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SNAP Hearings Unit

Two images: 1. A judge gesturing to a woman at a desk. 2. An illustration showing food and the logo of the SNAP program.

About SNAP fair hearings

You can request a SNAP fair hearing to appeal decisions made about your eligibility and benefits. SNAP fair hearings are heard in the Colorado Department of Human Services SNAP Hearings Unit. You can file SNAP fair hearing appeals at your local county human services office.  

Hearings for SNAP Intentional Program Violations (fraud) are heard by the Office of Administrative Courts.

How SNAP appeals work

Step 1: You request an appeal at your local county office verbally, in writing or by using the SNAP Fair Hearing request form. Your local county office can provide this form or you can download it below, in English or Spanish:

You can also fill out the form online in English or Spanish. The online hearing request form will be routed directly to the SNAP Hearings Unit.

Step 2: The county office will review your request and restore your SNAP benefits, if allowable. The county office will forward your Fair Hearing request to the SNAP Hearings Unit.

Step 3: The SNAP Hearings Unit schedules a hearing and sends you a Notice of Hearing along with any other necessary documents. Most hearings happen via telephone conferencing through Google Meet or Zoom. You can request a face-to-face hearing if you prefer. But most hearings occur via telephone or internet. 

Step 4: The SNAP Hearings Unit holds a hearing to better understand the dispute by considering evidence and testimony. Both you and the county department will appear at the hearing. 

Step 5: The SNAP Hearings Unit administrative adjudicator (judge) issues an Initial Decision and forwards it to the Office of Appeals.

Step 6: The Office of Appeals mails you a Notice of Initial Decision. This will include additional information, a Notice of Intent to file Exceptions form and general instructions so that if you have a legal basis to object to any portion of the initial decision, you may file exceptions (objections). Importantly, for SNAP-related appeals and proceedings only, anyone who wants to file Exceptions to the Initial Decision, must file a Notice of Intent to File Exceptions within five (5) days plus three (3) days for mailing (so within 8 days) from the day listed on the Notice of Initial Decision Certificate of Mailing. The Notice of Initial Decision includes the Notice of Intent to File Exceptions form. So all a party needs to do to make sure they have the ability to later file exceptions in a SNAP-related matter is to fill out the provided form and return it quickly to the Office of Appeals. The filing deadline for the Notice of Intent to File Exceptions is also included on the form itself.

Step 7: The CDHS Office of Appeals reviews the record, including the Initial Decision, any Notice of Intent to File Exceptions and Exceptions, and responses to Exceptions, the applicable law, and issues and sends you a Final Agency Decision.

Step 8: The County Department implements the Final Agency Decision. When applicable, the Appellant may appeal the Final Agency Decision to the Denver District Court by filing for a judicial review of the Final Agency Decision. If there is no filing for judicial review, the appeal is complete. Under certain circumstances, a party may file a Motion for Reconsideration with the Office of Appeals. However, the timeframe for filing for judicial review will continue to run despite that a Motion for Reconsideration has been filed.

Frequently asked questions

Expand the questions below for answers to frequently asked questions about SNAP fair hearings and the SNAP Hearings Unit.

How do I contact the SNAP Hearings Unit?

You can contact the SNAP Hearings Unit in multiple ways: 

  • By phone at 303-866-7285 (local) or 833-847-0345 (toll free)
  • By email at cdhs_snaphearings@state.co.us
  • By mail or dropping off in person at Colorado Department of Human Services/Fort Logan, SNAP Hearings Unit, 3550 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, CO 80236.

Note: Personnel receiving hand-delivered documents will only retrieve the document. Personnel receiving the hand-delivered documents cannot respond to questions about the appeal process.

How do I know if I should appeal a SNAP decision?

If you insist the local County Office’s decision is incorrect — either because the local county office used incorrect information to make its decision or misapplied the law — you should reach out to the county staff first. They must explain the action taken on your SNAP case. This can be either as a discussion or a more formal Dispute Resolution Conference.

If, after this explanation or a Dispute Resolution Conference, you still don’t agree with the decision, you should request a Fair Hearing.

For example, say the county office cut your SNAP benefits because it determined you’re common law married. If you disagree, talk to county staff and provide verification that you aren’t. If the discussion and verification don’t result in a case change, you can appeal the decision.

