How to Request a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in Oregon

If you live in Oregon and disagree with a decision about your SNAP (food benefits), you usually have the right to ask for an appeal or fair hearing. This is a formal way to tell the state you think a mistake was made and you want your case reviewed.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how SNAP appeals and fair hearings in Oregon typically work, what deadlines to watch, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state channels. This site is not an official agency and cannot process appeals, but it can help you understand the general process.

SNAP Appeals and Fair Hearings in Oregon: The Basics

In Oregon, SNAP is usually handled by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). When you disagree with an action ODHS takes on your case, you may request a hearing before an impartial person (often called an Administrative Law Judge or hearing officer).

You can usually ask for a hearing if:

• Your SNAP application is denied
• Your benefit amount is lower than you think it should be
• Your benefits are reduced, stopped, or closed
• There is a delay in processing your application or recertification
• You are told you owe an overpayment
• A change you reported was not handled correctly

The hearing is your chance to:

• Explain your side of the story
• Show documents or other evidence
• Have someone else (like a lawyer or advocate) help you, if you want
• Ask the agency to explain how they made their decision

Your Rights When You Disagree With a SNAP Decision

Most Oregon SNAP households have the right to:

• Request a fair hearing for many decisions affecting their SNAP
• See their case file and any evidence the agency plans to use
• Bring a representative (lawyer, advocate, friend, or relative)
• Use an interpreter at no cost if they do not speak English well
• Request accommodations if they have a disability (for example, help understanding materials)
• Receive a written notice that explains:
  • What decision was made
  • The reason
  • The deadline and instructions to ask for a hearing

If any of these are unclear, you can usually contact your local ODHS office or the phone number listed on your notice and ask them to explain your hearing rights.

Common SNAP Notices That Can Be Appealed

You may receive a Notice of Decision or Notice of Overpayment that triggers your right to a hearing. Some typical decisions you can challenge include:

• Denial of application
• Termination or suspension of SNAP benefits
• Reduction of monthly SNAP amount
• Refusal to correct a reported change (like income, household size, rent)
• Claim that you were overpaid and must pay it back
• Sanction due to alleged non-compliance (such as not turning in paperwork)

Look for wording like “You have the right to request a hearing” or “fair hearing” on the notice. It should also list a deadline for asking.

Deadlines: How Long You Have to Ask for a Hearing

The exact deadline can vary based on the type of decision and the notice you received. In Oregon SNAP cases, many people see deadlines such as:

• Usually up to 90 days from the date on the notice to request a hearing for a denial, reduction, or closure of SNAP
• Shorter deadlines if you want your current benefits to keep going during the appeal (sometimes you must appeal before the effective date of the change)

Because deadlines are critical, it’s important to:

• Read your notice carefully for:
  • “Last day to request a hearing” or similar wording
  • Instructions on how to submit the request
• If you are unsure, call your local ODHS office or the number on the notice and ask:
  • “What is the last day I can request a hearing about this decision?”

If you miss the deadline, the hearing may not be allowed, unless there is a specific rule about good cause for being late. Good cause rules can be strict, so try to act quickly.

How to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Oregon

Processes can change, but SNAP customers in Oregon can usually request a hearing in several ways. Always follow the instructions on your specific notice first.

1. By Phone

Often, your notice lists a phone number for ODHS to request a hearing. When you call, be ready to provide:

• Your full name
• Your case number or client ID (if you have it)
• Your current address and phone number
• The decision you are appealing
• That you are asking for a fair hearing

Ask the person to confirm that your hearing request was recorded and if you will receive a letter confirming the hearing.

2. In Person

You can typically visit your local ODHS office and:

• Tell the front desk or worker you want to request a fair hearing about your SNAP
• Bring your notice and any ID you have
• Fill out a hearing request form, if they provide one

Ask for a copy of anything you sign, or at least write down:

• The date you requested the hearing
• The name of the worker who helped you

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

You can usually write a short letter that includes:

• Your name and date of birth (or client ID, if known)
• Your address and best contact phone number
• A sentence such as:
  • “I am requesting a fair hearing about the decision on my SNAP case dated [date of notice].”
• Your signature and the date

Then:

• Mail, fax, or hand-deliver the letter to the address listed on your notice or your local ODHS office
• Keep a copy of what you sent and any proof of when you sent it

4. Online (If Available)

Oregon’s systems sometimes allow certain requests through online portals. Check your:

• Notice of Decision for any mention of online hearing requests, or
• The official Oregon benefits website (not a third-party site)

If an online option is available, follow the official instructions carefully and save any confirmation number or screenshot.

