You always have the right to request an in-person fair hearing. This can be particularly helpful if:
- If you do not speak English as your first language;
- You have difficulty navigating or accessing technology, or
- You feel more comfortable presenting your case and seeing the evidence in person.
The memo linked here explains that the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will schedule and in-person hearing when the Appellant requests one.
Currently, there is no space on the fair hearing request form which asks if the Appellant wants an in-person fair hearing. If you want an in-person fair hearing, you should ask for one as follows:
1) If you request a fair hearing by phone, tell the person taking your information that you want an in-person fair hearing;
2) If you fill out the online request form, make your request for an in-person hearing in the “Comments” section which is about 2/3 of the way down the page;
3) If you request a fair hearing by mail or fax using this form, write your request in the section labeled “Reason for a Hearing,” after you explain why you want a hearing.
You can request an interpreter to be present either at your in person fair hearing or on the line at your telephone fair hearing. Both the online hearing request If you request your hearing by phone, tell the person taking your hearing request that you want an interpreter and the language you are requesting.