Will my benefits continue during the appeal?

Request a hearing or a Dispute Resolution Conference before the action takes effect. If your SNAP certification period hasn’t ended, your benefits can continue at the amount you were getting before the action you’re appealing.

However, you can’t request to receive benefits during your appeal if your officials denied your SNAP application.

What is a dispute resolution conference?

A dispute resolution conference is a meeting between you and county staff to discuss an action taken on your case. During this informal meeting, county staff will explain the reasons for the action and the relevant SNAP rules. The local county office will have to give you a chance to review all the documents related to your case.

If you bring new information to the meeting that changes the decision in your case, the county will correct it. Either way, you’ll get a written notice afterward telling you whether the decision changed or stayed the same.

Once you have received the county’s decision, you’ll have 10 calendar days from the date of this written correspondence to appeal.

I want to appeal my SNAP benefits as well as benefits other than SNAP. Where do I send that appeal?

For any other appeal requests that have to do with other benefits programs (such as Colorado Works, Old Age Pension, Aid to the Needy Disabled, etc.) you will file your appeal request(s) with the Office of Administrative Courts. They have a variety of forms available to download here.

Can someone help me appeal my case?

If you have someone else request an appeal on your behalf, you must state, in writing, that you gave that person permission to do so. You can fill out the Representative Authorization Form, linked below, or you can email the SNAP Hearings Unit at cdhs_snaphearings@state.co.us. You can also mail us a letter at Colorado Department of Human Services/Fort Logan, SNAP Hearings Unit, 3550 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, CO, 80236.

Download the Representative Authorization Form

What happens at the hearing?

The hearing is an opportunity for the judge to understand both sides of the story. The hearing takes place over the phone or over the internet, and lasts no more than an hour in most cases. You may also request a face-to-face hearing.

At the hearing, the judge will ask one party, usually the county staff, to present its evidence first. They’ll call witnesses and present evidence in whatever order they deem best. Once they’ve wrapped up their case, the judge will ask you to present your case.

How do I prepare for a hearing?

The county office must send you a letter five (5) days before the hearing explaining why they’ve made the decision you’re appealing. They must include all the evidence it intends to ask the judge to admit at hearing. The judge will only consider evidence admitted at the hearing.

During the hearing, you may call witnesses to ask questions about the facts of your case. You’re also allowed to testify. The county staff and the judge may also question your witnesses.

If you have documents such as letters, photos, or other records that help prove your case (your “exhibit packet”), please send your exhibits to the SNAP Hearings Unit either by mail or hand delivery to 3550 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, CO, 80236 or by email at cdhs_snaphearings@state.co.us.

Be sure to send these before your scheduled hearing date so the hearings officer has these before the hearing date. These documents/records will be offered to the hearings officer as evidence. The officer then will determine whether the evidence you offer will be admitted.

In the rare circumstance of your hearing being in person, you may submit your documents/records before the hearing or bring them with you.

How do I submit documents to the SNAP Hearings Unit?

You can email your documents to cdhs_snaphearings@state.co.us. You can also drop off your documents in person or mail them to our office, located at Colorado Department of Human Services/Fort Logan, SNAP Hearings Unit, 3550 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, CO 80236. The SNAP Hearings Unit must receive documents by the due date listed in the notices of hearing you have received. Postmark dates do not qualify.

Do I get a lawyer for the hearing?

You may bring a lawyer, or any other representative, to the hearing. But the state won’t pay for a lawyer. If you want a lawyer at the hearing, you should consider hiring one right after you file your appeal.

If you’re interested in hiring a lawyer, here’s a list of free or low-cost legal services.  

If you do hire an attorney for your SNAP appeal and then change your mind, the lawyer must file a Motion to Withdraw in compliance with the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure. The SNAP Hearings Unit won’t accept a written statement that you’ve changed attorneys or that you’re no longer represented by an attorney.

Can I have a representative?

Yes. You can bring any representative with you. If you want the SNAP Hearings Unit to communicate with your representative outside of the hearing, you must either email the SNAP Hearings Unit at cdhs_snaphearings@state.co.us or send a letter to Colorado Department of Human Services/Fort Logan, SNAP Hearings Unit, 3550 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, CO, 80236. This notice must indicate the name of your representative and your wish that we communicate directly with them.

