Shelter or Rental Assistance Program

You can request a hearing in writing, in person, or by phone.

To request a hearing by phone, call OAH at (202) 442-9094. From the main menu, press “3” for a case filing, and then press “3” again on the next menu for public benefits. OAH staff can help you complete your hearing request over the phone.

To request a hearing in writing, you can use the Shelter Hearing Request form or the Rental Assistance Hearing Request form, depending on whether you have a shelter issue or a rental assistance program issue. Please include with the form a copy of any notice you received from DHS or a provider, if you are able.

Visit the Filings & Forms page for instructions on how you can file a written hearing request and instructions on how to find OAH if you would like to file a request in person.

Important note on filing deadlines:

For OAH to be able to hear and decide the case, you must file your hearing request within 90 days of receiving written notice of the action taken against you.

However, if you received a written notice regarding a termination or suspension of shelter or housing services, you must file your hearing request within 15 days of receiving the notice to be able to keep your shelter or housing services pending the outcome of the OAH hearing process. In other words, if you file your request within 15 days, DHS cannot terminate or suspend you from a shelter or housing service (unless it is an emergency termination or suspension). You still have 90 days to file a hearing request, but if you file after 15 days, you no longer have the right to keep the services you were already receiving.

OAH Rules 2971 and 2805 have more information about hearing requests.

The OAH Rules explain all the steps required to complete the OAH hearing process, from requesting a hearing to appealing a judge’s final decision. You can find the OAH Rules on the Rules & Laws page. You must follow the OAH Rules throughout the process.

Chapter 29 has rules for specific case types, including Public Benefits cases. So, you should start in Chapter 29 when looking for rules that apply to a shelter or rental assistance program case. Specifically, Public Benefits cases are covered by Rules 2970 through 2979. If a Chapter 29 rule does not have the information you are looking for, you should then look at the Chapter 28 rules, most of which broadly cover all case types at OAH. Chapter 29 rules sometimes refer to the related Chapter 28 rule to give you some guidance. Both Chapters also have a table of contents with section headings that can help guide you to the information you need.

Every case has its own facts and circumstances, so some cases may involve laws and regulations that are not included on this page. However, most laws and regulations for shelter and rental assistance programs are in the Homeless Services Reform Act (HSRA) and the DHS regulations.

The D.C. Council passed the HSRA to create a range of services and programs to meet the needs of individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The services and programs include shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. Other homeless services may be available in the District besides what is provided under the HSRA, but OAH only has authority to hear and decide cases that fall under the HSRA, specifically contested cases involving homeless services offered directly by D.C. or by a provider that receives government funding administered by DHS.

You can find the HSRA in Title 4, Chapter 7A of the D.C. Code. More specifically, Subchapter III covers the types of services and programs and the basic eligibility standards. Subchapter IV covers, among other things, the rights and responsibilities of individuals and families receiving services in a shelter or rental assistance program; service provider standards and requirements; and standards for the OAH hearing process, including timelines for appeals of certain types of issues.

Under the authority of the HSRA, DHS makes regulations for specific programs. The regulations cover application requirements, specific eligibility standards, and standards for the extent of services a program may provide, among other things. DHS’s regulations are in Title 29 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations. Different chapters cover different programs. For example:

• Chapter 25 covers shelter and supportive housing services and programs.
• Chapter 75 covers the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
• Chapter 76 covers the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP).
• Chapter 78 covers the Family Re-Housing and Stabilization Program (FRSP).

Each level of the D.C. Code and DCMR – from the title number down to section numbers – has general headings that summarize that portion. These heading can help guide you to sections that apply to the issues in your case.

Although the D.C. government establishes all the laws and regulations that apply to shelter and rental assistance programs under the HSRA, other organizations coordinate and directly provide the services and programs. Specifically, The Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness (TCP), a non-profit organization, is contracted by the D.C. government to coordinate HSRA services and programs. TCP, in turn, works with many different local service providers that directly operate shelters and rental assistance programs, and each provider has its own policies regarding service or program eligibility and requirements. A provider’s policies are not law, and policies must be in line with the relevant laws and DHS regulations. But a provider’s policies can help explain how the provider interprets and applies laws and regulations when making a decision or taking an action against someone receiving services.

