6.3.1 Requesting a Departmental Review

If an individual disagrees with the final Fact Finding decision, they may appeal the decision by requesting a Departmental Review. The W-2Wisconsin Works agency cannot appeal an EAEmergency Assistance Fact Finding decision, only the individual. The Department of Administration, Division of Hearings and Appeals (DHA) will complete the Departmental Review.  This Review is a limited review of the record and the decision of the Fact Finder.

The request for a Departmental Review of an EA decision must be received by DHA within 14 calendar days after the date on which the certified copy of the W-2 Fact Finding decision is mailed (the same date as the Fact Finding decision).

DHA must date stamp requests for a Departmental Review. DHA will promptly notify the W-2 agency of receipt of a request for a Departmental Review.  The W-2 agency must submit the Fact Finding file to DHA within 5 working days after receipt of the request.  DHA will fully review the W-2 agency’s Fact Finding decision by completing a desk review.

If after reviewing the Fact Finding file, DHA determines that the file is inadequate, DHA may do any of the following:

·        Remand the file to the W-2 agency to provide additional information;

·        Hold a teleconference interview with the Petitioner and W-2 agency representative; or

·        Request written supplementation from the Petitioner or W-2 representative.

DHA may grant a postponement of a telephone conference if the petitioner is not available due to a good cause reason.  DHA may grant an extension of the decision.

DHA must complete its Review within 10 working days of the receipt of the Fact Finding file, unless DHA determines the file is inadequate.  

The Department must deny a request or must refuse to grant relief if the applicant or participant withdraws the request for a Departmental Review in writing.

History: There are no previous versions of this policy.