Agency: 
Department of Agriculture
Scheme Nickname: 
Administrative Review Branch appeals

Final administrative review by the Administrative Review Board of appeals by participating firms, retailers. vendors, sponsors, and state agencies aggrieved by program decisions by USDA/FNS officials related to various food and nutrition programs (e.g., SNAP, Summer Food Service Program, Adult Care food program, Quality Control sanctions).

Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 
Types of Adjudication: 
Type B
Comments/Notes on Related Schemes: 
This scheme (USDAARBO0009) and scheme code USDASNAP0012 share the same hearing office (i.e., the Administrative Review Branch), although they use different adjudicators. Hearings related to this scheme are heard by individual Administrative Review Officers. whereas hearings for USDASNAP0012 are heard by the State SNAP Appeals Board.
Resources & Articles: 
USDA SNAP Retailer Management 2013 Annual Report: http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/snap/2013-annual-report.pdf
Other Comments: 
According to the ARB's 2013 Annual Report, there 1,239 requests for review filed in FY2013. The vast majority (90%) of FNS initial determinations were upheld. More specifically, of cases decided in FY2013, ARB final decisions broke down as follows: sustained FNS decision (90%); reversed FNS decision (1%); modified FNS decision (2%); cases mooted by appellant withdrawal or for other reasons (8%). SNAP program appeals represent the bulk of ARB's caseload.
Verified by Agency: 
Verified
Is this a Major Adjudication: 
Yes