A Maryland food stamps denial can be appealed by an applicant if the reasons are found to be unjust or wrongful. When a food stamps application denied by the Department of Human Services cites reasons that are untrue, an applicant may have grounds to appeal the decision in hopes of having it overturned. The food stamps appeal process must be followed correctly for the denied applicant to be offered a chance at a fair hearing. The process for how to appeal SNAP benefits denial in Maryland begins with a request from the applicant to appeal the decision.
When the applicant pursues the food stamps appeal process, it is his or her responsibility to complete all steps by the respective deadlines and prove his or her case to a fair hearing judge. The MD food stamps denial decision will only be overturned for an applicant who can prove the denial decision was unfair and that he or she meets all program eligibility requirements. To learn more about reasons a food stamps application can be denied and how to move through the appeals process, review the following sections.
Common Reasons for Maryland Food Stamps Denials
Applicants who find their MD food stamps application denied by the Department of Human Services have received the verdict for various reasons. Commonly, a food stamps denial will occur because the applicant did not complete an interview with a representative in the allotted time or was unable to provide requested documentation by a set deadline. Before pursuing the food stamps appeal process for this denial reason, the applicant may be able to contact the office and explain the delay in completing an interview or submitting documentation. Sometimes, the office will allow the applicant another chance to adhere to the department’s request and potentially gain program approval without the need for a fair hearing.
A Maryland food stamps denial may also happen to an applicant if the household is found to earn too much income each month to qualify for the program. When a food stamps application is denied because of high earnings, the household does not qualify for SNAP benefits and no appeal should be pursued unless a calculation error was made. Deductions from medical expenses or other household bills may be calculated to assist an applicant in reaching the low-income bracket to qualify. However, the MD food stamps appeal process should only be pursued if the applicant feels the expenses are not being rightfully considered.
Another food stamps denial in Maryland that is commonly cited occurs because of ineligible citizenship or residency status. A food stamps application can be denied if any household member applying for SNAP benefits is a noncitizen and cannot prove his or her eligible citizenship status. The how to appeal SNAP benefits denial process should only be followed by a denied applicant in this situation if the applicant feels the denial is wrongful and he or she possesses proper proof of citizenship.
Learn About Notifications for a Maryland Food Stamps Denial
When an MD food stamps application is denied, the applicant will receive a notification of denial in the mail following his or her application review. The Maryland food stamps denial notification will offer a brief explanation of the reason or reasons for denial. The food stamps appeal process will also be discussed in the SNAP denial letter and all steps in the process, including any actions the applicant must take to pursue legal action, are outlined.
Download our guide for more details on SNAP benefit denials and appeals.
All questions for how to appeal SNAP benefits denial in MD can be answered with the information provided in the denial notification. The applicant should make note of the food stamps denial reasons listed on the notification and compare them to the program guidelines. If a discrepancy is discovered and the applicant feels he or she should move forward with an appeal, the applicant should review the process of appealing. Before attempting to begin the Maryland food stamps appeals process, an applicant can first call the local Department of Human Services office to attempt to resolve the conflict without requesting a fair hearing trial. Sometimes, the food stamps denial can be overturned during the phone conversation if the applicant can provide requested documentation or explain an inconsistency found on the application that caused the denial.
How to Appeal a SNAP Denial in Maryland
Applicants who received a Maryland food stamps denial they feel was unjust are encouraged to contact the Department of Human Services office to discuss the denial reasons. Sometimes, the MD denied food stamps application can be overturned if the applicant can explain his or her side to the representative effectively. The food stamps appeal process may still need to be pursued if the issue was not resolved through a phone call to the office. To begin the process for how to appeal SNAP benefits denial in Maryland, an applicant should request an appeal in writing, in person or by phone. During the request, the applicant will need to identify him or herself and briefly but sufficiently explain why the SNAP denial is wrongful and should be overturned.
Once the food stamps appeal process in MD is initiated by the applicant, a fair hearing trial date is scheduled and the applicant is notified. The food stamps denial can only be overturned if the applicant is successful in proving to the judge the denial is wrongful through documented evidence, paperwork and testimony. A food stamps application denied by the Department of Human Services will be reviewed by the administrative law judge and a decision made in the case, after hearing testimony from both parties. The judge will mail his court ruling to both parties once decided. If the Maryland food stamps denial is overturned by the judge, the applicant will begin receiving SNAP benefits. After the food stamps appeal process, if the denial decision stands, the applicant may choose to file a second appeal.
