How to Appeal a SNAP Decision in Pennsylvania: Fair Hearings and Next Steps

When you rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to help buy food, a denial, reduction, or stop in benefits can feel overwhelming. In Pennsylvania, you usually have the right to appeal many SNAP decisions through a process called a fair hearing.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent, informational resource. It is not an official government site, and you cannot apply, appeal, or check your SNAP case through this website. Instead, this article explains how the Pennsylvania appeal and fair hearing process typically works, and how you can take your next steps through official state and county offices.

SNAP Appeals and Fair Hearings in Pennsylvania: The Basics

In Pennsylvania, SNAP is overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and handled locally through County Assistance Offices.

A SNAP appeal (also called a fair hearing request) is a formal way to tell the state:

You can usually request a hearing if you disagree with actions like:

• Denial of SNAP benefits
• Reduction in your benefit amount
• Termination (stopping) of your benefits
• Overpayment claim (being told you were overpaid and must repay)
• Sanctions or penalties
• Delays in processing your application or recertification

A fair hearing is typically conducted by an impartial hearing officer or administrative law judge who is not directly involved in your local office’s decision.

Key Deadlines and Time Limits ⏱

Deadlines matter. Missing one can mean losing your chance to challenge the decision.

While exact timeframes can change and special rules may apply in some cases, many Pennsylvania SNAP appeals follow these typical time limits:

*These are commonly used timelines, but you should always check the exact deadline on your official notice and verify with your County Assistance Office or state helpline.

Important:

• The clock typically starts from the date on the written notice, not the day you actually read it.
• If you are close to a deadline, it’s usually better to submit the appeal immediately, then gather more evidence later.

Understanding Your SNAP Notice

Before deciding whether to appeal, carefully review your written notice from the County Assistance Office. It usually includes:

• What decision was made (denied, reduced, closed, overpayment, etc.)
• The date the change starts (effective date)
• Why the decision was made (the reason or policy cited)
• How to request a fair hearing
• The deadline for filing an appeal
• Whether you can keep benefits while the appeal is pending

Look for key phrases like:

• “Notice of Adverse Action”
• “Notice of Eligibility”
• “Notice of Overpayment”
• “Right to Request a Fair Hearing”

If the notice is unclear, you can usually contact:

• Your County Assistance Office
• The state DHS customer service helpline

You can ask them to explain the notice in plain language, but keep in mind they are not your legal representative.

When You Might Want to Appeal

People in Pennsylvania often consider a SNAP appeal if:

• You believe the County Assistance Office miscalculated your income or deductions.
• The office missed documents you submitted or did not count all household members.
• Your case was closed by mistake (for example, due to mail problems or a misunderstanding).
• You were denied even though you believe you meet income and resource rules.
• You are told you owe money back (overpayment) that you believe is incorrect or too high.
• Your application or recertification seems stuck beyond typical processing time without explanation.

Appeals are not just for when you are certain the office is wrong—they also exist to clarify misunderstandings and ensure the rules were applied correctly.

How to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Pennsylvania

You typically have several ways to request a hearing. Exact options can vary by county and may change over time, so always verify with your local County Assistance Office or the state DHS website or helpline.

Common methods include:

1. Submit the Appeal Form in Writing

Most SNAP notices in Pennsylvania include a hearing request section or form at the bottom or on the back.

You can usually:

1. Fill out the hearing request section

   • Write that you disagree with the decision.
   • Include your name, address, case number, and phone number.
   • Briefly explain what decision you’re appealing (for example, “SNAP closing effective [date]”).

2. Return the form to your County Assistance Office

   • By mail (keep a copy and, if possible, a mailing receipt).
   • By fax, if available.
   • Sometimes by dropping it off in person.

Make sure it is signed and dated, and keep your own copy.

2. Write Your Own Appeal Letter

If you do not have the form, you can typically write a simple letter that includes:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth or case number (if known)
• Your address and phone number
• A clear statement like:
  • “I am requesting a fair hearing about the SNAP decision dated [date].”
• A short description of the issue (for example, “denial of SNAP,” “benefits reduced,” “overpayment”).

Send or deliver this letter to your County Assistance Office. Ask the office how to address it properly (for example, whether it must go to a certain unit or office).

3. Request a Hearing by Phone

Some Pennsylvania counties and the state DHS allow hearing requests by phone. However:

• Phone requests are sometimes harder to prove later.
• If you appeal by phone, you may want to write down the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke with.
• In some cases, it is safer to follow up in writing to confirm your request.

