How to Request a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in Utah

If your Utah SNAP (food stamps) case is denied, reduced, closed, or you disagree with a decision, you usually have the right to appeal and ask for a fair hearing. This guide explains how that process typically works in Utah, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency and does not take applications, appeals, or handle decisions. For any appeal or fair hearing, you must go through Utah’s official benefits offices or portals.

SNAP Appeals and Fair Hearings in Utah: The Basics

In Utah, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is handled by the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS). A fair hearing is a formal way to ask DWS to review and reconsider a decision about your SNAP case.

You might request an appeal if:

• Your SNAP application is denied
• Your benefit amount is lower than you think it should be
• Your benefits are reduced, suspended, or closed
• You are asked to repay an overpayment you disagree with
• You believe there was a mistake in how your case was handled

A fair hearing is usually held by an impartial hearing officer who is not the same person as your caseworker.

Your Right to Appeal a SNAP Decision in Utah

When you can appeal

In general, you can appeal most negative SNAP actions, including:

• Denials (never approved)
• Closures (case ended)
• Reductions in benefit amount
• Sanctions or penalties
• Overpayment claims (if the state says you were overpaid)

You can also appeal if:

• Your case is not acted on in a reasonable time (for example, your application is stuck and no decision is made within the typical processing time)
• You think rules were not applied correctly to your situation

Appeal deadlines

Deadlines can be strict, so check the notice you received from DWS. It usually states:

• How long you have to appeal (often up to 90 days from the date on the notice, but check your specific letter)
• The effective date of the change
• Where and how to request a fair hearing

If you want to keep your current SNAP amount while you appeal a reduction or closure, you often must request the appeal quickly (commonly within 10 days of the notice date). The exact timeframe should be listed in your notification.

How to Start a SNAP Appeal in Utah

You cannot file an appeal through HowToGetAssistance.org. To appeal, you must use official Utah DWS channels.

Common ways to request a fair hearing include:

1. In writing

Many people choose to send a written request because it creates a clear record. You can usually:

• Write a brief letter stating:
  • Your name
  • Your case number (if you have one)
  • Your current address and phone number
  • That you want to appeal a SNAP decision
  • The decision you disagree with (for example, denial of SNAP on [date], reduction of benefits effective [date])
• Submit it:
  • By mail to the address listed on your DWS notice
  • In person at your local DWS office
  • Through any official document upload or message feature, if available in the state’s online benefits system

2. By phone

Some people prefer to call. In Utah, you can usually request a fair hearing by calling:

• The DWS customer service number listed on your notice, or
• Your local DWS office

If you appeal by phone:

• Ask the representative to confirm that your appeal request is recorded
• Write down:
  • The date and time of your call
  • The name or ID number of the person you spoke with
  • Any confirmation or reference number

3. At a local DWS office

You can usually:

• Visit your local Department of Workforce Services office
• Ask to speak with someone about appealing a SNAP decision
• Fill out any appeal or fair hearing request form they provide

If you are not sure which office to contact, you can usually:

• Call the general DWS information line, or
• Search online for “Utah Department of Workforce Services office locator” and find the official state site

Information to Include in Your Utah SNAP Appeal Request

To avoid delays, it can help to include:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Case number (if known)
• Mailing address and phone number
• What program you are appealing (SNAP / food stamps)
• A brief description of the problem, such as:
  • “I am appealing the denial notice dated [date].”
  • “I am appealing the SNAP benefit reduction effective [date].”
• Whether you want benefits to continue at the current level during the appeal (if this option applies to your situation)

If you have a representative (like a legal aid attorney), mention that and include their contact information as well.

What Happens After You Request a Fair Hearing

1. Acknowledgment and scheduling

After you submit your appeal, you should receive:

• A notice that your request was received
• Information about:
  • Hearing date and time
  • Format (phone, video, or in-person)
  • Your rights in the hearing (to present evidence, bring witnesses, have a representative, etc.)

If you have scheduling conflicts or need accommodations (such as an interpreter or disability-related assistance), contact the number on the scheduling notice as soon as possible to request a change.

2. Preparing for the hearing

Before the hearing, many people:

• Review their case file
  • You usually have the right to review your SNAP case record
  • Ask your local DWS office or the number on your notice how to see or get copies of your case file
• Gather documents, such as:
  • Pay stubs, employer letters, or proof of income
  • Rent or mortgage statement, lease, or property tax bill
  • Utility bills (heating, cooling, electricity, water)
  • Child care receipts or provider statements
  • Child support orders or payment records
  • Medical expense receipts or bills for elderly or disabled household members
  • Any letters, notices, or emails from DWS about your case
• Write a timeline of what happened, including:
  • When you applied
  • When you provided documents
  • When you got notices
  • Any calls or office visits you had

3. The hearing itself

At the fair hearing:

• The hearing officer explains the process
• You (or your representative) can:
  • Explain why you disagree with the decision
  • Present documents or other evidence
  • Bring witnesses (for example, a landlord, employer, or case manager who can clarify facts)
• A DWS representative may:
  • Explain how they applied the rules
  • Present their own evidence and reasoning

You can usually ask questions of the DWS representative and answer any questions the hearing officer asks.

Most hearings are recorded so there is an official record of what was said.

