EQUAL RIGHTS
–
This institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color,
national origin, disability, age, sex and in some cases religion or political beliefs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture also prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin,
sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity
in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information
(e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State
or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech
disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally,
program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint
Form, (AD-3027), found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any
USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information
requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your
completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
For any other information dealing with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues,
persons should either contact the USDA SNAP Hotline Number at (800) 221-5689, which is also in
Spanish or call the State Information/Hotline Numbers (click the link for a listing of hotline numbers by
State); found online at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/hotlines.htm.
To file a complaint of discrimination regarding a program receiving Federal financial assistance
through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), write: HHS Director, Office for
Civil Rights, Room 515-F, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201 or call (202)
619-0403 (voice) or (800) 537-7697 (TTY).
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
RIGHT TO WRITTEN NOTICE
– We must always give you a written notice explaining your
benefits when we approve your case. We must always give you written notice when we change
your benefits, deny or close your case. You have 90 days from the notice date to ask for a
hearing. If you ask for a hearing within 10 days, you may be able to keep getting benefits while
you wait for the hearing.
RIGHT TO APPEAL
– Ask for a hearing if you disagree with the Department’s decision. Your
case manager can help you write your appeal. At the hearing, you can speak for yourself or
bring a lawyer, friend or relative to speak for you.