DPSS ePolicy

Authorized Representative (AR)

An individual or organization that has been authorized to represent the claimant in  various aspects of the hearing process. 

Claimants who are incompetent, comatose, or otherwise unable to act on their own, cannot appoint an AR.

For purposes of MPP section 22-085, “competent” means being able to act on one’s own behalf in business and personal matters.

On the date of the claimant's death, the authorization terminates. The hearing may continue only as provided in MPP section 22-004.4.

Note: Individuals who have been convicted of an Intentional Program Violation (IPV) of the CalFresh program are restricted from being designated as an AR, unless that individual meets the exception criteria found in the MPP section 63-402.63.

Appointment of Authorized Representative Form (DPA 19)

The California State Department of Social Services (CDSS) State Hearing form that is used for the purpose of providing a claimant with a written method to designate an individual or organization to serve as an AR. For the form to be valid, it must be signed by a claimant who is competent.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

A person designated by the CDSS State Hearings Division (SHD) to conduct state hearings and administrative disqualification hearings. 

Attorney

An active member of the California State Bar.

Claimant

A person who has requested a State hearing and is or has been either:

1. An applicant or recipient of aid;
2. A foster parent or foster care provider who requests a hearing on behalf of the foster child residing with them whose aid was affected by a county action;
3. A representative of the estate of a deceased applicant or recipient (see MPP sections 22-004.4 and 22-004.5);
4. A child’s relative caregiver with regard to the child's application or receipt of aid;
5. The guardian or conservator of an applicant or recipient;
6. The sponsor of an immigrant (see MPP sections 43-119, and 63-804.1).

Notice of Language Services – Fair Hearings (GEN 1365A)

A multilingual notification that is provided to a Limited-English proficient claimant/Authorized Representative along with the Statement of Position (SOP). The form instructs the claimant/AR to contact the hearing representative to obtain a free oral interpretation of the SOP.