SNAP applicants who have a food stamps application denied in Indiana do not have to accept the decision. A food stamps appeal process is in place so that petitioners who were denied SNAP benefits can petition to have the denial revoked and receive food stamps after all. If a petitioner is unsure about how to appeal SNAP benefits denial in IN, then he or she should check the denial notice, as it will contain information about why benefits were rejected. However, before proceeding with the Indiana food stamps appeal process, petitioners should also make sure they have valid reasons to request that the food stamps denial be revoked. SNAP benefits may not be issued for a variety of reasons, and applicants should only move forward with an appeal if they believe that the denial was wrongly issued. If petitioners are unsure about how to determine if they have just cause to pursue the food stamps appeal process, or believe they have valid reasons to do so but do not know how to appeal a SNAP benefits denial, then the following information should be reviewed.
Common Reasons for Indiana Food Stamps Denials
A food stamps denial in Indiana may be the result of more than one reason. However, there are some common reasons and factors that can contribute to a rejected food stamps application. Some reasons for a denied SNAP food stamps application may deal with eligibility. In order to receive SNAP benefits, applicants must prove that they are qualified to receive this federal assistance. One of the determining factors that proves eligibility deals with income. When applicants submit a SNAP benefits request form, they must provide their current income. Petitioners can have a food stamps application rejected if their income exceeds the stipulated amount and falls outside of the specified low-income bracket. Furthermore, even if an applicant does fall within the specified low-income bracket, but does not provide proof of employment, then benefits may be denied because minimum work requirements are not met. If the applicant believes that he or she is eligible for the denied food stamps benefits, then documentation proving income and employment may need to be presented during the appeals process. Sometimes, an applicant may have his or her food stamps application denied because crucial information was omitted, such as the Social Security Number. This piece of information is a minimum requirement in a SNAP application, and if it is not provided then the benefits request cannot be properly processed.
Note: Download our guide to learn more about the denial and appeals process.
Besides income and employment, sometimes a food stamps SNAP application is denied because of an error in the paperwork or overall application process. Even if a petitioner successfully filled out and submitted the SNAP benefits paperwork, the Family and Social Services Administration may request additional documentation to help support or prove any claims that were made in the application. A petitioner may have food stamps denied if he or she was supposed to provide certain paperwork by a given date but missed the deadline. Similarly, sometimes an interview is required as part of the application process. If the petitioner does not complete the interview portion, then Family and Social Services administration can reject food stamps requests since the petitioner did not successfully complete the application process.
Learn About Notifications for an Indiana Food Stamps Denial
A decision about the approved or denied food stamps application is usually mailed to the petitioner within 30 days of the application submission date. When applicants find out they have a food stamps application denied in Indiana, they must act soon because they only have a limited amount of time. A food stamps appeal needs to be filed within 90 days from when the Indiana food stamps denial notice was received by the applicant.
How to Appeal a SNAP Denial in Indiana
If a petitioner finds their food stamps SNAP application denied, then he or she can file an appeal to try and have the decision overturned. In order to appeal a rejected food stamps application, the applicant must notify the Office of Family Resources about this decision either verbally, in writing or in person. After the food stamps appeal request is received and processed, then a hearing is scheduled to review the application and determine if the denied food stamps benefits should be approved.
During the hearing, applicants have the option to try and disprove the food stamps denial by providing testimony and supporting evidence that supports their claim benefits should be issued. Petitioners also have the option of either representing themselves during the hearing, hiring legal representation or authorizing someone to speak on their behalf. After the hearing, the Family and Social Services Administration will notify applicants if their food stamps application is denied or approved within 60 days. If the initial Indiana food stamps denial is not overturned, then petitioners have the option of requesting a review of the decision by the Administration. If SNAP applicants want to take advantage of this option, then the second food stamps appeal request must be submitted in writing to the Hearings and Appeals section of the Family and Social administration. Furthermore, this request must be made within 13 days from when the hearing decisions is received.
