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Appeals Board Fair Hearings

If you are unhappy at any time, with a decision DOR has made about your case, you can request a fair hearing. This is your opportunity to present your case to the Rehabilitation Appeals Board. However, it may be to your benefit to work through the Administrative Review or Mediation first before coming to the Appeals Board. Many problems can be resolved informally and more quickly.

A copy of the California Code of Regulations, Title 9 for the Department of Rehabilitation is available at ccr.oal.ca.gov/. Select "California Code of Regulations" in the upper right corner.

The following information walks you through the fair hearing process.

Once the Appeals Board receives your request for a fair hearing, you will get a response within two weeks indicating if your appeal has been accepted. If it has, a hearing will be scheduled within 45 days unless you agree to a delay.

If your request has been turned down, you will receive information as to why it was denied and what your options may be.

Hearing Instructions

When you receive notification that your case has been accepted, you will get a hearing confirmation form that provides detailed instructions. The following is a summary of those instructions and only serves as a guide. Refer to the actual form for specifics.

  • You have the option of appearing in person, sending a representative or presenting only written information.
  • You can bring witnesses
  • You will need to prepare a detail written summary of the action taken by DOR which you are appealing. Explain why you believe the action was incorrect and advise the board what corrective action you are seeking. Copies of any evidence which supports your position need to be included with the confirmation form.

You have the right to review your case record prior to the hearing. Contact your local DOR office to request the review.

Your exhibits must be submitted to the Appeals Board at least 14 days prior to your hearing. A copy of your exhibits and the Department's exhibits will be mailed to you before the hearing.

You must also return the hearing confirmation form to confirm that you will appear at the hearing. Even if you do not wish to appear in person but would like the Board to make its decision based on the written information, you must still return the form. The confirmation form is due to the Appeals Board office no later than seven days before the hearing. If you do not confirm your attendance by the deadline or you do not appear at your scheduled hearing, your hearing will be taken off the calendar and your appeal may be dismissed.

The Board is composed of seven members who are appointed by the Governor. At the hearing, you have the right to present information to the Board explaining why you feel DOR should change a decision it has made. The Department is also allowed to provide information to the Board. After the hearing, a written, final decision will be made by the Board.

If you are not satisfied with the decision at the Fair Hearing, you have the right to file a petition, within six months, with the California Superior Court to review the matter

Fair Hearing Forms are available for downloading and printing (see below) on this Web site or you can request them from local DOR staff

Please note, forms must be filled out, signed and mailed to the following address. Because a signature is required, forms delivered electronically are not accepted at this time.

All forms should be mailed to:

Rehabilitation Appeals Board
Department of Rehabilitation
P.O. Box 944222
Sacramento, CA 94244-2220

Voice: (916) 558-5860 & TTY: (916) 558-5862

For more information about the accessible PDF documents on this website, please view our "About PDF" page.