What to do if your SNAP benefits are cut or denied

Introduction

If your SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are cut, reduced, ended, or denied, it can feel alarming and confusing. In many cases, there is a clear reason listed on your notice and a practical next step you can take right away, like turning in missing paperwork or completing a recertification interview.

You also have important rights. You can ask questions about your case, review your file, and request a fair hearing (appeal) if you disagree with a decision.

This guide is written for patients, caregivers, and older adults. Because SNAP is run by states under federal rules, the exact steps can vary where you live. Your written notice and your local SNAP office instructions are the most important details to follow.

Content

• Start with your notice and protect your deadlines
• Contact your local SNAP office and fix common problems
• If you disagree, request a SNAP fair hearing (appeal)
• How to ask for continued benefits while you appeal
• What to do if you need food right now
• If you think discrimination, disability access, or language access is part of the problem
• Tips to protect your SNAP benefits going forward
• FAQ
• References

Start with your notice and protect your deadlines

If benefits changed, you should usually receive a written notice explaining what happened and what you can do next.

Know the difference: cut, closed, or denied

These words can mean different things in SNAP paperwork:

• A benefit reduction means you are still approved, but your monthly amount went down.
• A termination or closure means your case ended and you are not currently getting benefits.
• A denial usually refers to an application that was not approved.

The reason matters, because the “fix” may be as simple as providing a document, completing an interview, or correcting a misunderstanding.

What to look for on the notice

Before you call anyone, take 5 minutes to scan for these items:

• The date on the notice and the effective date of the change
• The reason (sometimes listed as a code plus an explanation)
• Any verification you must provide (proof of income, identity, rent, utilities, residency, etc.)
• Instructions for how to request an appeal or fair hearing
• The deadline to appeal or respond
• Whether the notice says you can request continued benefits while you appeal

If you can, take a photo of the notice or keep it in a folder so it’s easy to find later.

Contact your local SNAP office and fix common problems

If something looks wrong or unclear, contact your local SNAP office as soon as you can. In most situations, your local office is the only place that can view your case details and correct errors.

To find the right contact information for your state, use the official SNAP State Directory of Resources listed in the references.

Bring these details to the call

Having the right information in front of you can save time and reduce stress:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Your case number (if you have one)
• The date your benefits were reduced or stopped
• The notice date and the reason listed
• A short list of what changed recently (new job, hours cut, someone moved in or out, rent changed, Social Security started, etc.)
• Notes on any documents you already submitted and when

If you are calling for someone else (a parent, spouse, or neighbor), ask the local office what they need to speak with you. Many states allow a household to have a trusted helper or representative participate.

Common fixable reasons and what you can do today

Many benefit interruptions happen because the local agency is missing information or couldn’t complete a required step on time.

Here are common situations and practical next steps:

• Missed recertification or renewal
  • Ask if your case closed because a recertification form or interview was missing.
  • Request the fastest way to complete the interview and submit any required forms.
  • If your certification period ended, ask whether you should reapply right away while also addressing what was missed.
• Missing verification documents
  • Ask for a clear list of what is missing and where to send it.
  • Turn in what you can immediately, even if you need to follow up with one or two documents later.
  • Keep copies or screenshots of anything you submit.
• Missed interview
  • Ask to reschedule promptly.
  • If you missed the interview due to illness, caregiving, work, or a phone issue, explain that clearly and ask what the office can do.
• Reported change lowered your benefit
  • If your income went up or household size changed, your benefit may legitimately change.
  • If you believe the change was calculated incorrectly, ask for the numbers they used (income amount, rent, utilities, household members) so you can check for errors.
• Mail or online account problems
  • If you moved, even temporarily, ask the office to confirm your address and preferred contact method.
  • Ask if you can receive notices electronically (this varies by state).

If you applied and never got a decision, you can ask about processing status. Federal SNAP information describes general timelines and the option for faster service in urgent situations, depending on eligibility.

