How do I know if my case is a General Services case?  The General Services Unit is responsible for all cases at the OAC that do not involve a claim for Workers' Compensation benefits.

 

How do I file an appeal?  If your case involves the denial, termination or reduction of a benefit such as Medicaid, Food Stamps or Colorado Works:

 

Complete the  Request for State Level Hearing Form  or you may right us a letter with the following information:

• Your name, address and telephone number
• The county that denied the benefit
• The benefit that was denied
• Whether you will have another person represent you and if so their contact information (name, address and telephone number)
• A brief explanation of why you are appealing the decision
• Copies of any denial/termination notice you received.

 

Please make sure to sign the letter or form and either mail it to the  Denver Office of the OAC  or fax it to 303-866-5909.  If you wish your benefits to continue while you are appealing, make sure you state that in your appeal as well as notifying the county that you have appealed the decision.

In many cases involving denial, termination or reduction of a benefit (food stamps or medicaid for example), you can be represented by someone who is not an attorney.   However, the person representing you MUST have your written authorization to do so.  This written authorization can take several forms:

• General Power of Attorney appointing your representative to act on your behalf (in most cases a Medical Power of Attorney is not sufficient)
• Order of Guardianship, wherein the representative is appointed the legal guardian.
• A letter signed by the benefit recipient specifically nameing the representative.  This letter must be signed by the recipient.

In a Medicaid case a fully executed Non-Attorney Representative form must also be completed. 

If you are filing an appeal on behalf of your minor child, state this in your appeal letter and indicate your child's date of birth.  If you are filing on behalf of a minor foster child, you will need to include a copy of the Order granting you legal guardianship.

 

If your case involves a confirmation of child abuse or neglect:

 

Complete the form that was included with the notification of the finding.  This appeal needs to be sent to the  State Department of Human Services at 1575 Sherman Street, Denver, Colorado 80202.

New rules of the State Department of Human Services (“State Department”) provide that after March 31, 2011, all new appeals are to be sent to the State Department.  You and the State Department will then have a period of 120 days to determine if you are able to resolve the case. If no settlement is reached, the State Department will forward a copy of your original appeal to the OAC for a fair hearing.

How long will it take to get a hearing?  The rules relating to when your hearing will be scheduled are governed by the  rules  pertaining to the case type.