How to Request a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in Washington State

If you live in Washington and you disagree with a SNAP (food assistance) decision, you usually have the right to ask for an appeal or fair hearing. This process lets you explain your side to an independent decision-maker and ask for the decision to be changed.

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

Understanding SNAP Appeals and Fair Hearings in Washington

In Washington, SNAP (also called Basic Food) is administered by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). When DSHS makes a decision about your food benefits, you have the right to disagree and challenge that decision.

Common decisions people appeal include:

• Denial of SNAP/Basic Food
• Lower benefit amount than expected
• Termination or suspension of benefits
• Overpayment notices (DSHS says you were paid too much)
• Sanctions or penalties (for alleged rule violations)
• Changes to your case that you believe are wrong (household size, income counted, etc.)

A fair hearing is a formal meeting (by phone, video, or in person) where:

• You tell an independent administrative law judge (ALJ) why you think the DSHS decision is wrong.
• A DSHS representative explains why they made their decision.
• The judge reviews the evidence and the rules, then issues a written decision.

Your Appeal Rights: Key Points for Washington SNAP Recipients

Here are important rights many SNAP recipients in Washington have:

• Right to request a hearing about most DSHS decisions related to SNAP.
• Right to get help from a lawyer, advocate, friend, or family member at the hearing.
• Right to an interpreter if you do not speak English well or use American Sign Language.
• Right to see your case file and evidence DSHS plans to use.
• Right to present evidence and witnesses on your behalf.

These rights come from federal SNAP rules and Washington State regulations. Specific steps and deadlines can vary by situation, so it is important to contact your local DSHS Community Services Office or the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) for official guidance about your own case.

Deadlines: How Long You Have to Appeal

For SNAP/Basic Food, deadlines are critical. Missing a deadline can limit or end your appeal rights.

Typical timelines in Washington often include:

*Always rely on the exact deadline listed on your official notice, since policies can change and individual situations differ.

If you are close to a deadline and unsure, it is usually safer to submit your hearing request immediately and then sort out details later with the official office.

When You Can Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Washington

You can usually request a fair hearing if you believe DSHS:

• Made a mistake about your income or deductions
• Counted the wrong household members
• Did not use the correct SNAP rules
• Failed to process your application or recertification on time
• Ended or cut benefits without proper notice
• Accused you of an intentional program violation that you believe is wrong
• Incorrectly calculated an overpayment

You do not need to know the exact law or regulation. You only need to be able to say, in your own words, “I disagree with this decision and want a fair hearing.”

Step-by-Step: How to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing in Washington

Washington residents typically have several ways to request a hearing. The exact instructions are usually on the back or second page of your DSHS notice.

1. Read Your Notice Carefully

Look for:

• The type of decision (denial, reduction, termination, overpayment, etc.)
• The effective date of the change
• The reason for the decision
• The deadline to request a hearing
• The mailing address, fax, phone, or online information to request a hearing

Keep this letter in a safe place. It is an important part of your case.

2. Choose How to Request the Hearing

Common methods in Washington include:

• In writing (by mail or fax)

  • Write a short statement such as:
    “I disagree with your decision about my SNAP/Basic Food case and I want a fair hearing.”
  • Include your full name, case number, address, phone number, and date.
  • Mail or fax it to the address or fax number listed on your notice (usually DSHS or the Office of Administrative Hearings).

• In person at your local DSHS office

  • You can often go to a Community Services Office (CSO) and say you want to request a fair hearing.
  • Staff may help you complete a written request or log it in the system.

• By phone

  • Some notices list a phone number you can call to request a hearing.
  • If you call, write down:
    • The date and time of your call
    • The name of the person you spoke to
    • Any confirmation number or notes they give you
  • If possible, follow up with a written request for added proof.

• Online (if offered)

  • Washington sometimes allows hearing requests through an online benefits portal.
  • Follow the steps on the official state website or benefits portal.
  • Save or print the confirmation page or email for your records.

