Administrative Disqualification Hearings

State Administrative Disqualification Hearing (ADH)

A State Administrative Disqualification Hearing (ADH) at the state level is initiated when a County Welfare Department (CWD) informs the Administrative Adjudications Division (ADD) of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) that a clear and convincing documentary evidence in the CWD’s possession indicates that an administrative disqualification is appropriate.

• An ADH at the state level for CalFresh is initiated when the county informs the CDSS State Hearing Division (SHD) that clear and convincing evidence in the county’s possession indicates that an administrative disqualification is appropriate.
• An ADH at the state level for CalWORKs is initiated when the county determines when the respondent has committed an Intentional Program Violation (IPV) based on the evidence.

Reminder: If a case meets the definitions of an IPV for CalFresh or CalWORKs and the case is not being criminally prosecuted, the ADH process is a requirement.

 

Local Administrative Disqualification Hearings

An Administrative Disqualification Hearing (ADH) at the local level shall be initiated when a county informs the county-designated unit responsible for scheduling and conducting an ADH that clear and convincing documentary evidence in the county’s possession indicates that an administrative disqualification is appropriate. For Santa Clara County the unit responsible is the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

Special Investigations Unit (SIU) ADH Responsibilities

SIU assumes responsibility for the overall administration of the disqualification hearing process and is responsible for:

• Investigating the case and assisting the respondent before the hearing.
• Presenting Santa Clara County’s position during the hearing.
• Complying with the hearing decision.