The information on this page is specific to member appeals from FSSA decisions. Please visit OALP’s home page for information on other appeals.
Matters previously adjudicated by FSSA’s Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) are now heard by OALP administrative law judges. However, the contact addresses and phone numbers have not changed. Please continue to use the contact information provided on the action you are disputing, or contact OALP by emailing fssa.appeals@oalp.in.gov or calling 317-234-3488 or 1-866-259-3573.
How to Appeal an FSSA Decision
The information on this page is specific to member appeals from FSSA decisions. Please visit OALP’s home page for information on other appeals.
If you disagree with an action taken by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), you may file an appeal. An appeal is a request for a fair hearing before an Administrative Law Judge with the Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP) for the purpose of deciding whether the action proposed or taken by the FSSA is correct. Please carefully review the written notice from the FSSA to determine where to send your appeal request and the deadline to appeal.
If someone else is filing an appeal on your behalf or will represent you at your hearing, we do need something showing they can do so: You can supply a letter that you have signed, explaining who you want to represent you and which includes their name and address. You can also complete the Division of Family Resources Authorized Representative form for the correct program type (SNAP/TANF or Medicaid), supply a court order of guardianship, a notarized Power of Attorney document, or if you are under 18, your legal guardians will appeal on your behalf.
The FSSA Hearing Process
The information on this page is specific to member appeals from FSSA decisions. Please visit OALP’s home page for information on other appeals.
Once the Office of Administrative Law Proceedings receives your appeal request, it will be assigned a case number. Then, a hearing will be scheduled with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). A notice of hearing will be mailed to the last address you reported to the FSSA. This notice will include the time, date, and location of the hearing. For telephone hearings, instructions on how to call in to participate in the hearing will be included in your notice. You must call in for the hearing using these instructions—the ALJ will not be calling you.
You may be represented at the hearing by legal counsel or any other person you choose. During the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge will take testimony and evidence from you and the FSSA representative. You may bring witnesses to the hearing and cross examine the FSSA’s witnesses. The decision issued by the ALJ will only be based the testimony and evidence offered at the hearing. You and your attorney and authorized representative will be mailed copies of the ALJ’s decision. Information on your rights for further review of the appealed issue will be included in the decision.
FSSA Appeals: How to request and send exhibits, request reschedules, other motions
The information on this page is specific to member appeals from FSSA decisions. Please visit OALP’s home page for information on other appeals.
Preparation of Exhibits
Both parties must prepare any exhibits. Exhibits are any material or documents that are being submitted for the Administrative Law Judge's consideration.
The State's exhibits must be labeled in the lower right-hand corner alphabetically (e.g., Exhibit A, page 1.) The appellant's exhibits are to be labeled in the lower right corner using numbers (e.g., Exhibit 1, page 1.)
Exchange of Exhibits
The parties are to provide each other copies of their exhibits seven (7) calendar days prior to the hearing date. If you have not received your evidence before the hearing, please advise the Administrative Law Judge of this fact.
To submit exhibits, please follow the instructions on the notice of hearing you have received by mailing, emailing, or faxing your evidence to OALP.
Requesting to reschedule your hearing
If you discover you can’t make your hearing appointment, please notify OALP at least 24 hours in advance. Reschedule requests should be made in writing and include a statement of good cause as to why you need your hearing rescheduled. Requests can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to OALP.
Requesting to reopen your hearing
If you missed your hearing and your appeal was dismissed, you may request that your appeal be reopened. Reopen requests must be in writing and include a statement of good cause providing why you missed your hearing. Requests can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to OALP.
All exhibits, reschedule and reopen requests, and motions must be sent to OALP by mail, fax, or email at:
Mail: Office of Administrative Law Proceedings – FSSA Hearings
402 W. Washington St., Rm E034
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fax: 317-232-4412
Phone: 317-234-3488 or 1-866-259-3573
Email: fssa.appeals@oalp.in.gov
FSSA Appeals: Contact Information for OALP – FSSA Hearings
The information on this page is specific to member appeals from FSSA decisions. Please visit OALP’s home page for information on other appeals.
