6.2.1 Request for Fact Finding Review

All applicants and recipients have the right to request a Fact Finding Review. The Fact Finding Review is completed by the W-2Wisconsin Works agency’s Fact Finder. It is the first level of the dispute resolution process an applicant or recipient can petition if one of the following occurs or the individual believes occurred:

·        The agency did not act upon the EAEmergency Assistance application within five working days after receiving the completed application;

·        The EA application was denied;

·        The EA Payment amount was modified or canceled;

·        The EA Payment amount was calculated incorrectly; or

·        The agency’s determination of an IPV was incorrect.

The dispute resolution process for EA overpayments is separate from the Fact Finding process for EA application and IPV decisions. (See 7.1.5)

An applicant or recipient who requests a Fact Finding Review should be encouraged to use the form Request for Wisconsin Works (W-2) Fact Finding Review (10783). However, the Petitioner may use other documentation containing the same information found in the form.  A W-2 agency must also accept phone requests for Fact Finding Reviews and must document the phone request using the form Request for Wisconsin Works (W-2) Fact Finding Review (10783).

If an applicant or recipient requests a Fact Finding Review for a complaint not related to any of the above reasons, the W-2 agency must provide the petitioner with a completed Fact Finding Review Denial Notice (2686) form.

History: Release 25-01; Release 23-03; Release 21-02.