You can usually ask your County Assistance Office or state DHS helpline whether they accept phone requests and how to do it properly.

Keeping Your SNAP Benefits During the Appeal (“Aid Continuing”)

In many situations, you may have the option to keep receiving your current SNAP amount while your appeal is pending. This is often called “aid continuing.”

Common points:

• You typically must request the hearing within a shorter deadline, often 10 days from the date on the notice or before the effective date of the change.
• If you miss that shorter window but still request a fair hearing within the overall deadline (often 90 days), you may still get a hearing, but your benefits may not continue at the old level while you wait.

Important:

• If you lose the hearing, you may have to repay the extra benefits you received during the appeal period.
• If you win the hearing, your benefits may be restored or increased, sometimes back to the date of the error.

Ask your County Assistance Office or a legal aid organization to help you weigh the pros and cons of requesting aid continuing, especially if you are appealing a benefit reduction or termination.

Documents and Information to Gather for Your Hearing

To strengthen your case, it helps to gather organized, clear proof that supports your side.

Common useful documents include:

• SNAP notices from the County Assistance Office
• Your SNAP application or renewal forms (if you have copies)
• Pay stubs or income statements
• Unemployment or workers’ compensation documents
• Child support orders or payment records
• Rent or mortgage receipts or lease agreements
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, etc.)
• Child care or dependent care receipts
• Medical expense receipts (for older adults or people with disabilities, where applicable)
• Bank statements (if relevant to the decision)
• Any letters or emails you sent to or received from the County Assistance Office

You do not have to submit every possible piece of paper—focus on documents that relate directly to the reason given in your notice.

For example:

• If your benefits were lowered because your income supposedly increased, gather proof of your real income.
• If your case was closed for failure to provide documents, gather proof you submitted them, such as date-stamped copies or fax confirmations.

What Happens After You Request a SNAP Hearing in Pennsylvania

Once you submit your hearing request through the official channels, several things usually happen:

1. Acknowledgment of Your Request

You might receive:

• A confirmation letter saying your hearing request was received.
• In some cases, a phone call from a caseworker or a hearing representative.

Sometimes, the County Assistance Office may try to resolve the issue informally (for example, by correcting a mistake), but:

• You do not have to cancel your hearing unless you are fully satisfied with the fix.
• If the problem is fixed, you can choose to withdraw the hearing request in writing.

2. Scheduling the Hearing

You should receive an official hearing notice that includes:

• The date and time of the hearing
• Whether it will be by phone, video, or in person
• Instructions for how to participate or call in
• Any deadlines for sending in your evidence

If the scheduled time does not work (for a serious reason like illness, work conflict, or transportation problems), you may be able to request a reschedule. Follow the instructions on the notice and make the request as early as possible.

3. Preparing for the Hearing

Before the hearing, you can:

• Review your case file at or through the County Assistance Office (ask how to do this).
• Make copies of important documents you want the hearing officer to see.
• Organize your notes about what happened and why you believe the decision is wrong.
• Decide whether you want help from a legal aid office, community advocate, or other representative.

You have the right to bring a representative to the hearing, including, in many cases, a lawyer, advocate, or trusted person. If you want legal representation but cannot afford a private attorney, you can try to contact legal aid programs or community legal services in your area.

What to Expect During the Fair Hearing

A SNAP fair hearing in Pennsylvania is usually less formal than a court trial but is still a legal proceeding. Typical features include:

Who Will Be There

• An impartial hearing officer or administrative law judge
• A representative from the County Assistance Office
• You, and any representative or witnesses you bring

The General Flow

While specific procedures vary, a typical hearing might include:

1. Introduction and explanation of the hearing process by the hearing officer.
2. The County Assistance Office representative explains why they made the decision, often referring to your case records and SNAP rules.
3. You (or your representative) can ask questions of the County’s representative.
4. You present your side of the story and any documents or witnesses that support your position.
5. The County representative may ask you some clarifying questions.
6. The hearing officer may ask additional questions to understand the facts and how the rules apply.
7. Closing statements or final comments from both sides.

The hearing is often recorded (audio), and the hearing officer generally does not decide on the spot. They will usually review the evidence later and issue a written decision.