For FSSA appeals, you may contact OALP by mail, fax, or e-mail:
Mail: Office of Administrative Law Proceedings – FSSA Hearings
402 W. Washington St., Rm E034
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fax: 317-232-4412
Phone: 317-234-3488 or 1-866-259-3573
Email: fssa.appeals@oalp.in.gov
Learn more about the types of FSSA decisions that are reviewed by OALP
The information on this page is specific to member appeals from FSSA decisions. Please visit OALP’s home page for information on other appeals.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families living in the United States.
- SNAP Program Information and Requirement
- Indiana Program Policy Manual for SNAP
- SNAP/TANF Authorized Representative Form
How do I appeal?
You may appeal an action affecting your eligibility or level of benefits verbally or in writing by contacting the Division of Family Resources (DFR) at 800-403-0864 or going to your local DFR office. You may also send appeal requests using the State’s Appeal Request form to:
FSSA Document Center
P.O. Box 1810 Marion, Indiana 46952
Fax: 800-403-0864
Your local DFR office, or members of the DFR team, are available to help you with any appeal.
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Adjustment disputes can be submitted to the DFR.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a program that provides cash assistance and supportive services to assist families with children under age 18, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.
- TANF Program Information and Requirements
- Indiana Program Policy Manual for TANF
- SNAP/TANF Authorized Representative Form
- Find your local DFR office
How do I appeal?
You may appeal an action affecting your eligibility or level of benefits by contacting the Division of Family Resources (DFR) at 800-403-0864 or going to your local DFR office. You may also send appeal requests using the State’s Appeal Request form to:
FSSA Document Center
P.O. Box 1810 Marion, Indiana 46952
Fax: 800-403-0864
Your local DFR office, or members of the DFR team, are available to help you with any appeal.
Medicaid
Indiana Medicaid provides health care to Hoosiers who are aged, disabled, blind, pregnant, or meet other eligibility requirements.
- Indiana Medicaid Programs
- Medicaid Eligibility Guide
- Medicaid Eligibility Policy Manual
- Additional Information on Medicaid appeals
- Medicaid Authorized Representative Form
How do I appeal a decision about my Medicaid eligibility?
You may appeal an action affecting your eligibility or level of benefits by contacting the Division of Family Resources (DFR) at 800-403-0864 or going to your local DFR office. You may also send appeal requests using the State’s Appeal Request form to:
FSSA Document Center
P.O. Box 1810 Marion, Indiana 46952
Fax: 800-403-0864
Your local DFR office, or members of the DFR team, are available to help you with any appeal.
How do I appeal a decision about my health care?
You must appeal a decision made about your health care in writing. If you are on the Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Healthwise, or Hoosier Care Connect, please contact your health plan to appeal. If you are in any other Medicaid program or do not have a health plan, send your written appeal request to:
Office of Administrative Law Proceedings - FSSA
402 W. Washington St. Rm. E034
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fax: 317-232-4412
Email: fssa.appeals@oalp.in.gov
Your local DFR office, or members of the DFR team, are available to help you with any appeal.
Prior Authorization of Health Care
Prior authorization is required for certain covered health care services to document the medical necessity for those services.
How do I appeal a prior authorization decision?
You must appeal a decision made about your health care in writing. If you are on the Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Healthwise, or Hoosier Care Connect, please contact your health plan to appeal. If you are in any other Medicaid program or do not have a health plan, send your written appeal request to:
Office of Administrative Law Proceedings - FSSA
402 W. Washington St. Rm. E034
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fax: 317-232-4412
Email: fssa.appeals@oalp.in.gov
If you are a provider, you must always first contact the patient’s health plan to appeal a prior authorization decision.
