(1) You have a right to a hearing only if a law or DSHS rule gives you that right. If you are not sure, you should request a hearing to protect your right.

(2) Some DSHS programs may require you to go through an informal administrative process before you can request or have a hearing. The notice of DSHS action sent to you should include information about this requirement if it applies.

(3) You have a limited time to request a hearing. The deadline for your request varies by the DSHS program involved. You should submit your request right away to protect your right to a hearing, even if you are also trying to resolve your dispute informally. For public assistance cases, if an applicant or recipient does not file a request for a hearing within 90 calendar days after receiving notice of an aggrieving decision, the request may still be filed within one year of the aggrieving decision upon a showing of good cause. For purposes of public assistance cases, as defined in RCW 74.08.080, good cause for not requesting a hearing before the deadline may include, but is not limited to: military deployment, medical reasons, housing instability, language barriers, or domestic violence.

(4) If you request a hearing, one is scheduled.

(5) If DSHS or the ALJ questions your right to a hearing, the ALJ decides whether you have that right.

(6) If the ALJ decides you do not have a right to a hearing, your request is dismissed.

(7) If the ALJ decides you do have a right to a hearing, the hearing proceeds.