What to Include in Your Hearing Request

You usually do not have to write a long explanation, but it can help to give some detail. Helpful information might include:

• The date of the notice you are appealing
• The reason you think the decision is wrong, such as:
  • “My income calculations are incorrect.”
  • “You did not include all my shelter costs.”
  • “I turned in the documents on time.”
• Whether you need:
  • An interpreter
  • Any disability-related accommodations
• How you prefer to attend:
  • By phone, video, or in person (if options are available)

If you do not know exactly why the decision is wrong, that’s okay. You can simply say you disagree with the decision and want a fair hearing.

Can Your SNAP Benefits Continue During the Appeal?

In some Oregon SNAP cases, you may be able to keep getting your current benefit amount while you wait for the hearing decision, usually called continued benefits. Important points:

• This often applies when your SNAP is being reduced or ended
• You usually must request the hearing before the effective date of the change on the notice
• If you lose the hearing, you might owe back the extra benefits you received during the appeal period

To explore this option:

• Check your notice for a section about “benefits continuing during appeal”
• Ask your local ODHS office or the phone number on your notice exactly what your options are

Preparing for Your Oregon SNAP Fair Hearing

Once your hearing is scheduled, you should receive a hearing notice with:

• The date and time
• How you will attend (phone, video, or in person)
• The issue being reviewed

Here are practical steps to prepare.

1. Ask to See Your Case File

You usually have the right to review your case file before the hearing, including:

• Applications or forms you submitted
• Verification documents (pay stubs, leases, etc.)
• Notes and calculations used to make the decision
• Any evidence the agency plans to use at the hearing

You can call your local ODHS office and say you want to:

• Review and/or get copies of your SNAP case file for your upcoming hearing

If copies cost money and you cannot afford them, ask whether there are no-cost options or accommodations.

2. Gather Documents and Evidence

Collect anything that supports your side, such as:

• Identification: ID documents if identity was an issue
• Income proof: pay stubs, employer letters, Social Security letters
• Expenses: rent receipts, mortgage statements, utility bills, child care receipts
• Household information: proof of who lives with you, such as a lease or school documents
• Medical expenses: bills or statements, if you are elderly/disabled and your medical costs affect your benefits
• Copies of notices from ODHS, including the one you are appealing

Keep everything organized in a folder. If your hearing is by phone or video, ask how to submit documents ahead of time (fax, mail, upload, or hand-deliver).

3. Consider Getting Help or Representation

In Oregon, you are allowed to bring someone to represent or assist you, such as:

• A legal aid attorney
• A community advocate
• A trusted friend or relative

To find help:

• Contact a local legal aid organization in Oregon and ask if they take SNAP fair hearing cases
• Call 2-1-1 to ask about legal help or benefits advocacy resources in your area

If you want someone to speak on your behalf, you may need to sign a form allowing them to represent you.

4. Practice Explaining Your Story

It can help to write down:

• What decision you are challenging
• Why you think it is wrong
• A timeline:
  • When you applied
  • When you reported changes
  • When you turned in documents
• Key points you want the hearing officer to understand

This can make it easier to stay focused during the hearing.

What Happens During the Oregon SNAP Fair Hearing

The hearing is less formal than a courtroom, but it is still an official legal process. Here is how it typically goes:

1. Introduction

   • The hearing officer explains the procedure and identifies everyone on the call or in the room.
   • They confirm the issue to be decided (for example, “whether the agency correctly calculated your household’s income for SNAP”).

2. Rights and Process

   • The hearing officer usually explains your rights:
     • To speak and be heard
     • To present evidence and witnesses
     • To ask questions of the agency representative

3. Agency’s Side

   • The ODHS representative explains how they made the decision.
   • They may present documents, calculations, or notes.

