About Us
The Larimer County Hearing Office is here to help you understand and navigate the appeals process. Our team assists benefit recipients and facilitates County Dispute Resolution Conferences to help resolve concerns quickly and fairly.
If you disagree with a decision about your benefits, such as a denial, reduction, program change, or claim for overpayment, you have the right to appeal. Your Notice of Action explains why the decision was made and includes your appeal rights, deadlines, and instructions. Please review it carefully before submitting a request.
You have several ways to appeal and can choose any option, in any order, at any time, even while another appeal is in progress. If you have questions or need support during the process, we’re here to help. Contact us anytime.
Appeals Options
If you disagree with a decision about your benefits, you can request a Dispute Resolution Conference, a State-Level Fair Hearing, or both.
Dispute Resolution Conference
A Dispute Resolution Conference is an informal meeting between you (or your household), a County Representative, and the County Hearing Office. This meeting gives you the opportunity to:
- Review the action taken on your benefits
- Discuss all relevant facts
- Ask questions
- Ensure that the decision on your case is accurate and complete
How to Request:
Complete and submit the Dispute Resolution Conference Request Form
State-Level Fair Hearing (Formal Meeting)
A State-Level Fair Hearing is a formal review conducted by either:
- The Office of Administrative Courts for non-SNAP programs, or
- The Colorado Department of Human Services SNAP Hearing Unit for SNAP cases.
During this hearing, a judge or hearing officer reviews the county’s action, listens to both you and the county, and makes an independent decision to confirm whether the action was correct, fair, and fully supported by the facts.
How to Request a State-Level Fair Hearing:
- Non-SNAP Programs
- Complete the General State Hearing Form, or submit a written or emailed request including:
- Your name and date of birth
- County case number
- Current address
- A brief explanation of your appeal
- A copy of your recent Notice of Action
- Submit by mail, email (hearings@larimer.gov), or drop off at your local Human Services office.
- Complete the General State Hearing Form, or submit a written or emailed request including:
- SNAP Cases
- Complete the SNAP State Hearing Form.
- If appealing both SNAP and another program:
- Complete both forms:
- Learn More About the State-Level Fair Hearing Process:
- Non-SNAP programs: Colorado Office of Administrative Courts
- SNAP cases: SNAP Hearings Unit | Colorado Department of Human Services
Important Information
- Always check your Notice of Action for appeal deadlines. Missing a deadline can affect your appeal rights.
- You may request a Dispute Resolution Conference, a State-Level Fair Hearing, or both.
- Some people may continue receiving benefits during the appeal process. If you want to request continued benefits, indicate this when asking for a State-Level Fair Hearing.
Appeal Request Checklist
Before submitting your request, make sure you:
Reviewed your Notice of Action for deadlines.
Choose your appeal type (Dispute Resolution Conference, State Fair Hearing, or both).
Completed the correct form or written request.
Included all required details (Name, DOB, Case Number, Address, Appeal Explanation, and Notice of Action).
Submitted your request before the deadline.
