Virginia Law

A. The Virginia WIC Program is a federally administered program. The following fair hearing procedures are a federal process with which the state agency must comply. Pursuant to 7 CFR 246.9, the state agency shall provide a hearing procedure through which any individual may appeal a state or local agency action that results in a claim against the individual for repayment of the cash value of improperly issued benefits or results in the individual's denial of participation or disqualification from the program.

B. The local agency shall inform each individual in writing of the right to a fair hearing at the time of a claim against an individual for improperly issued benefits or at the time of participation denial or of disqualification from the program.

C. A fair hearing shall be requested within 60 days of the written notification date of program denial, termination of benefits, or claim against an individual for improperly issued benefits. The request shall be made in any clear expression to present the case to a higher authority.

D. Participants who appeal the termination of benefits within 15 days must continue to receive WIC benefits until the hearing officer reaches a decision, the participant becomes categorically ineligible, or the certification period expires, whichever comes first.

E. Applicants who are denied WIC benefits at the initial certification or because of the expiration of their certification may appeal the denial but shall not receive benefits while awaiting the hearing decision.

F. A fair hearing will be held within 21 days of the request, unless delayed by mutual agreement of the parties.

G. The state agency shall provide 10 days advanced written notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing, which shall be held in the local agency at which the participant or applicant receives WIC Program services.

H. Pursuant to 7 CFR 246.9, the state or local agency shall provide the participant, applicant, or representative an opportunity to:

1. Examine, prior to and during the hearing, the documents and records presented to support the decision under appeal, which will be sent to the applicant or participant 10 days prior to the fair hearing;

2. Be assisted or represented by an attorney or other persons;

3. Bring witnesses;

4. Advance arguments without undue interference;

5. Question or refute any testimony or evidence, including an opportunity to confront and cross examine adverse witnesses; and

6. Submit evidence to establish all pertinent facts and circumstances in the case.

I. The hearing officer shall hear evidence and testimony and reach a decision. The state WIC director shall provide written notification of the hearing officer's decision to the applicant or participant and the district health director within 45 days of the date of the fair hearing request. Participants whose benefits were previously denied or discontinued may receive or reapply for WIC benefits upon receipt of a favorable decision by the hearing officer.

J. The local agency and state agency shall keep the results of the hearing on file for three years.