If SNAP petitioner finds his or her Illinois food stamps application denied, then a food stamps appeal process will need to be initiated in order for the applicant to potentially get SNAP benefits. Before an applicant tries to get the food stamps denial overturned, he or she should review the reasons why the food stamps were denied in the first place. A few different reasons can result in a food stamps application denied status, and petitioners knowing and understanding these reasons will aide them in determining how to appeal SNAP benefits denial in Illinois. Once the applicant reviews and understands the reasons why the food stamps denial was issued, then he or she can determine if there is a valid reason to file an appeal. Once a petitioner makes the decision to pursue the food stamps appeal process and knows how to appeal a SNAP benefits denial, he or she will need to act quickly. Appeals must be filed within a certain timeframe, otherwise the applicant will miss the opportunity to try and have the denied SNAP benefits verdict overturned.
Common Reasons for Illinois Food Stamps Denials
While a few different reasons can prompt an IL food stamps denial, some common mistakes or circumstances can lead to rejected food stamps applications. For instance, when applying for food stamps, applicants are required to provide their Social Security Number. If they currently do not have a Social Security Number, then petitioners must provide proof that they are applying for one. Furthermore, the petitioner must also provide the Social Security Numbers of any household members who are included in the application. An applicant may have an Illinois food stamps application denied if they do not provide this information.
Petitioners may also have food stamps denied if they do not complete all required steps in the SNAP benefits application process. For instance, if petitioners are supposed to complete an interview but do not, then the request for benefits is considered incomplete and will be denied. Oftentimes, the Department of Human Services also requests that applicants submit supplemental documents along with the application form. Rejected Illinois food stamps applications may be the result if a petitioner successfully completed the correct forms, but did not provide the additional documentation requested by the stipulated deadline.
The Department of Human Services may also deny food stamps to petitioners because of ineligibility. An extensive process is in place to help determine whether or not an applicant is eligible to receive food stamps. A food stamps denial may be issued if eligibility cannot be confirmed, or if the Department believes the petitioner is not qualified to receive SNAP benefits. One common reason SNAP food stamps are denied in Illinois is because the petitioner claimed too much income on the application. Petitioners can only receive SNAP benefits if they fall within a certain specified low-income bracket. If the application reflects that the income exceeds the stipulated accepted amount, then benefits will be denied. Even if the application shows that the income is not too high, a petitioner may still get food stamps rejected if he or she does not meet the minimum work requirements. Showing proof of employment can be an important part of the application process, and petitioners may have a food stamps application denied if these eligibility requirements are not met.
Note: Download our guide to learn more about the requirements for food stamps and how to appeal a denial letter.
Learn About Notifications for an Illinois Food Stamps Denial
If an Illinois food stamps application is denied, petitioners will receive the rejected food stamps notice in the mail within 30 days of the initial application submission. Upon receipt of the denial, petitioners will also obtain information about why the food stamps application was not approved, along with information about how to appeal the denied food stamps decision.
How to Appeal a SNAP Denial in Illinois
If an applicant decides to pursue the food stamps appeal process in Illinois, then he or she needs to make sure the proper protocol is followed. If opting to appeal denied food stamps, then the petitioner needs to notify the Department of Human Services of this desire. The petitioner can either submit a Notice of Appeal form to the Department or write a letter requesting the appeal. The letter or form can either be delivered in-person at a local Department of Human Services office or mailed. Petitioners can also opt to email or fax the food stamps appeal documentation.
Once the appeal has been received and processed, then a meeting is scheduled to review the SNAP benefits application. During the informal meeting about the denied food stamps, where the applicant can also have legal representation present if desired, a decision may be made about changing the food stamps application denied status to approved. However, if a decision is made that the applicant is not satisfied with and thereby wants to continue the food stamps appeal process, then a formal hearing will be scheduled.
To support their claim that denied food stamps benefits should be issued, applicants will have the opportunity to provide documentation and testimony. After the hearing, a final decision about the SNAP application and benefits is made. Petitioners will receive a copy of the verdict, as well as a letter that stipulates what action can be taken if the petitioner would like to have a judge review the final decision. The final decision regarding the rejected food stamps appeal will be mailed within 60 days after the hearing request is received.
