Your Right to Appeal

Phone: (970) 400-6680
EmailHS-Appeals@weld.gov

If you don’t agree with a decision about your benefits, you have the right to ask for a hearing or file an appeal. This means we’ll review your case and the decision that was made. We're here to help! If you have any questions about the appeals process, feel free to contact us.

What benefit programs can I appeal?

  • Adult Financial
  • Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
  • Colorado Works (TANF)
  • Food Assistance (SNAP)
  • Medical Assistance (Health First Colorado)

How do I file an appeal?

To appeal a decision, please provide:

  • Your name, address, phone number and email address
  • The program(s) involved
  • At least one of the following: 1B Case Number, Date of Birth, or Social Security Number
  • The name, address and phone number of anyone who will be representing you at the hearing
  • A brief explanation of why you are appealing the decision
  • Copies of any denial/suspension/termination notice you received.

This information can be given to the Hearings and Appeals office:

  • Verbally: in person or over the phone
  • In Writing: by email, mail, or hand delivered

How long do I have to appeal?

To be sure of your deadline, always:

  • Carefully read the decision notice: It should state the deadline for filing an appeal.
  • Check the specific rules for your program: Look for information on the relevant agency's website or contact them directly.
  • Seek assistance if needed: The county's Hearings and Appeals Office and organizations like Colorado Legal Services can provide guidance.

Expedited Appeals:

If you believe the issue is time-sensitive (e.g., a medical situation), you can request an expedited appeal, which may have a shorter timeline.

Late Appeals:

If you miss the deadline, you may still be able to appeal, but you'll need to provide a good reason for the delay to the courts.

What types of Hearings are available?

Dispute Resolution Conference (DRC)

This is an informal meeting with a member of the county's Hearings and Appeals Office. We will go over the decision made on your case and discuss the key details to confirm everything is accurate. This is an informal meeting with a representative from the county and a member of the county's Hearing Office. We will go over the decision made on your case and discuss the key details to confirm everything is accurate.

State-Level Hearing (SLH)

This is a formal meeting with you, the county, and a judge. The judge will review the decision made on your case. Both you and the county will present your side of the story. A judge will hear what you have to say and what the county has to say. The judge's job is to make a final decision that is accurate.

More information about the SLH process can be found at Office of Administrative Courts (OAC), or Colorado Department of Human Services SNAP Hearing Unit websites.

What is the county's role in my appeal?

In both the informal meeting and the formal state-level hearing, a member of the county's Hearings and Appeals Office attends to explain and defend the county's original decision that was made about your case. They are also there to assist you in navigating the appeals process and to facilitate the initial County DRC.

If you have any questions or need any assistance at any point during your appeal, you should contact the Hearings and Appeals office directly.