4. The decision

After the hearing:

• The hearing officer reviews:
  • The evidence you provided
  • The program rules
  • The testimony from both sides
• You will receive a written decision by mail (and sometimes through the official online portal if you use it)

The written decision will usually say:

• Whether the original decision is upheld, changed, or reversed
• The reasoning behind the decision
• Any next steps, such as:
  • Issuing back benefits if you were underpaid
  • Adjusting future benefits
  • Continuing or upholding an overpayment claim

Keeping Your SNAP Benefits During an Appeal

In some cases, you may be able to keep receiving your previous SNAP benefit amount while the appeal is pending. This usually comes with important conditions:

• You must request the appeal quickly (often within 10 days from the date on the notice, but check your specific letter).
• If the hearing officer agrees with DWS, you might have to repay any extra benefits you received during the appeal period.

Your notice from DWS should explain:

• Whether continued benefits are an option in your case
• The deadline for appealing if you want this protection
• Any risk of overpayment if you lose the appeal

If you are unsure, you can call the number on your notice and ask them to explain your options before deciding.

Common Reasons SNAP Cases Are Denied or Reduced in Utah

Understanding why a decision was made can help you decide whether an appeal makes sense and what evidence you need.

Typical reasons include:

• Missing documents
  • For example, DWS asked for proof of income or identity, and it was not received in time.
• Income too high under program rules
  • SNAP has both gross and sometimes net income limits based on household size.
• Household information incorrect or incomplete
  • People living in the home not properly counted
  • Confusion over who buys and prepares food together
• Resources or assets (in some households) exceed SNAP rules
• Residency issues
  • Not being able to verify that you live in Utah.
• Failure to complete an interview
  • Not being available for a scheduled phone or in-person interview.
• Work-related requirements (for certain adults)
  • Not meeting employment or work program requirements, if they apply to you.

If the reason in your notice seems wrong or incomplete, an appeal or at least a case review may be worth considering.

Documents That Can Help Your Utah SNAP Appeal

Bringing complete, organized documents can help the hearing officer understand your situation.

Helpful items often include:

• Identity and residency
  • Utah driver’s license or ID card
  • Lease agreement, rental receipt, or utility bill with your address
• Income
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Employer letter stating your hours and pay rate
  • Unemployment benefits statement
  • Social Security award letters
  • Proof of self-employment income (invoices, receipts, bank statements)
• Expenses
  • Rent or mortgage statement
  • Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, trash, propane, etc.)
  • Child care bills or provider notes
  • Child support payment records (paid or received)
  • Medical bills and receipts for elderly or disabled household members
• Case communications
  • Copies of all notices from DWS
  • Notes of phone calls with dates, times, and names
  • Any email or online messages exchanged with your caseworker

If you cannot get a certain document, bring a written explanation and any alternative proof you do have.

Quick Reference: Utah SNAP Fair Hearing Overview

Getting Help With a SNAP Appeal in Utah

You do not have to go through the fair hearing process alone. Many people seek help from:

• Legal aid organizations
  • Look for “legal aid Utah SNAP” or “Utah legal services public benefits” online.
  • These groups may offer free or low-cost help to qualifying individuals.
• Community or nonprofit organizations
  • Local community action agencies, food pantries, or social service nonprofits sometimes help explain letters or connect you to legal aid.
• 211 information line
  • You can usually dial 211 in Utah to ask about:
    • Legal help
    • Food assistance
    • Community resources
  • Tell them you have a question about a SNAP denial or appeal, and ask what resources are in your area.

If you choose to have a representative:

• Let DWS know in writing that this person is authorized to speak on your behalf
• Include your name, case number, and the representative’s name and contact information

If You Miss the Deadline to Appeal

If the appeal deadline on your notice has passed:

1. Contact DWS right away. Explain what happened and ask if there are any options in your situation.
2. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to:
   • Reapply for SNAP, or
   • Ask if any good cause exception applies (for example, serious illness or emergency that made it impossible to appeal in time)

Legal aid organizations may also be able to tell you whether it’s still worth attempting a late appeal or if a new application is the better route.

Other Food Assistance Options in Utah

If your SNAP appeal is denied or you do not qualify for SNAP, you may still have options:

• Local food pantries and food banks
  • Often run by nonprofits, community groups, or faith-based organizations
  • 211 or your local county human services office can usually tell you where to find them.
• Community meal programs
  • Some organizations offer free or low-cost meals at certain sites or times.
• School-based meal programs
  • If you have children, they might qualify for free or reduced-price school breakfast and lunch through their school district.
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • Separate from SNAP; provides food benefits for pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children who qualify.
  • Contact your local health department or WIC office for details.

These programs are separate from SNAP and may have different eligibility rules and application processes.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Utah Channels

Because SNAP is a government program, it’s important to avoid scams and unofficial sites that charge fees or ask for unnecessary personal details.

To protect yourself:

• Use only official Utah or federal government websites for SNAP information (addresses often end in “.gov”).
• Call numbers listed on:
  • Official DWS notices
  • The state’s main DWS website
  • Verified state directories
• Be cautious of:
  • Websites or social media posts that ask for fees to apply or appeal
  • Anyone who guarantees approval or promises to “fix your case” for payment
  • Requests to share your full Social Security number, EBT card number, or PIN on unofficial forms or messages

If you are ever unsure whether a phone number or website is official, you can:

• Call 211 and ask for help finding the official Utah Department of Workforce Services contact information.
• Visit a local DWS office in person to confirm.

By understanding your appeal rights, deadlines, and the steps for a fair hearing, you can better decide how to respond to a Utah SNAP decision you disagree with. For any action—appeals, document submission, case questions—make sure to use Utah’s official Department of Workforce Services offices, hotlines, or online portals.