How to Appeal a SNAP Decision in Vermont: Fair Hearings Explained

If you live in Vermont and get SNAP (3SquaresVT) food benefits, you have rights when you disagree with a decision about your case. One of the most important rights is the ability to request an appeal, also called a fair hearing.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how appeals and fair hearings for SNAP in Vermont typically work, what deadlines to watch, and how to get ready. This site is informational only—it does not process applications, appeals, or benefits. To take action on your case, you will need to contact official Vermont agencies or courts.

SNAP in Vermont (3SquaresVT) and Your Rights

In Vermont, SNAP is often referred to as 3SquaresVT and is usually managed by the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Economic Services Division.

If you receive 3SquaresVT or applied and got denied, you generally have the right to:

• Know why a decision was made
• See your case file
• Ask for corrections if something is wrong
• Request an appeal/fair hearing if you disagree with a decision

A fair hearing is a formal way to ask a neutral decision-maker to review the action taken on your case.

When You Can Request a SNAP Appeal in Vermont

You can usually request a fair hearing if you think DCF has made a wrong or unfair decision about your SNAP/3SquaresVT case. Common reasons include:

• Denial of your application when you believe you qualify
• Lower benefit amount than you expected
• Termination or suspension of benefits
• Overpayment claim (the state says you were paid too much and must pay it back)
• Delay in processing your application or recertification
• Sanction or penalty (for example, being told you violated a rule when you disagree)

Some people also appeal when:

• Information on their case was misunderstood or incomplete
• They gave all required proofs, but DCF did not use or accept them
• There were errors in income calculation or household size

You do not need to know legal language to ask for a hearing. You only need to be able to say that you disagree with a specific decision or action and want it reviewed.

Deadlines: How Long You Have to Ask for a Hearing

SNAP/3SquaresVT appeals are time-sensitive. Exact deadlines may be listed on your notice of decision. Typically:

• For most SNAP decisions, you must request a fair hearing within 90 days of the date on the notice.
• For reductions or terminations, there may be a shorter deadline if you want your current benefits to continue during the appeal (often you must appeal before the effective date of the change on your notice).

Because rules can change and individual cases vary, always:

• Read your official notice carefully for the “right to a fair hearing” section.
• If you are unsure about the deadline, contact DCF Economic Services or a local legal aid office as soon as possible and ask.

How to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Vermont

You do not request a hearing through HowToGetAssistance.org. To start an appeal, you must go through official Vermont channels, usually DCF or the state’s hearing office.

Common Ways to Request a Hearing

In Vermont, people typically can request a fair hearing by:

1. Calling the official DCF Economic Services phone line and stating verbally that you want a hearing about your SNAP/3SquaresVT decision.
2. Writing a letter that says you want a fair hearing and includes:
   • Your name
   • Your mailing address
   • Your phone number
   • Your case number (if you know it)
   • A short statement like, “I disagree with the decision dated [date] about my 3SquaresVT benefits and I want a fair hearing.”
3. Filling out a hearing request section on your notice (if the form includes one) and mailing, faxing, or dropping it off at your local DCF district office.
4. In some situations, requesting in person at your local DCF district office and asking staff to note your request.

To confirm you’re using an official channel:

• Look for contact details on your DCF notice
• Call Vermont’s DCF Economic Services Division main number listed on the state’s official website
• Or ask 2-1-1 (Vermont’s information and referral line) how to reach DCF about SNAP/3SquaresVT appeals

If you can, keep a copy or record of your request, including the date and how you sent it.

What Happens After You Request a Hearing

Once you request a fair hearing, these steps usually follow:

1. Acknowledgment of Your Request

The official hearing office or DCF typically:

• Logs your request
• Sends you a written confirmation with:
  • The date, time, and location of the hearing, or
  • Instructions for a phone or video hearing

If you do not get anything within a reasonable time, consider calling the hearing office or DCF to confirm they received your request.

2. Access to Your Case File

You normally have the right to:

• Review your case file before the hearing
• Ask for copies of documents DCF used to make its decision

You can request your case file through your caseworker or the DCF district office, asking how to see or receive copies of all documents related to your SNAP/3SquaresVT case.

3. Scheduling and Rescheduling

If the scheduled hearing date does not work for you:

• Contact the hearing office as soon as possible
• Explain why you need a new date and ask about their procedure for rescheduling or postponements

Missing your hearing without notifying the office can cause your appeal to be dismissed, so respond to any scheduling notices quickly.