The language in the laws and regulations is often dense and technical, and understanding lengthy and detailed regulations can be complicated. But other resources are available to help you understand shelter and rental assistance programs under the HSRA. DHS’s website, for example, has more information about different types of homeless services for individuals and families. You can also click on the “I need more help” tab below for additional resources and information about who you can contact for help.

After you file a hearing request, generally the next step of the process will be explained in a “scheduling order” that OAH will send you by mail, and by email if you provide an email address.

For public benefits cases, the judge generally first schedules a “status hearing,” also called a “status conference.” The purpose of a status hearing is for the judge to meet with the parties to generally talk about the issues in the case and next steps. Some cases may require more than one status hearing. The scheduling order will explain the purpose of a status hearing, but there often is not much preparation needed for a status hearing.

Also, DHS is required to offer an “administrative review” once a hearing request is filed. An administrative review is an informal meeting with DHS representatives to try and resolve the issues. The meeting normally must be held within 15 days of your hearing request (except for a denial of a shelter application following interim eligibility placement, in which case it must be held within 4 business days). An administrative review in no way affects your right to an OAH hearing. So, if you are unable to resolve the issues during the meeting or even attend the meeting, you will still have your right to a hearing at OAH.

Usually following the administrative review, and if needed, the case will then be scheduled for an “evidentiary hearing” at OAH. The purpose of the evidentiary hearing is for each side to give “evidence” to support their side of the case. The scheduling order for an evidentiary hearing will have specific instructions, but hearing preparation generally involves each side collecting the information they want the judge to know and planning how to present the information during the hearing.

Information you present during a hearing is called “evidence.” There are two broad categories of evidence:

• Verbal testimony (what you and other witnesses say at the hearing)
• Documents, photographs, or other physical items

For testimony, you can practice telling your side of the story before the hearing. If you have witnesses that will testify on your behalf, you can ask your witnesses to practice their testimony as well. Practicing your testimony can help make sure you and your witnesses don’t accidentally leave out important information and can help you feel more comfortable on the day of the hearing.

If a witness won’t agree to come to a hearing voluntarily, you can ask the judge for a “subpoena.” A subpoena is a court order that requires someone to come to a hearing and testify. Visit the Subpoena Request page for more information about the subpoena process.

Documents, photographs, or other items you plan to use to support your case are called “exhibits.” You should collect all your exhibits before the hearing so that you can file a copy of the exhibit with OAH and “serve” a copy on DHS by the deadline given in the scheduling order. “Serving” means sending or delivering a copy of the exhibit to the other party. Click "How do I send documents or other exhibits I want to use for my case?" below for more information about filing and serving exhibits.

If you know that an agency or a person or organization related to your case has important documents about the facts, but they will not give you copies of the documents, you can ask the judge for a “subpoena” that will require them to do so. Besides requiring someone to testify at hearing, a subpoena can also be used to require someone to share documents. You can also ask the judge to allow “discovery.” Discovery is the formal process of getting information from an opposing party. Discovery generally is not needed or permitted in most OAH hearings, but it may be an option if you have a good reason. Visit the Subpoena Request and Discovery Request pages for more information about these processes.

Also, as you prepare exhibits, keep in mind that OAH is a separate agency from DHS. This means that OAH does not automatically have copies of DHS’s notices or records. To use those documents at the hearing, you still need to file copies with OAH.

You should also keep in mind that properly filing and serving an exhibit does not automatically mean that the judge can rely on the information in the exhibit when making a decision. Instead, you need to be prepared to introduce the exhibit during your testimony or a witness’s testimony. In other words, you or a witness will need to describe the item and may need to answer questions about it, so that the judge can be satisfied that the item is relevant to the case and is reliable. After you or a witness describe an exhibit and answer any questions from the judge or the other party, you can then ask the judge to admit the exhibit into evidence. If the judge allows the exhibit into evidence, you can then refer to the item in detail during your testimony, and the judge can rely on the item when making a decision. You need to be prepared for this process for each individual exhibit. It is a good idea to bring a list of all the exhibits you plan to use during the hearing, so you can keep track of what you have talked about and whether the judge has accepted the exhibit into evidence.