3. Ask About Continued Benefits (If Your Benefits Are Being Cut or Stopped)

If your notice says your SNAP will be reduced or terminated, you may be able to keep getting your current benefit amount during the appeal if:

• You request the hearing before the effective date of the change, or
• You request it within the short “continued benefits” window listed on the notice (often around 10 days).

Important considerations:

• If you lose the hearing, you may have to repay the extra benefits you received during the appeal period.
• If you win, your benefits are usually adjusted or restored based on the judge’s order.

Ask DSHS or the Office of Administrative Hearings before deciding, so you understand the possible outcomes.

What Happens After You Request a Hearing

Once your hearing request is received, a typical process in Washington might look like this:

1. Acknowledgment Letter

   • You receive a letter confirming that your hearing request was received.
   • It may list your hearing date, time, and whether it will be by phone, video, or in person.

2. Scheduling the Hearing

   • Hearings may be held by the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).
   • You might be scheduled several weeks out, depending on case backlogs.
   • If the date does not work, the letter usually explains how to request a reschedule (continuance).

3. Pre-Hearing Discussions (Optional)

   • Sometimes DSHS may contact you before the hearing to:
     • Clarify information
     • Review your case
     • Possibly resolve the issue informally
   • If the problem gets fixed and you are satisfied, you can often withdraw the hearing request.

4. Receiving the Hearing Packet

   • Before the hearing, you usually get a packet of documents DSHS plans to use, such as:
     • Your application
     • Income verification
     • Notices
     • Case notes
   • Review this carefully and collect any documents that support your side.

5. The Hearing Itself

   • The hearing is typically less formal than a court trial, but still structured.
   • You, DSHS, and the ALJ all attend (by phone, video, or in person).
   • You can:
     • Tell your story
     • Present documents
     • Ask questions of the DSHS representative
     • Bring witnesses or someone to speak on your behalf

6. The Decision

   • The ALJ does not always decide on the spot.
   • You usually receive a written decision by mail explaining:
     • What the judge decided
     • The reasons
     • What DSHS must do next, if anything
     • Whether you have any further appeal rights

How to Prepare for Your SNAP Fair Hearing in Washington

Preparing ahead of time can make your case stronger and the hearing less stressful.

Gather Documents

Helpful documents often include:

• Your DSHS notice(s) about the decision you are appealing
• Proof of income:
  • Pay stubs
  • Unemployment or disability benefit letters
  • Self-employment records
• Proof of expenses:
  • Rent or mortgage statements
  • Utility bills
  • Child care receipts
  • Medical expenses (if relevant to deductions)
• Household information:
  • Birth certificates (for household members, if relevant)
  • Proof of who lives with you
• Any letters or emails you received or sent to DSHS about the case
• Your own notes about phone calls or office visits (dates, who you spoke to, what was said)

Organize everything by topic or date so you can find items easily during the hearing.

Write Down Your Main Points

It may help to create a simple outline:

1. What decision you are appealing
2. Why you think it is wrong
3. What you want to happen (for example, “approve my application,” “restore my benefits,” “cancel the overpayment,” etc.)
4. Key facts or evidence that support your side

You can refer to your notes during the hearing so you do not forget important points.

Consider Getting Help

In Washington, many people get help from:

• Legal aid organizations (civil legal services, often free for low-income residents)
• Community-based organizations or advocates
• Trusted friends or family who can help explain your situation

Legal aid groups cannot help everyone, but they may:

• Give advice on whether to appeal
• Help you prepare for the hearing
• In some cases, represent you at the hearing

You can usually find local legal help by:

• Calling 211 and asking for legal services or public benefits help
• Asking your local DSHS office for a list of legal aid contacts

Common Reasons SNAP Decisions Get Challenged in Washington

Understanding common issues can help you identify what went wrong in your own case.

