Benefit decisions are made by people applying complex rules to imperfect information, and mistakes happen in both directions. If a program has denied your application, reduced your benefit, or terminated it, you have a formal right to challenge that decision. The most important thing to know is that deadlines are short and they start from the date on the notice, not the date you opened it.
Step 1: Read the notice carefully
Every denial, reduction or termination comes with a written notice that must state what was decided, why, the rule relied on, and how to appeal. Read it for the specific reason given — it is often something narrow and fixable, such as a missing document or an income figure that was misread. Note the appeal deadline and the address or portal to use. Keep the envelope if the postmark matters.
Step 2: Ask for continued benefits if you are already receiving them
For programs like SNAP and Medicaid, if you are already receiving benefits and they are being reduced or stopped, requesting a hearing within a short window — often around 10 days from the notice — can keep benefits in place while the appeal is decided. This is usually called continued benefits or aid paid pending. Be aware that if you lose the appeal you may have to repay what you received in the meantime, so ask an advocate whether it makes sense in your case.
Step 3: Request the appropriate appeal
- SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and other state-administered programs: request a fair hearing with the state agency. Federal SNAP rules give households 90 days from the action to request a hearing, though asking within about 10 days protects continued benefits. Medicaid deadlines are set by each state.
- Social Security programs (SSDI, SSI, retirement): the appeal path is reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge, then the Appeals Council, then federal court. You generally have 60 days from receiving each decision to move to the next stage. File online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Unemployment insurance: appeal to your state unemployment appeals tribunal. Deadlines are often very short — in some states only a week or two.
- Marketplace health coverage: appeal eligibility decisions through healthcare.gov or your state exchange.
- Veterans benefits: the VA has its own decision review process with several options — see va.gov.
Step 4: Build the record
Appeals are decided on evidence. Gather anything that contradicts the reason given: pay stubs, bank statements, medical records, a letter from an employer or landlord, proof that a document was submitted. Ask the agency for a copy of your case file — you have a right to see the evidence used in the decision, and it is often where the error becomes obvious. Submit evidence in writing and keep a copy of everything you send with the date you sent it.
Where to get free help
- Legal aid: free civil legal representation for people who qualify by income. Find a provider at lsc.gov. Represented claimants do measurably better at hearings than unrepresented ones.
- 211: dial or text 211 for local advocacy and benefits help.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) for Medicare issues, and the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for care-related disputes.
- Protection and advocacy agencies, which exist in every state for disability-related denials.
- Law school clinics and pro bono programs, which frequently take benefits appeals.
General guidance only — not regulated financial advice.
What a fair hearing actually looks like
A state fair hearing is an administrative proceeding, not a court trial. It is usually held by phone or video, sometimes in person, before a hearing officer who was not involved in the original decision. The agency explains its decision, you explain why you disagree, and both sides can submit documents and answer questions. You can bring a representative — a legal aid attorney, an advocate, a friend or a family member. You do not need a lawyer, but having one materially improves outcomes. The decision arrives in writing afterwards.
Social Security appeals take time — start early
Social Security disability appeals in particular can take many months, and the hearing stage often takes longer than the earlier stages combined. That is not a reason to give up: a significant share of claims denied initially are approved later in the process, particularly at the administrative law judge stage. What matters is filing each appeal within the deadline, keeping medical treatment ongoing and documented, and getting representation. Representatives who handle SSA claims typically work on a contingency basis, with fees capped and approved by SSA.