108. How do I file an appeal to get a fair hearing?

You can ask for a hearing by either: 

• Calling the Division of Hearings at (617) 348-5321 and speaking with a Division of Hearings worker or leaving a voicemail with information about what you are appealing, or
• Writing to DTA, P.O. Box 4017, Taunton MA 02780‐0314. You can also use the DTA “Request for an Appeal” that is on the back of the notice DTA sent you, sample DTA form: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-an-appeal-with-dta. You should write or verbally explain the reason why you want a fair hearing, and what action DTA is taking that you are appealing

If you fax your appeal, send the a fax to the Division of Hearings, FAX (617) 348-5311. Fax is better because it is faster and you have a fax receipt showing when you sent the request to the Division of Hearings. You do not have to use the DTA form. 106 C.M.R. § 343.240

If you need an interpreter or you are homebound, you can ask for accommodations including:

• Request that the hearing to be held in your home if you are disabled and homebound. 106 C.M.R. §§ 343.310.
• Request for an interpreter if you need one including American sign language or foreign language. 106 C.M.R. §§ 343.450, and
• Request an “expedited” (quickly scheduled) appeal, if your SNAP application for expedited benefits was denied. 106 C.M.R. § 367.225

Be sure to send your hearing request to the Division of Hearings, not your local DTA office.

Next steps after filing an appeal request

The Division of Hearings (DOH) should send you a notice within a few weeks of your appeal that tells you the date and time of your hearing. DOH must send you written notice of your hearing date at least one week prior to the hearing. 106 C.M.R.§ 367.325 The DOH notice will have other information about what a hearing is like and what your rights are. DOH will schedule the hearing by phone. If you would prefer to have the hearing in person or over Zoom, contact DOH and ask for it to be scheduled either in person or over Zoom.

You have the right to request a hearing in person or by Zoom if you want that.  

Rescheduling a hearing

If you are appealing a SNAP issue and you cannot make the hearing date the Division of Hearings scheduled, you are entitled to postpone (reschedule) the hearing. 106 C.M.R. §367.200. Call the Division of Hearings before the date it is scheduled for and ask for a new date. You do not need to have a good cause reason, as long as you call before the hearing date to postpone. 106 C.M.R. 343.320(A)(2).  If you need to postpone more than once, you may need to show good cause.

If you miss the hearing without calling in advance, you will have to give a good cause reason to the Division of Hearings to get the hearing rescheduled. You will also be asked to explain to the hearing officer at the rescheduled hearings why you missed the first hearing. Good cause includes an unexpected emergency. 106 C.M.R.§ 343.320(D). Otherwise the Division of hearings will dismiss your appeal. 106 C.M.R. 343.320(B)(1).