Preparing for Your Vermont SNAP Fair Hearing

Being prepared can help you clearly explain your side. You do not need to be a lawyer, but organization helps.

Gather Key Documents

Consider collecting:

• Your hearing notice
• All DCF notices related to the issue (denials, reductions, overpayments, etc.)
• Proof of income:
  • Pay stubs
  • Self-employment records
  • Unemployment benefits statements
  • Social Security or SSI benefit letters
• Proof of expenses (if relevant):
  • Rent or mortgage statements
  • Utility bills
  • Child support payments you make
  • Childcare or dependent care expenses
• Proof of household members:
  • IDs, birth certificates, or other documents showing who lives with you
• Medical or disability-related expenses (if claimed in your case)
• Any letters, emails, or notes from DCF about your situation

Try to organize these in date order or grouped by type of issue (income, rent, utilities, etc.).

Think Through Your Story

Before the hearing:

• Write a brief timeline of what happened:
  • When you applied or reported changes
  • What you provided to DCF
  • When you got notices and what they said
• Note exact points of disagreement, such as:
  • “They counted my roommate’s income, but she is not part of my household.”
  • “They did not include my rent expense.”
  • “They said I missed an interview, but I called to reschedule.”

Having this written down can help you stay clear and focused at the hearing.

Consider Getting Help

In Vermont, people sometimes get help from:

• Legal aid organizations or legal services programs
• Advocacy groups focused on low-income or senior services
• Community organizations or social workers familiar with 3SquaresVT

These groups may offer free or low-cost help with:

• Understanding the notice
• Preparing documents
• Representing or advising you at the hearing

You can ask 2-1-1 or your local community action agency or senior center for contact information for legal aid in your area.

What the SNAP Fair Hearing Looks Like in Vermont

A fair hearing is usually more informal than a court trial but still follows rules.

Who Is There

Typically, you may see:

• A hearing officer (an impartial person who did not work on your case)
• A representative from DCF (such as a caseworker or supervisor)
• You, the appellant, and possibly:
  • Your representative or attorney
  • An interpreter, if requested
  • Witnesses you invite (for example, a landlord or employer)

Your Rights During the Hearing

You generally have the right to:

• Explain your side of the story
• Present evidence, documents, and witnesses
• Ask questions of the DCF representative and their evidence
• Have someone assist or represent you (such as an attorney or advocate)
• Use an interpreter if you are not comfortable in English or have a hearing disability (you typically must request this in advance)

If you need an interpreter or disability accommodation, contact the hearing office or DCF as soon as you receive your hearing notice.

The Basic Flow

While every case is different, a Vermont SNAP fair hearing often follows this pattern:

1. Introduction

   • The hearing officer explains the issue, your rights, and the order of the hearing.

2. Agency’s explanation

   • The DCF representative explains the decision, what rules they applied, and what evidence they used.

3. Your side

   • You explain what you think is wrong and show your documents or witnesses to support your view.

4. Questions

   • The hearing officer and each side may ask questions for clarification.

5. Closing statements

   • Each side may give a brief summary of their main points.

6. Decision later in writing

   • The hearing officer does not usually decide on the spot. You receive a written decision afterward.

After the Hearing: What to Expect

Once the hearing is finished, the hearing officer will review:

• Testimony (what people said)
• Documents and records submitted
• The law and SNAP/3SquaresVT rules

Then, they issue a written decision. This decision will normally:

• State whether DCF’s decision is upheld, changed, or reversed
• Explain the reasons and rules behind the decision
• Describe what happens next regarding your benefits

If You Win Your Appeal

If the decision is in your favor, possibilities include:

• Your benefits may be approved if you were previously denied.
• Your benefit amount may be raised or corrected.
• A termination or reduction may be canceled or adjusted.
• If benefits were wrongly reduced or denied, you may receive back benefits for the period covered by the decision, depending on SNAP rules and the specifics of your case.

Changes are usually carried out by DCF following the hearing decision. If you believe the decision is not being applied, you can contact DCF Economic Services and, if needed, seek advice from legal aid.

If You Lose Your Appeal

If the decision goes against you:

• The hearing decision will explain why.
• Any temporary continuation of benefits during the appeal may stop or adjust.
• If you received benefits while appealing and lose, you may, in some cases, owe an overpayment.