Always include your case number in your written communications.

You can also fill out the Representative Authorization Form (see below).  

If you change representatives or no longer have a representative, you must tell the SNAP Hearings Unit in writing (email, mail, hand delivered).

Download the Representative Authorization Form

Can I see the county office’s evidence?

Yes, the County Office is required to send you or your representative a copy of all the evidence they intend to present before the hearing date. (The administrative adjudicator will receive this as well.) If you’d like to request additional information about your benefits outside of the evidence the county plans to use at the hearing, you may request a copy of your file.

What if I need an interpreter or translation?

If you need an interpreter, please request one through your county office. If you have an interpreter, the SNAP Hearings Unit will automatically translate its written decisions.

If you don’t have an interpreter, but you’d still like the SNAP Hearings Unit to translate its written decisions, you can submit your request via email at cdhs_snaphearings@state.co.us or send a letter to Colorado Department of Human Services/Fort Logan, SNAP Hearings Unit, 3550 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, CO, 80236. You can also call the SNAP Hearings Unit, toll free, at 833-847-0345.

Always include your case number in any communication with the SNAP Hearings Unit.

How do I get a witness to come to the hearing?

A witness can come voluntarily. You can also use a subpoena to protect your right to have that person testify if their testimony is relevant to your case. Contact the SNAP Hearings Unit before the hearing to get a subpoena to compel a witness to appear. You may have to pay for the witness’ expenses to attend. And you must arrange for someone to serve the subpoenas at least two (2) business days before the hearing. It is your responsibility to ensure your witnesses are available and present.

Is it OK to bring letters instead of witnesses?

Yes, you can bring documentation. An employer, landlord, healthcare provider, teacher, relative or neighbor might have helpful information that they can provide in a letter or other document.

However, if someone isn’t present and only submits a letter, the judge might find that the information isn’t reliable or compelling. When a person is present or can testify by phone, their information might be more persuasive.

If I forget something, can I send it to the judge later?

The judge will decide whether to allow you to submit something after the hearing. If the judge allows you to send a document after the hearing, you also must share it with the county office. Additionally, they’ll have a chance to respond.

Will the hearing location be accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes. Most hearings take place over the phone or online. But you can, instead, request a face-to-face hearing. In-person hearings will be held at locations accessible to anyone with a disability. If you know of anyone who plans to attend who require reasonable accommodations, contact the SNAP Hearings unit to make arrangements.

What if I can’t attend my hearing?

If you can’t attend the hearing on the date and time shown, you must contact the SNAP Hearings Unit as soon as possible. You can request a new hearing date so long as your request is made at least five (5) calendar days before the scheduled date. If your request isn’t made early enough, you must show “good cause.” This covers things outside your control, such as:

  • You’re sick.
  • Another household member is sick and needs you there.
  • Some other household emergency.
  • An important witness can’t attend on the hearing day.
What if I miss my hearing?

If you fail to appear either personally or by an attorney, the judge will cancel the hearing and issue an order dismissing the case for failure to appear. You will have 10 days to write to the SNAP Hearings Unit to show “good cause” for your failure to appear. You must either email the SNAP Hearings Unit at cdhs_snaphearings@state.co.us or send a letter to Colorado Department of Human Services/Fort Logan, SNAP Hearings Unit, 3550 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, CO, 80236.

How do I withdraw my hearing request?

A household or its representative can withdraw a request for a hearing in writing. You must provide the SNAP Hearings Unit with a handwritten or typed letter or email that clearly states you want to withdraw the hearing request.

You can email your withdrawal request to the SNAP Hearings Unit at cdhs_snaphearings@state.co.us. You can also mail or deliver a letter by hand to the Colorado Department of Human Services/Fort Logan, SNAP Hearings Unit, 3550 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, CO, 80236.

Are the hearings and records confidential?

Your hearing is not open to the public but will be recorded. The recording is the official record of the hearing and the transcript, if any, must be made from that recording. A party may request a copy of the official recording at a nominal cost. The judge has the discretion whether to allow any other person to make a recording of any portion of the hearing. The taking, use, and distribution of any recording is subject to confidentiality laws.