Typical problems include:

• Income was counted incorrectly
  • DSHS used old pay stubs or did not include changes you reported.
• Deductions were not applied
  • Rent, utilities, child care, or medical costs not counted or miscalculated.
• Household size was wrong
  • Some household members were left out or counted incorrectly.
• Misunderstanding about living situation
  • For example, roommates vs. one household.
• Late or missing paperwork that you actually turned in
  • Documents lost or not processed in time.
• Overpayment calculations that do not match your records
  • Amounts or dates in the overpayment period are off.
• Alleged rule violations
  • DSHS says you did not report a change, but you believe you did; or you did not understand the reporting requirement.

If you see any of these issues in your case, gather proof and be ready to explain them clearly.

If You Lose Your SNAP Hearing: What Are Your Options?

If the administrative law judge decides against you, here are typical options and next steps:

• Read the decision carefully
  • Understand the judge’s reasoning.
  • Note any deadlines for further appeal.
• Further appeal
  • Some decisions can be appealed to a higher authority within the state system (often a review judge or similar office).
  • The decision letter usually explains how and when to do this.
• Re-apply or request a change
  • If your situation changes (income, household size, expenses), you can generally re-apply for SNAP or ask DSHS to review your case.
• Arrange a repayment plan (for overpayments)
  • If you must repay benefits, you can usually talk to DSHS about payment options.
• Seek legal advice
  • If you think the decision is clearly wrong or unfair, legal aid or another advocate may help you explore your remaining options.

If You Win Your SNAP Hearing: What to Expect

If the judge rules in your favor, the written decision usually tells DSHS what to change. This might include:

• Approving your SNAP application
• Increasing your benefit amount
• Restoring benefits that were incorrectly stopped
• Correcting an overpayment amount or canceling it

DSHS typically must follow the judge’s order within a certain timeframe. If you do not see the change after a reasonable period, contact:

• Your local DSHS office, and/or
• The Office of Administrative Hearings, using the contact information in your hearing decision

Keep a copy of the decision for your records.

Alternatives and Additional Food Help While You Appeal

Even with an appeal in process, your household may still need food now. Some options Washington residents often consider include:

• Local food banks and pantries

  • Many communities have food banks that provide free groceries.
  • You can usually find nearby locations by calling 211 or asking at community centers, churches, or non-profit organizations.

• Community meal programs

  • Some organizations serve free or low-cost meals, especially in larger cities.

• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

  • If you are pregnant, postpartum, or have children under 5, you may qualify for WIC, which provides specific foods and nutrition support through local WIC clinics.

• School meal programs

  • If you have school-aged children, check whether their school offers free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch, or any summer meal programs.

These programs are usually run by local non-profits, school districts, or public agencies. Contact them directly or call 211 for up-to-date information.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official Washington SNAP Channels

Because SNAP involves personal and financial information, it is important to avoid scams and make sure you are dealing with official state resources.

Here are ways to verify you are on the right track:

• Check the website address

  • Official Washington benefit sites usually:
    • Use “.gov” domains, or
    • Are clearly linked from a Washington State government page.
  • If unsure, call your local DSHS office or 211 and ask for the correct official website name.

• Use official phone numbers from your notices

  • Use the phone numbers listed on:
    • Your DSHS letters
    • The state’s official SNAP/Basic Food pages
  • Be cautious of numbers found random places online.

• Never pay a fee to apply for, manage, or appeal SNAP

  • Applying for SNAP, checking your case, or requesting a hearing is typically free through official channels.
  • Be skeptical of anyone promising “guaranteed approval” for a fee.

• Protect your EBT card and PIN

  • Do not give your EBT card number or PIN to anyone except through official state systems.
  • If you suspect theft or fraud, call the number on the back of your EBT card or contact DSHS immediately.

Quick Reference: Appealing SNAP in Washington

Below is a brief summary of key points:

If you are unsure about any step, your best next move is to contact your local DSHS Community Services Office or the Office of Administrative Hearings using the information on your official notice. They can explain the exact process and deadlines that apply to your specific SNAP case in Washington.