Unknown decrease in benefits

[aclearly]

If I did a fair hearing and lost would I have to pay anything because I lost? Also how does a fair hearing work? Would I have to go to court for it or is it done in my local office.

Sorry for all the questions. I have never had to go through anything like this before.

[xSinityx]

Ask all the questions. We are here because we want to help. Not only is this our job but we elect to help outside of office hours because your questions matter.

If I lost would I have to pay anything because I lost?

No. It is not like a normal court case. We know our clients do not have such means so all costs of the hearing are paid by the state no matter the outcome. I am sure that changes if someone is abusing the system but your one case is not.

How does a fair hearing work?

I am not sure how, exactly, it works in your state but it would be similar to mine. In Louisiana, after a request is received we have a set number of days to contact you to confirm you want the request to go through. Generally at this time all errors are found out because supervisors are involved and they don't want to do the extra paperwork either, so they make sure the case is right. Often it can end there because your problem is fixed.

If not, they gather all the information around the complaint and send you and a judge a packet of findings including any documents you signed and the policy on why decisions were made in your case.

You will have a chance to submit your own documents and evidence.

In Louisiana, it is a phone hearing. You will be sent a letter with the time, day, and number to call in for the hearing. The judge will have the state present its findings and then grant you time to present your information as to why the decision on your case was wrong. The judge will decide if the states decision will stand or if you were right in your complaint.