Pre-Admission Screening (PAS/PASRR)
The Preadmission Screening (PAS) and Resident Review (PASRR) process is a requirement in all Medicaid-certified nursing facilities.
How do I appeal a pre-admission screening decision?
Information on how to appeal a decision and the deadline to appeal will be included in your notice of eligibility. Please send your appeal request in writing to:
Office of Administrative Law Proceedings - FSSA
402 W. Washington St. Rm. E034
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fax: 317-232-4412
Email: fssa.appeals@oalp.in.gov
Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program
Medicaid Home and Community Based Services waiver programs are paid for by Indiana Medicaid to assist a person to be as independent as possible and live in the least restrictive environment possible while maintaining safety in the home or a community setting.
The Division of Aging (DA) operates two programs for physically disabled individuals and elderly adults:
The Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) operates three programs addressing the mental health needs of children and adults:
- Child Mental Health Wraparound Program
- Behavioral and Primary Healthcare Coordination Program
- Adult Mental Health Habilitation Program
The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) operates two programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities:
How do I appeal a decision on my eligibility for a waiver program?
Information on how to appeal a decision and the deadline to appeal will be included in your notice of eligibility. Please send your appeal request in writing to:
Office of Administrative Law Proceedings - FSSA
402 W. Washington St. Rm. E034
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fax: 317-232-4412
Email: fssa.appeals@oalp.in.gov
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) helps eligible individuals with disabilities to achieve their employment goals. This program is administered by the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
How do I appeal a Vocational Rehabilitation decision?
You must submit a request for review to the VR program. The request for review must be received by close of business no later than twenty (20) days after the date of the notification of the determination or the effective date of the action, whichever is later. You can request a hearing in writing or by completing a form provided by your local VR office. A VR counselor can help you complete this form.
- Additional information on the vocational rehabilitation program
- Find your local VR office
- Indiana Administrative Rules for the vocational rehabilitation program
State Tax Intercept
If you owe an unpaid debt to the Family and Social Services Administration for an overpayment of benefits, Indiana Code ยง 6-8.1-9.5 authorizes withholding of your tax refund. This is called a “tax intercept.”
How do I appeal a state tax intercept?
If you would like to appeal a state tax intercept, send your appeal request in writing to:
Office of Administrative Law Proceedings - FSSA
402 W. Washington St. Rm. E034
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fax: 317-232-4412
Email: fssa.appeals@oalp.in.gov
How do I appeal a federal tax intercept?
If your federal taxes have been intercepted, this cannot be appealed through OALP. To request a review of your federal tax interception, please call 1-800-403-0864.
Licensing for Child Care Homes and Centers
If you object to the action of revoking your license to operate a child care home or center, you are entitled to file a written request for an administrative appeal to the following address within thirty (30) days after receipt of the letter, pursuant to the Administrative Adjudication procedures established under 470 IAC 1-4. Send your appeal request in writing to:
Family and Social Services Administration
Division of Family Resources, Bureau of Child Care
402 West Washington Street, Room W361, MS02
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739
Child Care Development Fund (CCDF)
If you receive and object to a Notice of Order that the Division of Family Resources has decertified your ability to participate as a child care provider in the Child Care Development Fund (“CCDF”) Program, you are entitled to file a written request with the Division of Family Resources prior to the effective date of the order. The written request must state that you are the person to whom the order is directed; that you are negatively affected by the order; and that you are entitled to review of the order. Your request should be directed to:
CCDF Policy Manager
Family and Social Services Administration
Division of Family Resources
405 W Washington St., Room W361, MS02
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739
If your state tax refund has been held due to a debt for child care services received through the Child Care Development Fund, you are entitled to contest the intercept action by mailing a written request for a hearing within 30 days of the date of the notice. Send a copy of the tax intercept notice and your appeal request in writing to:
Office of Administrative Law Proceedings -FSSA
402 W. Washington St. Rm. E034
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fax: 317-232-4412
Email: fssa.appeals@oalp.in.gov