Emergency Assistance - Appeal Process 415-50-30

(Revised 11/02 ML #2829)

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The county social service offices have the basic responsibility and authority to determine emergency assistance eligibility and benefits based on the guidelines that are specified in this chapter. In as much as only guidelines for eligibility and benefit determination are provided, and include such considerations as financial planning and identification of the cause and resolution of the underlying problem of the crisis, considerable amount of judgement is required by the county social service office eligibility worker on each individual case situation. The established formal appeal process usually results in confirmation that the policies and procedures were followed and that the county social service office eligibility worker has the authority to make the eligibility and benefit determination. To assure the applicant's rights are adequately protected, the following additional procedures will be included in the appeal process.

 

Any person who is dissatisfied by an action taken or not taken by a county social service board or the state department with respect to his heating assistance application or benefits is legally entitled to appeal for an impartial review of his circumstances. The household must contact the county within 30 days of the receipt of the notice if they are dissatisfied with the action taken.

 

A county social service board representative should first review the issue with the applicant to assure the decision is based on accurate and complete information. If not satisfied, the applicant may submit a formal appeal notice action. No appeal form is necessary. The applicant needs to provide his name, address, social security number, and his statement of the action he is appealing and why.