Terms Unique to the Appeal Process

Claimant

A claimant is a person who requests an appeal.

Note: The reason for the appeal is defined as a claim. When the administrative law judge (ALJ) rules in favor of the claimant then the claim is, granted. When the ALJ rules in favor of the County the claim is denied.

Authorized Representative

A claimant may appoint a person to represent them in a hearing, this person is their Authorized Representative (AR). The claimant may appoint anyone of their choosing. The most common ARs are:

• family members or friends
• lawyer
• welfare rights advocate
• member of an organization

An AR can be appointed when the claimant completes the appeal request on the "NA Back 9" form and lists the consenting individual as AR. Completing the "Authorized Representative for Appeals" form, (DPA 19) may also be used to appoint an AR.

Exception: County policy considers it a conflict of interest for a Social Services Agency (SSA) personnel to represent a claimant in an Appeal. SSA personnel must not serve as an AR.

Issue

An issue is the specific action or inaction the claimant is disputing. The issue may involve one or more aid programs and one or more actions/inactions.

Related Topics

General Information - Background