If you disagree, request a SNAP fair hearing

If you think your SNAP benefits were reduced, ended, or denied incorrectly, you have the right to appeal by requesting a fair hearing. A fair hearing is a formal review with an official who considers the facts of your case.

In plain terms, a fair hearing is how you tell the agency: “I don’t agree with this decision, and I want it reviewed.”

Key deadline: you typically have 90 days to request a hearing

Federal SNAP materials explain that you must request a fair hearing within 90 days of the decision you disagree with. Do not wait until the last minute, even if you are still gathering documents.

How to request a fair hearing in a deadline-safe way

Your notice may explain the exact method your state accepts. In general, SNAP materials describe requesting a hearing:

• Over the phone
• In writing
• In person

If you request a hearing by phone, ask for a confirmation number or written confirmation (email, letter, or message in your online portal). Write down:

• The date and time you called
• The name (or ID number) of the person you spoke with
• What they told you would happen next

If you request a hearing in writing, include:

• Your name and case number
• The date of the notice
• The action you disagree with (reduction, termination, denial)
• A simple statement of why you disagree
• Your current phone number and mailing address
• Whether you are requesting continued benefits (if applicable)
• Any accommodations you need (interpreter, disability access)

Ask for a conference if it might resolve the issue faster

Federal hearing rules also describe an optional “agency conference” process in some situations. This is an informal review that can sometimes fix clear errors quickly. A conference should not replace or delay your right to a fair hearing.

A practical approach is to request the fair hearing to protect your deadline, and also ask whether a conference is available to resolve the issue sooner.

Prepare for the hearing like you are building a small “case packet”

You do not need legal language to be effective. You need clear facts and documents.

Helpful items to gather:

• The notice you received
• Pay stubs or benefit letters (Social Security, pension, unemployment)
• Proof of rent or mortgage and utilities (if relevant to the dispute)
• Proof of who lives with you (if household size is being questioned)
• Copies of what you submitted previously (or a list of what you sent and when)
• A short timeline you can read out loud
  • “On October 3 I submitted my recertification.”
  • “On October 10 I called and was told the interview was scheduled.”
  • “On November 1 my benefits ended.”

Federal hearing rules describe that households can present their case themselves or have it presented by a representative (like a relative, friend, or legal counsel). They also describe rights to review the case file and to bring evidence and witnesses.

How to ask for continued benefits while you appeal

In some situations, you may be able to keep getting SNAP at your previous level while you wait for the hearing decision. This is often called continued benefits or “aid continuing.”

This is time-sensitive.

Here is what to know:

• Continued benefits are generally tied to requesting a hearing within the notice’s deadline period and while your certification period has not expired.
• If you keep getting benefits and the hearing decision goes against you, you may have to repay benefits you were not entitled to receive during that period.

Because rules depend on the type of action and timing, the safest step is to explicitly ask, “Can my benefits continue unchanged while I appeal, and what deadline do I need to meet?”

What to do if you need food right now

If your benefits stopped or were cut and you are short on food, you still have options while your case is being fixed or appealed.

Immediate support options

• Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline
  • They can connect you to emergency food providers in your community and other support services.
• Ask your local SNAP office about faster help
  • Federal SNAP information explains that some households may receive benefits within a few days if eligible and in urgent need.
• Look for emergency food distribution programs
  • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is one federal program that supports emergency food distribution through states and local providers.

If you are a caregiver, consider asking whether you can help the person you support make calls, gather documents, or attend the hearing with them as a representative.

If discrimination, disability access, or language access may be part of the problem

SNAP is a federally funded program, and USDA civil rights rules apply.

If you believe you were treated unfairly or denied access due to factors like disability, national origin, or limited English proficiency:

• Ask the local office how to request an interpreter, translated notices, or disability accommodations.
• If you want to file a program discrimination complaint, USDA provides official instructions and forms.

For a hearing specifically, federal hearing rules describe interpreter support in certain circumstances and emphasize that hearing procedures must be explained in an appropriate language when required.

