How to Request a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in Texas

If you live in Texas and have a problem with your SNAP (food stamps) case, you may have the right to ask for an appeal or fair hearing. This is a formal way to tell the state you disagree with a decision and want an independent review.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how SNAP appeals and fair hearings typically work in Texas, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state channels. This site is not a government agency, caseworker, or application portal. It is only for general information.

SNAP Fair Hearings in Texas: The Basics

In Texas, SNAP is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). When you disagree with an HHSC decision about your SNAP case, you may be able to request a fair hearing.

A fair hearing is:

• A formal meeting (often by phone) with a hearing officer who is not part of your local office’s decision.
• Your chance to explain why you think a decision is wrong or unfair.
• An opportunity to present documents, witnesses, and your side of the story.

You do not request a fair hearing through HowToGetAssistance.org. You have to go through HHSC’s official offices, hotlines, or online portal.

When You Can Appeal a SNAP Decision in Texas

You can typically ask for a fair hearing any time you disagree with a current decision about your SNAP case. Common reasons include:

• Application denied when you believe you qualify.
• Benefits reduced and you don’t understand why.
• Benefits ended (terminated) and you think it’s a mistake.
• Overpayment claim saying you were paid too much in the past.
• Sanctions or penalties, such as being disqualified from SNAP.
• Household size or income calculated incorrectly.
• Delays in processing your application or renewal.

You usually cannot appeal things that are set by law, like:

• Federal SNAP income limits.
• Standard benefit formulas.
• Rules that apply the same for everyone.

If you’re unsure whether your situation can be appealed, you can call the HHSC customer service line or speak with your local benefits office and ask about your right to a fair hearing.

Deadlines: How Long You Have to Request a Fair Hearing

Deadlines are very important. If you miss them, you may lose your right to a fair hearing on that issue.

Typical timelines in Texas:

• For most SNAP decisions: you usually have 90 days from the date on your notice of decision to request a fair hearing.
• For overpayments or fraud-related findings: the timeline may be different; check the notice carefully.
• For processing delays (for example, if your application hasn’t been processed in time): you may request a hearing about a delay, usually after a certain number of days have passed.

Always:

• Read your official notice (letter or online message) closely.
• Look for the section labeled something like “Your right to appeal” or “Right to a fair hearing.”
• Note any specific deadline date mentioned.

If you are close to the deadline, it is usually better to submit your request immediately and then gather more documents later.

How to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Texas

You can usually request a hearing in several ways. Texas HHSC commonly allows:

1. Request by Phone

You may call:

• The HHSC customer service number listed on your notice, or
• The main Texas benefits hotline (the number is usually found on the back of your Lone Star Card or on the official HHSC website).

When you call, be ready to provide:

• Your full name.
• Your case number or EDG (Eligibility Determination Group) number, if available.
• Your date of birth.
• The decision you are appealing (for example, “denial dated [date]” or “benefit reduction effective [month/year]”).
• A clear statement that you are requesting a fair hearing for your SNAP case.

Ask the representative to confirm your request and the date it was submitted.

2. Request in Writing

You can typically request a hearing in writing by:

• Mailing a letter to the address provided on your notice, or
• Filling out a hearing request section on the notice, if it includes one, and mailing or delivering it to your local office.

In your written request, clearly include:

• Your name and case number (or EDG number).
• Your address and phone number.
• The type of benefit (SNAP).
• The decision you disagree with and the date of the notice.
• A sentence such as: “I am requesting a fair hearing about my SNAP benefits.”

Keep a copy of anything you send, and note the mailing date.

3. Request Online (Through the Official Portal)

Texas uses an official benefits portal (commonly known as Your Texas Benefits). Through this portal, many people can:

• View notices and decisions.
• Send messages to HHSC.
• In some cases, request a fair hearing electronically.

If this option is available in your account:

1. Log in to the official state portal.
2. Go to your SNAP case.
3. Look for a section related to appeals or fair hearings.
4. Follow the prompts and keep a record or screenshot showing you submitted the request.

If you are unsure whether your request went through, you can call HHSC and ask for confirmation.