When will I receive a decision?

The Office of Appeals will mail you the Initial Decision after the SNAP Hearings Unit issues it. If you think the judge got the facts or the law wrong, you can object by filing a Notice of Intent to File Exceptions, followed by your Exceptions. If the other party files Exceptions, you’ll have a chance to respond.

The CDHS Office of Appeals will then review the initial decision, any exceptions, if filed, and any response, and then issue a Final Agency Decision.

If I believe the initial decision is wrong, what do I do? How do I file exceptions?

If you believe the judge based his or her decision on incorrect facts or law, you may file exceptions (objections) to the decision, stating why you disagree with the decision. The first step to filing exceptions is to file a Notice of Intent to File Exceptions. The purpose of the Notice is so the Office of Appeals will wait to decide your case until you submit your exceptions. After filing your Notice of Intent to File Exceptions, you will have until the deadline stated in the Notice of Initial Decision to file your Exceptions.

You may file Exceptions using either of the following methods:

  • Email your written Exceptions statements (in an attached document or in the body of the email) to cdhs_appeals@state.co.us; or
  • Mail your Exceptions document or drop it off at 3550 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, CO 80236. 

If you have questions about the Exceptions process, call the CDHS Office of Appeals at 303.866.7447.

Please note that you cannot appeal the Final Agency Decision to the Denver District Court unless you have filed valid Exceptions to the Initial Decision. 

What if I disagree with the final agency decision?

If you disagree with the final agency decision and believe one of the two circumstances below applies, you can request that the Office of Appeals reconsider its decision. A request for reconsideration must be in writing and filed with the Office of Appeals within 15 days of the date provided in the Final Agency Decision’s Certificate of Mailing. No extensions of time can be granted. The Office of Appeals cannot consider any request filed after the 15-day time period.

For the Office of Appeals to consider a request for reconsideration a party must show that one or both of the following circumstances existed:

  • The party had good cause for failing to file Exceptions (objections) by the due date in the Notice of Initial Decision. The party's request for reconsideration must also include the party's Exceptions to the Initial Decision.
  • The party shows that the Final Agency Decision is based upon a clear or plain error of fact or law. The party must show that the Office of Appeals based its decision upon a misunderstanding of the clear facts of the case, or has overlooked a rule, statute, or court decision that requires a different decision.

Written briefs which merely state support or a general dissatisfaction with the Final Agency Decision or administrative hearing process do not constitute a request for reconsideration. A document that includes new evidence or presents arguments previously considered and resolved against a party's position does not constitute a request for reconsideration. This process is limited to correcting an error that occurred in the course of the Office of Appeals’ review and issuance of a Final Agency Decision.

You can also appeal a Final Agency decision to the Denver District Court if you have timely filed valid Exceptions with the Office of Appeals. For more information, call the Denver District Court Pro Se/Self-Help Center at 303-606-2442. For more information, visit the Denver District Court Pro Se/Self-Help Center page on the Colorado Judicial Branch website. 

If I win at the hearing, what will happen to my SNAP benefits?

If the Final Agency Decision restores or awards your SNAP benefits, the County Office must restore your benefits, if they were not restored when you appealed, or issue new benefits if awarded in the Decision. If you have questions, you should contact your county office to discuss your benefits.

If I lose at the hearing, what will happen to my SNAP benefits?

If your benefits were restored when you filed your appeal, these benefits will close. The benefits you received from when they were restored to the point the decision was made must be returned. The County Office will calculate overpayments and provide you with information about these overpayments. If you continue to receive some SNAP benefits, the overpayment can be collected from your ongoing benefits.

What are the rules that govern the SNAP program and hearings?

The state rules that govern the SNAP program and hearings are available here.

Contact information

You can contact the SNAP Hearings Unit in multiple ways: 

  • By phone at 303-866-7285 (local) or 833-847-0345 (toll free)
  • By email at cdhs_snaphearings@state.co.us
  • By mail or dropping off in person at Colorado Department of Human Services/Fort Logan, SNAP Hearings Unit, 3550 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, CO 80236.

Note: Personnel receiving hand-delivered documents will only retrieve the document. Personnel receiving the hand-delivered documents cannot respond to questions about the appeal process.