How to Request a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in Wyoming

If your Wyoming SNAP (food stamps) case is denied, reduced, closed, or you disagree with another decision, you usually have the right to appeal and ask for a fair hearing. This is a formal way to have someone not involved in your case review what happened.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how SNAP appeals and fair hearings typically work in Wyoming, what to expect, and how to prepare. This site is informational only and is not a government office or application site. To appeal, you must go through official Wyoming agencies or offices.

SNAP in Wyoming: Quick Overview

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps eligible low‑income households buy food with monthly benefits loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

In Wyoming, SNAP is administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) through its local DFS field offices. Those offices:

• Accept SNAP applications and renewals
• Decide eligibility and benefit amounts
• Handle changes (income, household size, address, etc.)
• Process appeals and fair hearing requests

If you disagree with a SNAP decision made by DFS, your appeal will go through this same agency but will be reviewed by a hearing officer who was not part of the original decision.

When You Can Appeal a SNAP Decision in Wyoming

You may request an appeal or fair hearing when you believe the local DFS office:

• Wrongly denied your SNAP application
• Closed your SNAP case and you think it should stay open
• Reduced or increased your benefits incorrectly
• Delayed your application beyond required processing time
• Overpaid you and is asking you to repay benefits you don’t think you owe
• Imposed a penalty or sanction (such as a disqualification) that you think is wrong
• Made a mistake with your household size, income, or deductions
• Failed to act on a request such as adding a household member or updating your income

In most cases, you do not need a special reason or legal language to appeal. You can simply say that you disagree and want a fair hearing.

Important Deadlines for SNAP Appeals in Wyoming

Exact deadlines can change, so it’s always best to check your notice or call your local DFS office. However, Wyoming typically follows timelines similar to other states:

*Always rely on the date and instructions on your official notice, as those control your specific case.

Tip: If you want your current SNAP benefits to continue while you appeal a reduction or closure, you often must ask for a hearing quickly (commonly within 10 days of the notice date, or before the effective date of the change). Check your specific notice or ask the DFS office to confirm.

How to Start a SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing in Wyoming

You cannot start an appeal through HowToGetAssistance.org. To request a SNAP fair hearing in Wyoming, you must contact Wyoming DFS through official channels.

Common Ways to Request a SNAP Fair Hearing

Wyoming generally lets you request a hearing by:

1. Mail or in-person

   • Use the appeal section of your SNAP notice, or write a brief letter saying:
     • Your name
     • Your case number (if you know it)
     • Your current address and phone number
     • A statement such as: “I disagree with the SNAP decision dated [date] and I am requesting a fair hearing.”
   • Return or mail this to your local DFS office or the address listed on your notice.

2. Phone

   • Call your local DFS office or the state DFS main number listed on your notice.
   • Say you want to request a SNAP fair hearing.
   • Ask for the name of the person you speak with and, if possible, a written confirmation that your request was received.

3. Fax or email

   • Some DFS offices accept appeals by fax or email. The notice about your SNAP decision usually includes instructions.
   • If using fax or email, keep a copy of what you sent, plus the fax confirmation or sent email showing the date.

4. In-office help

   • You may visit a state or county DFS office and ask staff to help you fill out or submit a hearing request.
   • You can also ask for details about your rights and deadlines.

Always keep copies of anything you submit and write down the date you made your request.

Preparing for Your SNAP Appeal or Fair Hearing

Once you request a fair hearing, Wyoming DFS will usually:

• Acknowledge your request
• Schedule a hearing date (by phone or in person, depending on state practice)
• Provide instructions on how the hearing will work
• Often send you a summary of the case (how they calculated benefits or why they denied your case)

Documents and Information to Gather

It usually helps to collect supporting documents before the hearing, such as:

• ID and case information

  • SNAP case number
  • Copies of notices from DFS (denial, closure, reduction, or overpayment letters)

• Income and expenses

  • Pay stubs, employer letters, or self‑employment records
  • Unemployment, Social Security, or other benefit letters
  • Rent or mortgage statements
  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water, etc.)
  • Child care or child support payment records

• Household details

  • Proof of household members (lease, school records, etc.)
  • Medical expense receipts or bills for elderly/disabled members, if counted as deductions

• Any corrections or updates

  • If DFS used wrong information, gather proof of the correct information (for example, an updated pay stub showing reduced hours).

Simple Checklist Before the Hearing

• [ ] Read your notice carefully
• [ ] Note your deadline to appeal
• [ ] Submit your hearing request in time
• [ ] Gather documents that support your side
• [ ] Make copies of everything
• [ ] Arrange for an interpreter through DFS if you need one
• [ ] Ask about disability accommodations if you have accessibility needs
• [ ] Decide if you want someone to represent or accompany you

What Happens During a SNAP Fair Hearing in Wyoming

In Wyoming, a fair hearing is usually run by a hearing officer who is not part of the local DFS office that made your decision. The hearing is often held by phone or sometimes in person.

Typical Steps in a Wyoming SNAP Fair Hearing

While exact procedures can vary, a standard hearing often includes:

1. Introduction

   • The hearing officer explains:
     • The purpose of the hearing
     • The issues being decided (for example, your benefit amount for a specific period)
     • Your rights, including the right to speak, present evidence, and ask questions

2. Agency’s explanation

   • A DFS representative explains:
     • How they calculated your benefits, or
     • Why your application was denied or case closed
   • They may refer to documents in your case file.

3. Your opportunity to respond

   • You can:
     • Explain your side of the story
     • Correct any errors or misunderstandings
     • Present your documents and evidence
     • Bring witnesses (for example, an employer who can confirm work hours)

4. Questions

   • The hearing officer may ask you and the agency questions.
   • You can also usually ask questions of the DFS representative.

