FAIR HEARINGS

Clients can have decisions about their cases reviewed by asking for a fair hearing. Hearings can be requested on a denial, discontinuance, or reduction of benefits or services on matters of state policy or a failure of the agency to act in a timely manner.

Hearings are requested by phoning the Office of Administrative Hearings at 1-800-342-3334 or (518) 474-8781 or by writing to New York State Department of Social Services, Fair Hearing Bureau, P. O. Box 1930 , Albany , New York , 12201 .

Hearings are held at the Greene County Department of Social Services, Main Street , Catskill. Hearings are presided over by an Administrative Law Judge who is a state employee. At the hearing the agency must justify the action it has taken. Clients can have representatives at the hearing and they can present evidence or bring witnesses. Hearings are usually held about one month after they are requested and decisions are rendered within six weeks after the hearing.

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