4. Request In Person

You may also be able to request a fair hearing:

• At your local HHSC benefits office.
• By asking a worker to help you complete a hearing request form.

You can find your local office address by:

• Calling the main Texas benefits hotline and asking for the nearest office, or
• Checking the office locator on the official HHSC website.

Should You Ask for Your Benefits to Continue During an Appeal?

If Texas HHSC has reduced or stopped your SNAP benefits and you request a hearing before the effective date of that change, you may have the option to ask for “continued benefits”.

This may allow you to keep receiving your previous benefit amount until:

• The hearing decision is made, or
• Your certification period ends, whichever comes first.

Important things to know:

• If you lose your hearing, HHSC may decide that you were overpaid SNAP during this time.
• You could be asked to repay those extra benefits later.

If you want to request continued benefits, tell HHSC when you file your appeal. If you’re not sure whether to request continued benefits, you may want to speak with a legal aid organization in Texas for free legal advice about your specific situation.

What Happens After You Request a SNAP Fair Hearing?

Once your request is received, the typical process looks like this:

1. Acknowledgment and Scheduling

HHSC will:

• Register your hearing request.
• Schedule a date and time for your hearing.
• Send you a written notice with:
  • The hearing date and time.
  • How the hearing will be held (often by phone, sometimes in person or by video).
  • Instructions for joining the hearing.

If the date does not work for you, Texas sometimes allows one rescheduling for good cause. Contact the number on your notice as soon as possible if you need a different date.

2. Review of Your Case File

Before the hearing:

• HHSC staff may review your case and sometimes correct errors before the hearing happens.
• You can ask for a copy of your case file or specific documents used to make the decision.

Requesting and reviewing your case file can help you:

• Understand why the decision was made.
• Spot any missing information or errors.
• Prepare better for the hearing.

3. Pre-Hearing Resolution (Sometimes)

In some situations, the local office may contact you to:

• Ask for missing documents.
• Clarify household information.
• Try to resolve the issue before the hearing.

If your case is corrected and you receive a new decision that you agree with, the hearing might be canceled. Make sure any resolved issue is reflected in an updated written notice.

How to Prepare for Your SNAP Hearing

Preparation can make a big difference. Consider these steps:

Gather Documents

Collect and organize anything that supports your side, such as:

• Proof of income: pay stubs, employer letters, unemployment statements.
• Proof of expenses: rent or mortgage statements, utilities, child care, medical costs for certain elderly or disabled members.
• Identification and household information: IDs, Social Security numbers if applicable, birth certificates, school enrollment.
• Notices from HHSC: the denial letter, reduction letter, or any other notice about your SNAP case.
• Any written communication: letters, emails, or portal messages with HHSC.

Make copies for yourself in case you need to refer to them during the hearing.

Write Down Your Points

It helps to make a simple outline:

• What decision you’re appealing.
• Why you think the decision is wrong.
• What evidence supports you.
• Any timeline of events, especially if the issue involves delays or miscommunication.

Having notes in front of you can make it easier to stay focused and calm during the hearing.

Consider Legal or Advocacy Help

You are allowed to have someone represent you or help you at the hearing, such as:

• A legal aid attorney.
• A trusted friend or family member.
• A community advocate familiar with SNAP rules.

Legal aid organizations in Texas may provide:

• Free advice about your rights and options.
• Help with preparing documents.
• Representation during the hearing in some cases.

You can call 211 in Texas and ask for legal aid or SNAP advocacy referrals, or search for legal aid in your county.

What to Expect During the Hearing

Most SNAP hearings in Texas are held by phone. The hearing is usually structured like this:

1. Introduction

   • The hearing officer explains the process and confirms:
     • Your name and case details.
     • The decision being appealed.
   • Everyone on the call is identified (you, HHSC representative, any witnesses).

2. Explanation by HHSC

   • An HHSC representative explains:
     • Why the original decision was made.
     • Which rules or policies they used.
   • They may refer to documents from your case file.

