Agency Conferences

(A) The Department shall offer agency conferences to households who wish to dispute a denial of expedited service or any adverse action taken by the Department. The Department shall advise households that use of an agency conference is optional and that it shall in no way delay or replace the fair hearing process. The agency conference shall be attended by an eligibility supervisor and/or the local office director or designee, and by the household and/or its representative. Failure of the client to attend the agency conference shall not be cause to reduce or terminate benefits. An agency conference may lead to an informal resolution of the dispute. However, a fair hearing must be held unless the household withdraws its appeal orally or in writing. (B) An agency conference for households disputing a denial of expedited service shall be scheduled within two working days, unless the household requests that it be scheduled later.