After the Hearing: Decisions and Possible Outcomes

You should receive a written decision mailed to you after the hearing, which typically includes:

• A summary of the facts and issues
• References to the rules or laws used
• The final decision (in your favor, partially in your favor, or upholding the original decision)
• Any instructions about next steps

Common possible outcomes:

• Decision in your favor:

  • Your benefits may be approved, restored, or increased.
  • If you were underpaid or wrongly denied, you may receive back benefits for the period covered by the appeal.

• Decision partially in your favor:

  • Some parts of the County’s decision may be changed, while others stay the same.
  • Your benefit amount might be adjusted but not to the full level you requested.

• Decision against you (County’s decision upheld):

  • The original denial, reduction, closure, or overpayment usually stands.
  • If you received aid continuing during the appeal, you may have to repay those extra benefits.

The decision notice may also mention whether you have any further appeal rights, such as the option to appeal to a higher administrative level or court. Those steps tend to be more complex and often benefit from help from a legal professional.

Common Reasons SNAP Appeals Are Denied or Not Successful

Understanding typical issues can help you prepare:

• Missing deadlines:

  • Filing the appeal too late is a common problem. Always check the date on your notice and act quickly.

• Not providing evidence:

  • If the hearing officer only has the County’s records and no additional proof from you, they may be more likely to uphold the original decision.

• Information conflicts:

  • If your testimony and documents appear to conflict with each other, the officer may trust the most consistent or officially documented information.

• Rules applied correctly:

  • Sometimes the County Assistance Office correctly applies the SNAP rules, even if the result feels unfair. In those cases, an appeal may not change the decision.

That said, many people find that simply going through the appeal process helps clarify their situation, correct errors, or ensure they are counted correctly under the rules.

Alternatives and Additional Help if You Do Not Qualify for SNAP

If your appeal is not successful or you do not qualify for SNAP, you might still find help through other food and basic needs resources:

• Food pantries and food banks:

  • Local nonprofits, community organizations, and faith-based groups often provide free groceries. You can usually find them by calling 211 or asking your County Assistance Office for community resource lists.

• Community meal programs:

  • Some local organizations offer free or low-cost meals on specific days.

• School and children’s nutrition programs:

  • If you have school-age children, ask the school district about free or reduced-price school meals, backpack food programs, or summer meal sites.

• WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children):

  • For pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children, WIC may help with certain foods, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support.

• Local charities and faith-based organizations:

  • Some help with groceries, rent, utilities, or other essentials, depending on funding and location.

Remember, each of these programs has its own rules and application methods, usually handled through official agencies or local organizations, not through independent information sites.

Verifying You Are Using Official SNAP Channels (Avoiding Scams)

When dealing with SNAP appeals or any benefit program, it’s important to make sure you are communicating with legitimate government offices or trusted nonprofits, not scammers.

Here are practical tips:

• Look for official logos and addresses:

  • Contact information should clearly show Pennsylvania Department of Human Services or your County Assistance Office.

• Use known phone numbers:

  • If you are unsure, you can call 211 and ask for help locating the official SNAP office in your county.

• Do not pay for applications or appeals:

  • SNAP applications, renewals, and fair hearings are typically free. Be cautious if anyone tries to charge you to file an appeal.

• Protect your EBT card information:

  • Do not share your PIN with anyone. Official staff may ask for your case details but generally will not need your PIN.

• Be cautious with unsolicited calls or texts:

  • If someone contacts you unexpectedly claiming to be from “SNAP” or “DHS,” you can hang up and call your County Assistance Office back using a verified number.

If something does not feel right, it is reasonable to pause, verify the contact information, and then continue through trusted, official channels.

When to Seek Extra Help (Legal Aid and Advocacy)

You are allowed to seek help with your SNAP appeal. Consider reaching out for extra support if:

• The issue involves a large overpayment or potential fraud allegation.
• You have a disability, language barrier, or other challenge that makes the process harder to manage alone.
• Your case has complicated household or income issues.
• You received a decision that is difficult to understand or that you strongly believe is wrong.

Many areas in Pennsylvania have legal aid organizations, community legal services, or advocacy groups that help low-income residents with SNAP issues. These are usually independent from the state and provide free or low-cost help, depending on your situation.

To locate them, you can:

• Ask your County Assistance Office if they have a list of local legal aid providers.
• Call 211 and request contact information for legal aid or public benefits advocacy in your area.

By understanding how SNAP appeals and fair hearings work in Pennsylvania—your rights, deadlines, evidence, and options—you can make more informed decisions and take your next steps confidently through official state and county offices.