Lastly, you should have copies of all exhibits, both your own and the other party’s, when you come to your hearing. Even if your hearing is in person at OAH, OAH does not provide copies of the exhibits for the parties. Each party needs to bring their own copies.

Here are some of the common OAH Rules that apply to hearing preparation: Rule 2811 (Filing of Papers); Rule 2812 (How to Serve a Paper); Rule 2813 (Calculating Deadlines); Rule 2817 (Motions Procedure); Rule 2823 (Hearings and Evidence). Other rules may apply, so it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the OAH Rules’ table of contents so that you know where to go to look for particular requirements. The OAH Rules are on the Rules & Laws page.

All exhibits must be filed with OAH and served on the other party.

You can file exhibits with OAH in person; by mail or email; or through the OAH E-Filing Portal. Visit the Filings & Forms page for specific filing instructions.

“Serving” means delivering, mailing, or sending by commercial carrier copies to the other party. Service may also be made by email if the opposing party is a District agency or has an attorney. If not, the opposing party must consent in writing to allow email service. Service requirements are explained in OAH Rule 2812. The OAH Rules are on the Rules & Laws page.

Each party must file and serve exhibits by the deadline given in the scheduling order to make sure both sides have opportunity to review all the documents and other items the other side intends to use to support their case.

If you do not know the contact information for the other party, look at the “Certificate of Service” at the end of the scheduling order you receive from OAH. The Certificate of Service lists the contact information for each party.

You should look closely at your scheduling order for information about how your hearing will be held, but most OAH hearings are currently remote and are scheduled to take place by telephone. OAH uses a program called Webex to hold remote hearings, but only a phone is required for anyone to join. Visit the Webex Hearings page for more information about joining a remote hearing by phone.

If you want to request a change to the platform used for your hearing (e.g., in-person, telephone, or video conference), use the Request to Change Hearing Platform form.

Whether remote or in person, an evidentiary hearing is generally divided into three main parts:

• Opening statements
• Presentations of evidence
• Closing arguments

An opening statement is your chance to give the judge a broad overview of your case and what you intend to prove through your evidence. The opening statement is not testimony and does not count as evidence, however. So, remember to present all of your evidence during the next part of the hearing, even if you talked about it already in your opening statement.

The presentation of evidence is the main part of the hearing, and each side takes turns. The judge will explain the how the hearing will go before it begins, including which side has the “burden of proof” and will present evidence first. The side with the burden of proof must prove certain facts to win the case. For example, if a service provider or TCP decides to terminate or cease services you are receiving, then TCP or the service provider must prove that it satisfied legal standards for the termination or cessation of services, and they would present evidence first. If TCP or the provider cannot do so, you automatically win. But if you are alleging a rights violation, then the burden of proof is on you to prove that the violation occurred, and you might go first when presenting evidence.

When it is your turn to present evidence, you can give testimony and talk about the documents or other items you have as evidence, if the judge allowed your exhibits into evidence (see the “How do I prepare for hearing” tab above for more explanation about how exhibits are admitted into evidence). You can also have your witnesses attend and ask them questions to get them to testify on your behalf. Asking questions of your own witnesses is called “direct examination.”

After you or a witness are done giving testimony, the other side can ask questions about the testimony that was given. This is called “cross examination.” Likewise, after the other side’s witnesses give testimony as part of their presentation of evidence, you will have the opportunity to ask them questions. However, neither side is required to ask cross examination questions, and the judge will not assume you agree with the testimony of the other side’s witnesses if you choose not to question them. The judge may also have questions for the parties and witnesses throughout the hearing.

Finally, after both sides have presented their evidence, each side can give a closing argument. A closing argument is not required but is your opportunity to summarize your evidence and legal arguments as to why you should win. The closing argument is not evidence, and you generally cannot introduce new exhibits during your closing or talk about information that was not admitted into evidence.

Throughout the process, keep in mind that all evidence and arguments are being given directly to the judge. An evidentiary hearing is not an opportunity for the parties to talk and argue between themselves. So, you should practice your opening statement, presentation of evidence, and closing argument as if you are speaking directly to the judge.

