Below is a general overview of common options; always confirm details with your local office or the phone number on your notice.

Step 1: Read your notice carefully

Your SNAP decision notice usually includes:

• What decision was made (denial, reduction, closure, overpayment, etc.)
• The effective date of the decision
• The reason for the decision
• Your appeal rights
• How to request a hearing (phone, mail, fax, in-person, sometimes online)
• The deadline to request a hearing

Keep this notice—it is useful when you contact the state or prepare for your hearing.

Step 2: Choose how to request the appeal

In New Hampshire, you can typically request an appeal in one of several ways:

• By phone
  Call the New Hampshire DHHS number listed on your SNAP notice or the main DHHS customer service line. Ask how to request a SNAP fair hearing.

• In writing (mail or fax)
  You can usually:

  • Fill out a hearing request form (if provided with your notice), or
  • Write a short letter saying you want to appeal the decision.
    Include:
    • Your full name
    • Your case number (if you have it)
    • Your address and phone number
    • A statement that you want a fair hearing
    • The date and signature

• In person
  You may be able to go to your local DHHS district office and:

  • Ask to speak with a worker about filing an appeal
  • Fill out any required forms on-site

• Online
  If New Hampshire offers an online benefits portal, it may have a way to send secure messages or file an appeal online. Check the official New Hampshire DHHS website or the state benefits portal for instructions.

If you are unsure whether your request went through, ask for confirmation in writing or a reference number.

Step 3: Decide if you want benefits to continue during the appeal

If your current benefits are being reduced or stopped, you may have the option to keep the old benefit amount until the hearing decision is made, if you request the hearing by the short deadline stated in your notice.

Important points:

• If you win your hearing, any missed benefits are generally restored according to SNAP rules.
• If you lose, you may be required to repay the extra benefits you received during the appeal.

If you are concerned about possible repayment, ask the SNAP office to explain your options before you decide.

Documents and Information to Gather for Your SNAP Appeal

You do not always need every document right away to request a hearing, but having strong proof can help your case.

Useful items may include:

• Identification and case details

  • Your SNAP case number
  • Your DHHS client ID (if applicable)
  • Copies of any notices you are appealing

• Income documentation

  • Recent pay stubs or employer letters
  • Proof of self-employment income and expenses
  • Social Security, unemployment, or pension award letters

• Expense documentation

  • Rent or mortgage receipts or lease agreements
  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water, heating, phone if allowed)
  • Childcare costs (invoices, receipts)
  • Child support paid (court orders, payment records)
  • Medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members (bills, receipts, insurance statements)

• Household composition

  • Documents showing who lives in your home, such as:
    • School records
    • Landlord statements
    • Custody agreements

• Communication with DHHS

  • Copies of forms you submitted
  • Notes of phone calls (date, time, who you spoke with)
  • Any emails or letters between you and the agency

Keep everything organized in a folder so you can easily refer to it during the hearing.

What Happens After You Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in New Hampshire

Processes can vary slightly, but the general steps are similar statewide.

1. Acknowledgment and scheduling

After you request a hearing, the fair hearings office or appeals unit typically:

• Sends you a written acknowledgment of your request
• Schedules your hearing date, time, and method (in-person, phone, or video, depending on state policies)
• Explains:
  • Your rights at the hearing
  • Whether you can bring a representative
  • How to submit documents before the hearing

If you have trouble attending at the scheduled time due to work, disability, transportation, or other serious issues, you may ask to reschedule, but do so as early as possible.

2. Pre-hearing review (optional but common)

Sometimes, once an appeal is filed:

• A supervisor or specialist may review your case
• The agency might contact you to clarify information or request more documents
• Occasionally, if they recognize an error, they may correct the decision before the hearing

Even if this happens, you usually still have the right to continue with the hearing if you are not fully satisfied with the outcome.

3. The hearing itself

At the hearing, you can generally:

• Tell your side of the story in your own words
• Present documents supporting your position
• Bring witnesses (for example, a landlord, employer, or family member)
• Ask questions of the agency representative
• Object to incorrect or incomplete information

The hearing officer will:

• Explain the hearing procedures
• Review the issue being appealed
• Ask questions to understand the facts
• Consider both the rules and your evidence

You are not required to have a lawyer, but you may bring:

• An attorney
• A legal aid advocate
• Another trusted representative (with your written permission, if required)

4. The written decision

After the hearing, the hearing officer typically sends a written decision that explains:

• The facts found
• The rules or laws applied
• Whether the agency’s decision is upheld, changed, or reversed
• Any changes to your benefits and when they start

If you disagree with the hearing decision, there may be further appeal options (such as appealing to state court). The decision notice should explain next steps and deadlines.

Quick Reference: Key SNAP Appeal Features in New Hampshire

Always verify exact details with the New Hampshire DHHS office or the official hotline number on your notice, as policies can change.

Tips to Strengthen Your SNAP Appeal in New Hampshire

Here are practical steps many people find helpful:

• Act quickly
  ⏱ Do not wait until the deadline. File your request as soon as you know you want to appeal.

• Ask for a copy of your case file
  You may have the right to review or get copies of your case file before the hearing. This helps you see what the agency is relying on.

• Organize your evidence
  Group documents by topic (income, rent, utilities, medical, etc.) and write a simple timeline of events.

• Write down what happened
  A short, clear outline of:

  • What decision you disagree with
  • Why you think it is wrong
  • What you want to happen instead

• Prepare questions
  Make a list of questions to ask the agency representative if something in your case file is unclear.

• Consider getting legal help
  In New Hampshire, legal aid organizations sometimes help low-income residents with SNAP appeals. You can:

  • Call 211 to ask about legal assistance in your area
  • Ask your local DHHS office or community agencies for referrals

If You Lose Your SNAP Appeal or Cannot Appeal

If your appeal is unsuccessful, or if you do not qualify for SNAP, you might still have options for food assistance.

Consider checking:

• Local food pantries and food banks
  Community organizations, faith groups, and non-profits often run food distributions.

• Meal programs
  Some areas offer soup kitchens, community meals, or senior meal sites.

• School nutrition programs
  Children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals or summer meal programs through their school district.

• Other assistance programs
  Ask about:

  • TANF (cash assistance) for families with children
  • Energy/utility assistance programs
  • Housing assistance resources

You can contact 211 by phone in New Hampshire to be connected with local food and basic needs resources.

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

When you are appealing or sharing personal information, it is important to confirm you are dealing with real government offices, not third-party scammers.

Use these checks:

• Look for “.gov” websites
  Official state websites usually end in “.gov”. Be cautious of sites that ask for payment to process benefits.

• Use phone numbers from official sources
  Get contact numbers from:

  • Your SNAP notice
  • The New Hampshire DHHS main website
  • Printed materials from your local district office

• Never pay to file a SNAP appeal
  Filing a SNAP fair hearing request with the state is generally free. Be cautious of anyone asking for a fee.

• Protect your information
  Only share your Social Security number, date of birth, or case information when you are sure you are speaking with the official DHHS office or a trusted legal aid provider.

If something feels suspicious, you can hang up and call the official DHHS number from your notice or from the state government website to confirm.

By understanding how SNAP appeals and fair hearings work in New Hampshire, you can better protect your benefits and make sure the state has accurate information about your situation. When you are ready to take action, contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services office listed on your SNAP notice or the official SNAP customer service line to start your appeal through the proper channels.