5. Closing

   • You may give a brief summary of why you think the decision is wrong and what you are asking for.
   • The hearing officer will not always decide on the spot. They usually say that a written decision will be mailed.

You will typically receive a written decision by mail explaining whether the DFS decision is upheld, changed, or reversed.

Can Your SNAP Benefits Continue During the Appeal?

This depends on what you are appealing and how quickly you request the hearing.

When “Aid Paid Pending” Might Apply

If your benefits were reduced or stopped, you might be able to continue receiving the old benefit amount while your appeal is pending, often called “aid paid pending.”

Typically, this is possible when:

• You request the fair hearing before the SNAP change takes effect, or
• You request it within a short time window (commonly 10 days from the notice date).

However:

• If the hearing decision upholds the reduction or closure, you might be required to repay some or all of the extra benefits you received during the appeal.
• If you are appealing an application denial (you never got benefits), there usually is no ongoing benefit to continue.

Because rules can be complex, it may help to:

• Ask your local DFS office directly whether your benefits can continue during the appeal, and
• Ask what repayment risk exists if the decision goes against you.

If You Miss the SNAP Appeal Deadline

If you miss the deadline on your notice:

• DFS may refuse to schedule a hearing, especially if the deadline has clearly passed.
• In some limited situations, if you had a good cause (for example, you were hospitalized or did not get the notice), you may explain the situation and ask if they will still accept your appeal. This is not always granted.

If the deadline truly has passed and your case is closed, your main option may be to:

• Reapply for SNAP at your local DFS office or through the official state benefits portal, and
• Make sure all current income and household information is correct.

Common Reasons SNAP Appeals Are Denied or Not Successful

Not every appeal results in a change. Some common reasons people do not win SNAP fair hearings include:

• Income is actually too high
  Even if hours recently dropped, the average income over the month or required period might still be above the limit.

• Missing documents
  If you claim certain expenses or changes, but cannot provide any proof, the hearing officer may side with DFS.

• Partial misunderstanding of rules
  For example:

  • Expecting adult children not living with you to count as part of your SNAP household, or
  • Expecting DFS to count non-allowable expenses (like certain debts or non-household costs).

• Appeal filed too late
  If the request is made after the deadline, the hearing may not be allowed.

• Overpayment rules are strict
  Even if an error happened on the agency’s side, SNAP rules in many states still allow DFS to recover overpaid benefits, as long as you actually received them.

Understanding these patterns can help you focus your appeal on clear errors, such as:

• Wrong household size
• Incorrect income calculation
• Ignored deductions (rent, utilities, medical expenses for elderly/disabled members)
• Misunderstood immigration or student status, if that applies

Getting Help With a SNAP Appeal in Wyoming

You can handle a SNAP appeal on your own, but some people feel more comfortable with help.

Possible Sources of Assistance

• Legal aid or legal services organizations

  • Many states, including Wyoming, have free or low‑cost civil legal aid programs that help with benefits issues.
  • They can sometimes:
    • Review your notice and case file
    • Help you prepare evidence
    • Represent you at the hearing (when resources allow)

• Community or nonprofit agencies

  • Some community organizations and social service agencies help people:
    • Understand their rights
    • Prepare for hearings
    • Navigate state benefit systems

• Advocates, case managers, or social workers

  • If you receive services from other programs (for example, housing or disability services), their staff may be able to:
    • Help you organize documents
    • Join your hearing as support persons (if allowed)

To find these resources, you can:

• Call 211 and ask for legal aid or benefits advocacy in your area
• Ask your local DFS office if they know of nearby legal or community partners (they cannot endorse specific groups but may provide general referrals)

Verifying You’re Using an Official Wyoming SNAP Channel

Because online information can be confusing, it’s important to make sure you are dealing with official government offices when handling your Wyoming SNAP appeal.

Here are ways to verify:

• Look for “.gov” in website addresses associated with Wyoming state government.
• Confirm phone numbers and addresses on:
  • Official Wyoming state government directories, or
  • Your SNAP approval/denial/closure notice.
• When in doubt, call your local DFS office using a number listed in a government directory or on prior official mail.
• Be cautious if:
  • A website asks for unusual fees to file an appeal (SNAP appeals are typically free).
  • Someone guarantees a specific outcome for payment.
  • You are asked to send your EBT card number or PIN to unverified contacts.

HowToGetAssistance.org provides general guidance only and cannot file appeals, access your case, or make decisions about your benefits.

Alternatives if Your SNAP Appeal Is Not Successful

If your appeal does not change the decision, you still have options to seek food and other support:

• Reapply for SNAP

  • If your situation changes (for example, income drops, household size changes), you can usually submit a new SNAP application through the official Wyoming benefits portal or local DFS office.

• Food pantries and food banks

  • Local food pantries, churches, and community centers often provide:
    • Emergency food boxes
    • Hot meals or community dinners

• School and child nutrition programs

  • Children might qualify for:
    • Free or reduced‑price school meals
    • Sometimes backpack or summer meal programs

• Other assistance programs

  • Depending on your situation, you may qualify for:
    • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
    • Energy assistance (LIHEAP)
    • Housing support or emergency rent/utility help through local agencies

You can often learn about these programs by contacting:

• Local DFS offices
• 211 for regional referrals
• Nearby community action agencies, shelters, or social service organizations

Quick Reference: Wyoming SNAP Appeal Basics

By understanding these steps, gathering solid documentation, and using official Wyoming DFS channels, you can more confidently navigate SNAP appeals and fair hearings in Wyoming and pursue a fair review of your case.