What to Do If You Have a Problem with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS)

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) helps people with food, cash, medical benefits, and other services. But sometimes, ODHS makes mistakes or gets their facts wrong. If you disagree with an ODHS decision, you have the right to fight this decision by asking for a hearing.

What's a hearing? 

A hearing is a formal meeting with a judge, an ODHS representative, you, and other key people in your case. A hearing is your chance to convince a judge that ODHS messed up. At the end of the hearing, the judge can reverse or change ODHS's decision if they think they got it wrong. 

You can learn more about hearings on this page.

What kinds of ODHS decisions can you fight?

You can ask for a hearing if ODHS:

• Denies your application for food, cash, or medical benefits.
• Lowers or stops your benefits.
• Says you were overpaid benefits and must pay the money back.
• Accuses you of fraud or claims you intentionally gave false information.
• Denies help with in-home care or changes your care plan.
• Makes another decision about your benefits that you think is wrong.

How to ask for a hearing

You can ask for a hearing if you think ODHS made a mistake. Here's what you need to do:

• Act quickly: You usually have 60 days from the date on the ODHS notice to request a hearing. If your benefits are being reduced or stopped, you may have only 10 days to ask for a hearing if you want to keep getting benefits while waiting for the hearing.
• Read your ODHS notice: The notice or letter from ODHS about the change in your benefits will tell you how to ask for a hearing.
• Turn in your request: You can send the form to ODHS by mail, fax, or in person. If you need help asking for a hearing, talk to an ODHS worker.

What happens next?

• Pre-hearing meeting: ODHS may contact you to try to solve the problem before a formal hearing.
• The hearing: A judge (called an Administrative Law Judge) listens to both sides and decides if ODHS made the right decision. You can bring documents, witnesses, or someone to speak for you. You can also ask for a free interpreter if you need one.
• The decision:  Several weeks after the hearing, the judge will send you a written decision. If you lose, you may be able to appeal again.

Getting help with ODHS problems

• Oregon Public Benefits Hotline (PBHL): This statewide hotline helps callers navigate issues with public benefits, like food stamps (SNAP), unemployment, TANF, disability, and other government assistance programs. Find out how to contact the PBHL here.
• Governor's Advocacy Office (GAO): This office helps people understand their options for resolving issues with ODHS. Find out how to contact the GAO and file a complaint on this website.

Takeaways

You have the right to challenge an ODHS decision. If you think ODHS made a mistake, request a hearing as soon as possible. Help is available if you need it.

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