If you disagree with the fair hearing decision, Vermont law may allow further review or appeal, often through the courts. This can be more complex, so many people contact legal aid or an attorney to discuss options and deadlines.

Benefits While Your Vermont SNAP Appeal Is Pending

In some cases, if you appeal a reduction or termination of SNAP/3SquaresVTbefore the date the change is supposed to take effect:

• Your current benefits may continue until:
  • The hearing decision is made, or
  • Your certification period ends, whichever is earlier.

Important points:

• If you lose the hearing, you may have to repay any extra benefits you received during the appeal.
• The rule about continuing benefits may not apply in every situation (for example, if your certification period ended).

Your notice from DCF should explain:

• Whether you can keep getting benefits while appealing
• The deadline to request a hearing if you want your benefits continued

If you are unsure, call DCF Economic Services or a legal aid office as soon as possible to ask how the rule applies to your case.

Common SNAP/3SquaresVT Problems That Lead to Appeals

Understanding common issues can help you decide whether a fair hearing might be appropriate.

Common Reasons for Denial or Reduction

People in Vermont often face problems such as:

• Income calculated incorrectly
  • Counting income that should not count
  • Incorrect pay frequency assumptions (weekly vs. bi-weekly, etc.)
• Household size errors
  • Not including all people who buy and eat meals together
  • Including someone who does not share food and should not be in the SNAP household
• Missing documentation
  • Proof of income, rent, or ID not received or not linked to your case
• Missed interview or appointment
  • Confusion about the date, time, or location
• Unreported or mis-reported information
  • DCF believes a change was not reported, while you believe you did report

Sometimes these can be fixed by:

• Talking with your caseworker
• Providing missing documents
• Asking for an informal review or supervisor review

If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, a fair hearing may be the next step.

When an Informal Fix May Be Enough

Before requesting a hearing, many people in Vermont try to:

1. Call their DCF worker

   • Ask for a clear explanation of the decision
   • Confirm what information or documents are missing or disputed

2. Provide any missing documents

   • Sometimes the problem is simply incomplete paperwork.

3. Ask for a supervisor review

   • You can request that a supervisor look again at your case.

These steps can sometimes fix a problem faster than a full hearing. However:

• An informal talk with DCF does not extend your official appeal deadline.
• If you are approaching the deadline, you may want to request the hearing anyway to protect your rights, even while still trying to work things out informally.

Quick Comparison: Informal Review vs. Fair Hearing

Many people try an informal review first, but make sure you keep an eye on the official fair hearing deadline listed in your notice.

Alternatives and Extra Help If You Do Not Qualify for SNAP

If your appeal is denied or you choose not to appeal, there may still be other resources:

• Local food shelves and food banks
• Community meals offered by churches or nonprofits
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) for pregnant/postpartum women and young children (if you qualify)
• School meal programs for children (free or reduced-price school breakfast and lunch)
• Senior nutrition programs, including home-delivered or congregate meals
• Community action agencies that assist with multiple needs (food, housing, utilities)

To find these:

• Call 2-1-1 and ask for food and nutrition resources in your Vermont community.
• Contact your local community action agency, town office, or senior center.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Vermont Channels

When dealing with SNAP/3SquaresVT appeals, it is important to avoid scams and unofficial services that charge high fees.

Basic safety tips:

• Do not share your Social Security number or case information with people who call you unexpectedly claiming to be from “benefits services” without proof.
• Official Vermont SNAP/3SquaresVT information will come from:
  • Vermont DCF Economic Services Division
  • Your local DCF district office
  • The state’s official government website
• If in doubt, hang up and directly call a published number for DCF from a government directory or ask 2-1-1 for the correct contact.
• Be cautious of websites that:
  • Ask for payment to “guarantee” or “expedite” benefits
  • Do not clearly identify as a government site or known nonprofit
• HowToGetAssistance.org provides general guidance only and does not:
  • Take applications
  • File appeals
  • Access or manage your benefits
  • Make decisions on your case

Always use official Vermont agencies to apply, appeal, or update your SNAP/3SquaresVT case.

By understanding when and how to request a fair hearing, what to bring, and what to expect, you can better protect your rights in the Vermont SNAP/3SquaresVT system. For any specific decisions on your case, always refer to your official DCF notices and contact Vermont DCF or a legal aid organization for personalized guidance.