Appeals and hearings
Know Your Rights
Exception to Rule (ETR): DSHS Programs
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) can give you some benefits even if you do not meet all their requirements. This is an “exception to a rule” or “ETR.” #7101EN
Petitioning for Superior Court Review: When you disagree with a DSHS/HCA benefits administrative hearing
If you appealed an agency decision about your public benefits and lost your administrative hearing, you can appeal the administrative law judge's decision. This packet explains when and how to do so, and has forms you can use. Packet #7917EN
Video - Applying and Appealing for Disability at Social Security
Watch this video to learn about how to apply and appeal for disability at Social Security. This video covers federal laws so the information in it is true no matter what state you live in.
How to Appeal a Denial Of Unemployment to Superior Court
This explains Superior court review of an administrative decision relating to unemployment benefits. If you lose your claim at the administrative hearing, you have another level of administrative review. It is called a “Petition for Review.” #7602EN
How to fight a denial or termination of eligibility for the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) referral program for medical reasons
Learn more about this program, which provides non-cash help for people who are unable to work. Publication #7813EN
How to fight a termination or reduction of DSHS public assistance
This explains your rights if DSHS tells you it will stop (terminate) or cut back (reduce) the cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance they have been giving you. The most important thing to know is that you must ask for an administrative hearing soon, usually within ten days of DSHS mailing written notice, to keep getting your benefits while you appeal. #7102EN
How to Fight Your SSI or SSD Denial
Read this to find out what you can do if the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your application because they say you are not disabled. If you have been receiving benefits and are notified that they will stop, see How to Fight a Termination of SSI or SSD. #7401EN
I applied for benefits. DSHS said no.
Read this for what to do if you apply for cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) but they turn you down. #7100EN
Petitioning for Superior Court Review: When you disagree with a DSHS/HCA benefits administrative hearing
If you appealed an agency decision about your public benefits and lost your administrative hearing, you can appeal the administrative law judge's decision. This packet explains when and how to do so, and has forms you can use. Packet #7917EN
Representing yourself at an administrative hearing
If you do not agree with any verbal or written decision made by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), you can appeal that decision by asking for an administrative hearing. Read this to learn when and how to ask for a hearing, how to get ready for your hearing, and what to expect at your hearing and afterward. #7910EN
When DSHS Denies or Ends Your ABD for Medical Reasons
The ABD program provides income and medical coverage if you are a citizen or eligible immigrant, you have income and resources within Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) rules, and you are "disabled." "Disabled" means you are unable to work due to physical or mental conditions (or both) that either have lasted or are expected to last at least nine months. #7811EN
When Social Security ends or reduces your SSI or SSDI for non-disability reasons
Social Security must notify you in writing before lowering (reducing) or stopping (terminating) your benefits. You may fight the termination by asking for reconsideration. You may continue to get the same benefits after the termination date in the notice if you request reconsideration in time. You must request reconsideration within ten days of the date on the notice to keep getting benefits. #7400EN
DSHS and HCA Overpayments: What is “Equitable Estoppel”?
Read this if DSHS sends you a notice saying you owe them money (an overpayment) because they gave you benefits they should not have and the overpayment was not your fault, and you cannot afford to repay it. You should ask for an administrative hearing. You have a legal defense against the overpayment. #7912EN
Fighting an SSI or SSDI overpayment notice
Is the Social Security Administration charging you with an overpayment? This explains some things you can do to respond. #7403EN