Tips to protect your SNAP benefits going forward

Once your benefits are restored or your case is corrected, these habits can reduce the chance of another interruption:

• Keep a SNAP folder
  • Notices, recertification forms, proof documents, and submission confirmations.
• Report changes in writing when possible
  • If you report by phone, follow up with a written note or upload through your portal if available.
• Watch for recertification and interview deadlines
  • Put reminders on a calendar for 30 days before your renewal month.
• Keep your contact information current
  • Address, phone number, email, and preferred language.
• Bring a trusted helper into the process if you need one
  • If paperwork, calls, or deadlines feel hard to manage, getting support can make the process more manageable.

If you want help organizing paperwork and preparing to advocate for yourself during benefits issues, these Understood Care pages may be relevant:

• https://understoodcare.com/care-types/application-help
• https://understoodcare.com/care-types/education-for-self-advocacy
• https://understoodcare.com/care-types/social-support
• https://understoodcare.com/care-types/transportation-help‍

FAQ

• How do I appeal a SNAP benefits denial or reduction?
  You can request a SNAP fair hearing (appeal) through your local SNAP office using the method your state allows (often by phone, in writing, or in person). Your notice should explain how to request a hearing and what deadline applies.
• How long do I have to request a SNAP fair hearing?
  Federal SNAP information describes a 90-day timeframe to request a fair hearing from the decision you disagree with. Do it as soon as possible to protect your rights.
• Can I keep getting SNAP benefits while I appeal?
  In some cases, yes. Continued benefits may be available if you request the hearing within the notice deadline and your certification period has not expired. If the decision goes against you, you may have to repay benefits received during that time.
• What if I missed my SNAP recertification and my case closed?
  Contact your local SNAP office immediately to ask what was missed and whether you can complete the recertification steps now or if you must reapply. Acting quickly matters.
• What documents usually help fix a SNAP benefits cut?
  Common verification includes proof of identity, income, address, rent or mortgage, utilities, and household composition. Your notice should specify what your local office needs.
• What is expedited SNAP or emergency food stamps?
  Federal SNAP materials describe that some households with little or no money may qualify for faster service and receive benefits within a few days if eligible. Your local SNAP office can tell you whether you meet your state’s expedited criteria.
• How do I find my local SNAP office to report a problem or appeal?
  Use the official SNAP State Directory of Resources to locate your state or local SNAP office contact information.
• What if my SNAP benefits were cut because of a mistake?
  Ask your local office for the calculation details and the reason for the action. If you still disagree after reviewing the facts, request a fair hearing.
• Where can I get food while waiting for a SNAP decision or appeal?
  Options can include the USDA National Hunger Hotline for local referrals and emergency food distribution programs like TEFAP. USA.gov also lists emergency food help options.
• How do I file a SNAP discrimination complaint?
  USDA provides official instructions for filing a program discrimination complaint, including how to submit the form or letter and where to send it.

References

• USDA Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP State Directory of Resources. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. 7 CFR § 273.13 Notice of adverse action. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-E/section-273.13
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. 7 CFR § 273.15 Fair hearings. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/subtitle-B/chapter-II/subchapter-C/part-273/subpart-F/section-273.15
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP Eligibility (includes fair hearing information). https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Your Rights (SNAP). https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/your-rights
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Facts About SNAP (includes fair hearing and continued benefits overview). https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/facts
• USA.gov. How to get emergency food assistance. https://www.usa.gov/emergency-food-assistance
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service. USDA National Hunger Hotline. https://www.fns.usda.gov/national-hunger-hotline
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service. FNS Nondiscrimination Statements (civil rights and complaint instructions). https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/nds
• USDA. How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint. https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-assistant-secretary-civil-rights/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint
• JAMA Network Open. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Access and Racial Disparities in Food Insecurity (2023). https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2806374
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service (Research). Measuring the Effect of SNAP Participation on Reducing Hunger. https://www.fns.usda.gov/research/snap/measuring-effect-snap-food-security‍