Frequently Asked Questions About SRS Hearings - Office of Administrative Hearings

Q. What is a fair hearing?

A. A fair hearing is very similar to a trial in court with witnesses, exhibits, and rules of evidence. The hearing is your chance to tell your side to an impartial Presiding Officer. The hearing is tape recorded. The recording will become part of the official record of your case.

Q. How do I request a fair hearing?

A. The local SRS office will explain the hearing procedure and supply you with the necessary forms. If requested, staff at the local office will assist you in filling out the forms and mailing them to the Office of Administrative Hearings. A fair hearing request must be received within 30 days of the decision or final action you want reviewed. A fair hearing request for food stamps only, must be received within 90 days of the decision or final action you want reviewed. Send your written request to the address indiciated on the notice you received.

Q. When will the hearing be held and how will I be notified of the hearing date?

A. Generally, the hearing is held within 45 days after your request is filed with the agency. Notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing will be sent to you at least 10 days before the hearing.

Q. Where will the hearing be held?

A. Hearings are usually held at your local or area SRS office. The hearing may be conducted by telephone.

Q. May I review the information relied upon by the agency in making the decision or taking the final action?

A. Yes. You or your representative may review such information at your local SRS office prior to the hearing date.

Q. What will I need to bring to the hearing?

A. Please bring a copy of the summary statement sent to you by the Office of Administrative Hearings which outlines the facts of your case. You may bring any other information that you think will help to prove that the agency's decision or final action was incorrect.

Q. May I bring an attorney or other representative to the hearing?

A. Yes. You may have an attorney or other person represent you at the hearing. The attorney or other representative will be at your expense. If you hire an attorney, he or she must enter their appearance on your behalf prior to the hearing.

Q. May I bring a witness to the hearing?

A. Yes. You may bring any person with you to the hearing that has information about your case.

Q. Can witnesses be subpoenaed?

A. Yes. The Presiding Officer can issue a subpoena that requires the subpoenaed person to attend the hearing. If you want a subpoena issued, you must make a written request to the Presiding Officer of the witness's name and address at least 7 days before the hearing.

Q. Who conducts the fair hearing?

A. A Presiding Officer from the Office of Administrative Hearings conducts the hearing.

Q. Does the Presiding Officer represent me or the agency?

A. Neither. The Presiding Officer is impartial and he or she will enter an initial order based upon what is presented by the agency and by you.

Q. If I am dissatisfied with the initial order of the Presiding Officer, what is the next step?

A. You may request a review in writing and send it to the State Appeals Committee, Office of Administrative Hearings, 1020 S Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612-1311, within 15 days of the initial order. Your request should include the specific reasons why you feel that the initial order was in error.

Q. If I am dissatisfied with the final order of the State Appeals Committee, what is the next step?

A. You may file a petition for review with the district court clerk in the county in which the order or agency action you are appealing was issued pursuant to K.S.A. 77-601 et seq.