Yes — every Home Help decision, whether it's a full denial or approved hours that don't reflect the real need, comes with the right to request a state fair hearing. The deadline to act is time-sensitive, so it's worth moving quickly once you get a notice.
The two most common reasons families appeal
The first is an initial application denied outright; see our post on what to do if your application is denied. The second is being approved, but for fewer hours than the documented need seems to justify; see how approved hours get calculated for context on what typically drives that number.
The fair hearing process, step by step
- Request a hearing in writing within the deadline stated on your MDHHS notice — confirm the exact date on your specific letter rather than assuming a standard number of days.
- Gather supporting documentation: medical records, a letter from a physician, or notes from the home visit that support a higher level of need.
- Attend the hearing, often held by phone, where an administrative law judge reviews the case.
- In most cases, you continue receiving your currently-approved hours while the appeal is pending.
- Receive a written decision after the hearing.
What actually helps your case
Specific, documented evidence tends to carry the most weight — a new diagnosis, a recent hospitalization, or documented decline since the last assessment, rather than a general sense that more help is needed.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Your MDHHS case manager can help clarify what's in your notice, and our post on the MDHHS-5534 assessment covers what the original evaluation actually looked at.
