Courts & Types
Administrative Hearings and Agencies
Benefits, licenses, unemployment and other disputes decided by agencies rather than courts.
Local rules vary: Every agency sets its own procedures and deadlines.
What they are
Many disputes start with a government agency instead of a court: unemployment benefits, Social Security, public benefits, professional licenses, workers' compensation, and some housing and discrimination claims. An administrative law judge or hearing officer decides them.
How they work
Hearings are usually less formal than court, but you still present evidence and witnesses. Deadlines to request a hearing or appeal a decision are often very short, sometimes 10 to 30 days from the date on the notice.
Preparing
- Read the decision letter for the appeal deadline and instructions.
- Request your agency file early; you're usually entitled to see it.
- Organize documents in date order and bring copies.
After the agency process ends, you can often appeal to a court.
Sources
General information, not legal advice.