What to do if…
you receive an official notice that your benefits may be stopped due to an investigation

What to do now

1. Read the notice once for deadlines, not for blame

   • Write down the benefit program, case number, notice date, proposed stop date, appeal or hearing deadline, and any separate deadline to send documents.
   • Take photos or scans of every page, including the back of the notice.
   • Keep the envelope if you have it, because mailing dates can sometimes matter.

2. File the appeal or hearing request using a method the notice accepts

   • Use the notice’s wording, such as appeal, fair hearing, reconsideration, or review.
   • Keep it simple: “I disagree with this decision and request an appeal or hearing.”
   • Include your name, contact information, case number, benefit program, and the date of the notice.
   • Submit it by a method the notice or agency accepts, such as portal, fax, mail, phone, or in person.
   • If a phone request is allowed, write down the date, time, number called, person spoken to, and confirmation number, then follow up in writing if you can.
   • Keep screenshots, fax reports, receipts, confirmation numbers, or a copy stamped as received.

3. Ask in writing about keeping benefits while the appeal is pending

   • Write: “I request continued benefits or services pending appeal if I am eligible, and I request written confirmation of what applies to my case.”
   • Ask whether continuing benefits could create an overpayment or recovery claim if you lose.
   • For SNAP, continued benefits may depend on requesting a hearing within the period given in the notice of adverse action and on whether your certification period has ended.
   • For Medicaid, services may continue in some cases if a hearing is requested before the action date; reinstatement may be possible in some limited situations after action is taken.
   • Rely on the timing and instructions in your specific notice if they are earlier or more specific.

4. Respond to any verification request with a clean, narrow packet

   • Send only what the notice asks for, such as proof of identity, residence, household members, income, rent, work activity, medical coverage, or job-search records.
   • Add a one-page cover note listing each document, the date range it covers, and the date you are sending it.
   • Keep a complete copy of the packet and proof that it was sent.

5. Ask for the case file and evidence

   • Write: “Please send me the case file, notices, calculations, computer-match information, interview notes, and evidence used for this proposed action.”
   • Ask what exact fact is missing or disputed.
   • Use the answer to avoid arguing about issues the agency is not actually relying on.

6. If the notice mentions fraud, intentional program violation, disqualification, prosecution, or a large overpayment, get help before giving extra explanations

   • Still protect the appeal and document deadlines.
   • Ask for questions in writing if possible.
   • Do not guess about dates, household members, income, addresses, or documents. Say “I need to check my records” when that is true.
   • Contact legal aid or a benefits advocate and say the notice involves an investigation.

7. If the notice is from Social Security, use Social Security’s appeal route quickly

   • Social Security appeals are generally due within 60 days after you receive the notice, and the notice should explain how time is counted.
   • Continued payments are available only in some situations and may require written action within 10 days after you receive the notice.
   • If the notice is unclear, ask Social Security in writing whether payment continuation is available and what form or request is needed.

8. Get local help and say the deadline first

   • Contact legal aid, a disability rights organization, or a local benefits advocate.
   • Start with: “My benefits may be stopped because of an investigation. The program is [program]. The deadline is [date].”
   • If losing benefits would affect food, housing, medication, medical care, or utilities, say that at the start.