DPSS ePolicy

To release a new policy related to State hearing procedures.

To ensure fair and accessible State hearings, pursuant to Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) 22-045.1, the hearing shall be held in California in the county in which the claimant is living at the time of the hearing, unless both parties agree to a different location. Hearings can be conducted by telephone or video conference in lieu of an in-person hearing, only if the claimant agrees.

The State of California's State Hearings' Division (SHD) is responsible for the scheduling of all State hearing requests. The default hearing modality is via telephone. However, claimants can also choose to have their hearing heard in-person. When they choose an in-person hearing, the location of the hearing will be scheduled at the Appeals and State Hearings' (ASH) headquarters, located at 3833 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90037.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

A person designated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and thereafter assigned by the Chief ALJ to conduct State hearings and Administrative Disqualification Hearings (ADH).

Appeals Case Management System (ACMS)

System used by the SHD to track all State hearing requests. It is used by the County (ASH staff), State, the claimant, and the Authorized Representative to request, review, and update the State hearing status. 

Appeals & State Hearings Tracking System (ATS)

System used by ASH and district/regional users to track and process all State hearing requests received by ASH. 

ASH Clerical Staff

Staff in the ASH section, who process and assign all incoming State hearing requests and work with the SHD to ensure all hearing requests are logged and scheduled.

ASH Clerical Supervisor

Staff in the ASH section who supervise and distribute filings to clerical staff who then process and assign all incoming State hearing requests and work with the SHD to ensure all hearing requests are logged and scheduled. 

Claimant

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

• An applicant for or recipient of aid.
• A foster parent or foster care provider, including group homes and foster family agencies, who request a hearing on behalf of the foster child residing with them whose aid was affected by a county action/inaction.
• A representative of the estate of a deceased applicant or recipient.
• The guardian or conservator of an applicant or recipient.
• A child’s relative caregiver with regard to the child's application or receipt of aid.
• The sponsor of an immigrant. 

In-Person Hearing

Hearing option for claimants to participate in their hearing in person at a county office location. 

Onsite Telephone or Video Conference Hearing

Hearing option for claimants that do not have the necessary equipment that allows them to participate in their hearing using a county telephone or video conference equipment at a county office location. 

Webex

Web-conferencing tool used for group video or audio meetings.

The SHD will send the claimant a notice informing them of their in-person hearing date and time.

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