What is a desk review?
The desk review process is an administrative review by the social services agency for current and former public assistance recipients who believe that they did not receive a child support pass-through payment or excess support payment or who believe that the pass-through that they received was too low. The desk review is an appeal process, similar to a Fair Hearing, but it does not involve an administrative law judge or the formal structure of a Fair Hearing. A desk review will provide you with an opportunity for a face-to-face conference if you wish, and a written decision by the social services agency, within 45 days of the date of receipt of a request form or within 75 days if another district/state must be contacted for information. If you believe the decision by the local district social services agency is incorrect, you are entitled to a second level of review by the state.