4. Your Side

   • You can explain your situation and why you disagree.
   • You can present documents or have witnesses explain facts (for example, an employer confirming work hours).

5. Questions

   • You may ask questions of the ODHS representative.
   • The hearing officer may ask you and the agency both to clarify details.

6. Closing

   • You and the agency may each summarize your main points.
   • The hearing officer usually does not decide immediately; they will send a written decision later.

During the hearing, it is important to:

• Speak clearly and calmly
• Answer questions honestly, even if the answer is not perfect
• Tell the hearing officer if you do not understand something

After the Hearing: The Decision

After the hearing, you should receive a written decision mailed to the address ODHS has for you. The decision generally includes:

• A summary of what was discussed at the hearing
• The laws or rules used in deciding the case
• Whether the agency decision is:
  • Upheld (stays the same)
  • Partly reversed
  • Reversed (changed in your favor)
• Any instructions the agency must follow, such as:
  • Recalculating benefits
  • Issuing back benefits if you were underpaid
  • Adjusting or removing an overpayment

If the decision is in your favor, follow up with your local ODHS office if you do not see changes or back benefits within a reasonable time.

If you lose, the decision letter may explain:

• Whether you can ask for another review (such as reconsideration, if that exists in your case type)
• Whether there is any option to appeal further through state or court processes

These additional steps can be complex. At that point, it may help to contact legal aid to see if they can advise you.

Common Reasons SNAP Decisions Get Overturned or Changed

Every case is different, but hearing officers sometimes change or reverse decisions when:

• Income was miscalculated

  • For example, overtime was included as regular income, or income stopped and was not updated.

• Household size was wrong

  • A person was mistakenly left out or counted when they should not have been.

• Shelter or utility costs were missing or undercounted

  • Rent, mortgage, or utility payments were not fully included.

• Documents were turned in, but not recorded

  • You can show proof that you submitted them on time (receipts, fax confirmations).

• Notices were unclear or not sent correctly

  • In some cases, if the agency did not give proper notice, certain actions might be reversed.

Even if none of these seem to match your situation, it can still be worthwhile to ask for a hearing if you truly believe a mistake was made.

If You Lose: Other Food and Support Options in Oregon

If the hearing does not go your way, or if you do not qualify for SNAP, you may still have options:

• Food pantries and community food banks

  • Many nonprofits, churches, and community centers offer free food.
  • You can call 2-1-1 in Oregon and ask for food resources near you.

• Meals programs

  • Some communities offer free or low-cost prepared meals, especially for seniors, people experiencing homelessness, or families.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

  • Provides food benefits and nutrition support for pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under 5 who qualify.

• School meal programs

  • Children may be able to receive free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch through their school.

• Other cash or medical assistance

  • Depending on your situation, you may qualify for other state or federal programs. Your local ODHS office or 2-1-1 can help you explore options.

How to Make Sure You Are Using Official Oregon Channels

Because SNAP is a government program, it is important to protect yourself from scams. To stay safe:

• Use official contacts only

  • Look for phone numbers and addresses on ODHS letters or the official Oregon government website (ending in “.gov”).

• Be cautious about fees

  • The government does not charge a fee to apply for SNAP, to receive benefits, or to request a fair hearing.
  • If a website or person demands money to “guarantee approval” or “speed up your case,” be skeptical.

• Protect personal information

  • Only share your Social Security number, date of birth, or case details with:
    • ODHS staff
    • Verified legal aid or advocates you trust
  • Avoid sharing sensitive information through unverified websites or text messages.

If you are ever unsure whether you are talking to an official office, you can:

• Call your local ODHS office directly using the number listed in government directories or on ODHS letters
• Ask the caller to provide their name, office location, and a call-back number, then verify it through an official government phone listing

Quick Reference: Oregon SNAP Appeal Steps and Tips

Understanding the SNAP appeal and fair hearing process in Oregon can help you respond quickly when you receive a decision you believe is wrong. While HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file appeals or access your case, you can use this information to contact ODHS, request a fair hearing, and prepare to explain your side through the state’s official process.