Notification of Hearing

The time, date, and place of the hearing shall be arranged so that the hearing is accessible to the household. To allow adequate preparation, advance written notice of the hearing shall be provided to all parties involved at least one week prior to the hearing. However, the household or its representative may request to expedite the hearing. The notice shall include the following: (A) Contact Person in the Division of Hearings. The name, address, and phone number of the person to notify in the event that it is not possible for the household or its representative to attend the scheduled hearing; (B) Dismissal of Appeal for Failure to Appear. A statement that the Department will dismiss the hearing request if the household or its representative fails to appear for the hearing without good cause; (C) Fair Hearing Procedures. An explanation of Department hearing procedures and any other information which will provide an understanding of the proceedings and contribute to the effective presentation of the household's case; (D) The Right to Examine the Case File. A statement that the household or representative may examine the case file prior to the hearing; (E) The Right to Request an Interpreter. A statement, in English, Spanish, and other languages spoken by a significant minority population, emphasizing the importance of understanding what is said at the hearing and of being able to communicate at the hearing, and the right to bring an interpreter or to request a Department-provided interpreter if he or she is not fluent in English; and (F) Procedure and Time Limit for Requesting an Interpreter. An explanation of the procedure and time limit for requesting a Department-provided interpreter and of the right to at least one postponement in order to request or bring an interpreter.