3. Your Side of the Story

   • You describe:
     • Why you disagree with the decision.
     • Any important facts HHSC may have misunderstood or missed.
   • You can present:
     • Documents you submitted beforehand or explained on the call.
     • Witnesses (for example, an employer explaining your hours, or a landlord).

4. Questions

   • The hearing officer may ask you questions.
   • You may be allowed to ask questions of the HHSC representative as well, depending on the format.

5. Closing

   • The hearing officer confirms that both sides have finished presenting.
   • They usually do not make a decision immediately on the phone.
   • You will receive a written decision later.

Try to:

• Stay calm and respectful.
• Speak clearly and slowly.
• Stick to facts and how they relate to SNAP rules (income, household size, expenses, etc.).

After the Hearing: Decisions and Next Steps

Receiving the Decision

After the hearing, you will get a written decision notice. It may:

• Agree with you and change the original decision.
• Agree with HHSC and keep the decision as it is.
• Partly agree with each side (for example, adjust benefits but not fully).

The decision will explain:

• The facts the hearing officer accepted.
• The rules or policies used.
• The final outcome for your case.

If You Win

If the decision is in your favor, HHSC may:

• Approve or restore SNAP benefits.
• Increase your benefit amount.
• Remove or adjust a sanction or overpayment claim.

In many cases, this change is retroactive to the date the incorrect decision took effect, but specifics can vary.

If You Lose

If the decision goes against you:

• The original decision usually stays in place.
• If you had continued benefits and lose, HHSC may treat the extra benefits as an overpayment.
• You may receive information about any further appeal options, which might involve state or federal court, often with the help of an attorney.

If you disagree with the hearing decision, you may want to contact legal aid as soon as possible to see if there are any additional steps available to you and what deadlines apply.

Common Reasons SNAP Appeals in Texas Fail

Understanding where problems often occur can help you prepare:

• Missed deadlines: Requesting the hearing after the deadline on your notice.
• Not attending the hearing: If you miss the hearing without notifying the hearing office, it may be dismissed.
• Lack of documentation: Not providing documents that could support your claim.
• Misunderstanding the rules: For example, appealing based on feeling that benefits are “too low,” when the amount is correct under federal formulas.
• Changes after the fact: If your income or household changes significantly after the decision, the hearing officer can only consider what was true at the time the decision was made.

If something changes in your situation, you may also need to report it to HHSC separately, as required, and that might lead to a new decision (and separate appeal rights).

Quick Reference: Key SNAP Appeal Points in Texas

How to Verify You’re Using Official Channels

Because there are many websites and services online, it’s important to make sure you’re dealing with official SNAP and HHSC channels, especially when:

• Sharing personal information.
• Uploading documents.
• Requesting a hearing or checking your benefits.

Tips to stay safe:

• Use contact information listed on official state letters, your Lone Star Card, or the HHSC website.
• Be cautious of:
  • Sites that charge fees to “speed up” your SNAP case or appeal.
  • Requests for unusual information, such as bank PINs or full card numbers.
• When in doubt, call the Texas benefits hotline directly (the number on your official notices or Lone Star Card) and ask how to access the correct portal or office.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office and cannot file appeals, access your case, or change your benefits. All official actions must go through HHSC and its authorized channels.

If You Don’t Qualify or Lose Your SNAP Appeal

If you are not approved for SNAP, or if your fair hearing doesn’t go your way, you may still have options for food assistance or support:

• Food pantries and food banks: Many communities in Texas have free food distribution sites. You can often find them by calling 211.
• Community and faith-based programs: Some nonprofits offer:
  • Emergency groceries.
  • Hot meals.
  • Help with bills that free up money for food.
• School meal programs: Children may qualify for:
  • Free or reduced-price school breakfast and lunch.
  • Summer food programs in some areas.
• WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children): Provides specialized food benefits for pregnant or postpartum individuals, infants, and young children, if they meet the criteria.

Each program has its own eligibility rules and application process. To learn more, contact local social service agencies, 211, or your local community action organization.

By understanding your rights, deadlines, and the steps involved in appeals and fair hearings, you can better navigate the SNAP process in Texas and make sure your case is reviewed through the proper official channels.