Finally, if you are ever confused as to what’s going on during the hearing, ask the judge to explain.

Yes. Upon request, OAH will provide a free certified interpreter at your hearing. You cannot have a friend or family member interpret for you during a hearing.

You may request an interpreter when you file your initial hearing request, or you may request an interpreter at any other time by calling OAH at (202) 442-9094 or by emailing [email protected]. But please let OAH know as soon as possible that you need an interpreter for your hearing to give OAH time to schedule an interpreter.

If you have not requested an interpreter by the day of your hearing, you should let the judge know that you need an interpreter, and the judge can try to get an interpreter. If the judge cannot find an interpreter right away, the judge will need to reschedule the hearing to give time for OAH to schedule an interpreter for a new hearing date.

will also provide an interpreter if you need to speak with an OAH Customer Service Representative or Resource Center staff, whether visiting in person or calling OAH by phone. Simply ask for an interpreter and identify your language when you visit or call, and OAH staff will contact an interpreter to assist.

Yes. Upon request, OAH will provide reasonable accommodations to allow you to participate in your hearing. You may request an accommodation when you file a hearing request, or you may request an accommodation at any other time by calling OAH at (202) 442-9094 or by emailing [email protected].

Please explain the accommodation you need, and OAH staff will be in touch with you to arrange reasonable accommodations for the day of your hearing. OAH may need some time to arrange the accommodations, so please let OAH know as soon as possible what accommodations you will need for your hearing.

You may ask the judge in writing for a different hearing date, also called a “continuance.”

For this type of request, you must first reach out to the other party to see if they will agree to a different hearing date. The other party doesn’t have to agree, or even respond. But you at least need to make a good faith effort to get the other party’s consent.

You then must file your request with OAH and send a copy of the request to the other party. To make sure you give OAH all the information needed for this type of request, you may use the Request for a Different Hearing Date form.

You should never assume that a request is granted. If your hearing date is approaching and you have not received a written response, contact the OAH Clerk’s Office to see if the judge has acted on your request. If the judge has not acted on the request by your hearing date, then the hearing will be held as originally scheduled and you will be required to attend.

OAH Rule 2817 has more information about filing case-related requests, also called “motions.” The OAH Rules are on the Rules & Laws page.

If you missed your hearing, and you still want a hearing, you must ask for a new hearing date in writing as soon as possible. Even if the judge sends a Final Order in the other party’s favor before you file your request, the judge can still grant a new hearing and change the final order. However, you must give a good reason for having missed the hearing. To make a request, you may complete the Request for a New Hearing form and file the form with OAH and serve a copy on the other party.

OAH Rule 2830 explains more about this type of request. OAH Rule 2817 has more information about filing case-related requests, also called “motions.” The OAH Rules are on the Rules & Laws page.

The judge will not make a final decision about your case during or right after a hearing. Rather, the judge will take time after the hearing to carefully consider all the evidence before making a final decision in writing. The judge’s written decision is called a “final order.” The final order will be sent to all parties to the case and will explain the facts of the case as determined by the judge, the laws that apply to the case, and the judge’s legal conclusions based on how the law applies to the facts.

The final order will also explain your appeal rights, in case you disagree with the judge’s decision.

If you disagree with a final order, you may either:

• ask the OAH judge to reconsider the decision or grant relief from the final order, or
• file an appeal with the D.C. Court of Appeals.

Visit the Closed Case Forms page, under “Filings & Forms,” for more information and instructions.

If you are trying to find a lawyer to give you advice or represent you in your case, you may contact the OAH Legal Assistance Network (OLAN), a network of legal service providers that give free legal help.

Other legal service providers outside of OLAN may also be able to help if looking for legal advice or representation.

If you cannot find a lawyer or choose to represent yourself, you may talk with someone with the OAH Resource Center for additional help. Please call (202)-442-9094 and press “4” from the main menu, or send an email to [email protected]. The OAH Resource Center cannot give legal advice or be your lawyer, but our staff are happy to answer questions and give general information about SNAP and the OAH hearing process.