Self Represented Parties

You have the right to represent yourself at a hearing before the OAC. If you choose to do so, you must understand the law and procedural rules that apply to your case. You must decide what arguments to make and what evidence you need to support your case.

The OAC clerks can answer general questions but cannot give legal advice or guidance on winning your case.

You can find answers to common questions about court procedures, filling requirements, hearing preparation, and other topics to help you prepare for your hearing on our Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) pages:

• FAQ for Workers' Compensation Cases
• FAQ for Public Benefit Cases
• FAQ for General Services Cases

General Information for OAC Hearings

• Getting Help From an Attorney: In Workers' Compensation and General Services cases, you will be required to follow the same rules as an attorney would. If you're unsure how to present your case, consider speaking with an attorney for guidance. The Colorado Bar Association has a list of attorneys who handle Workers' Compensation cases. you can also contact Colorado Legal Services for assistance with non-workers' compensation cases. The OAC cannot recommend specific attorneys.
• Non-Attorney Representation: You may choose to have someone represent you who is not a licensed attorney. In Medicaid cases, you must submit a Health First Colorado Non-Attorney Authorization Form. In other Public Benefits cases, you should submit a document such as the Representative Authorization Form.
• OAC Rules of Procedure: Each hearing will follow its own Rules of Procedure. Our Resources page has links to the law and riles governing the various types f cases we hear.
• Virtual (video) Hearings: The OAC conducts many hearings by videoconference over Google Meet. If you are scheduled for a virtual hearing, please review the Code for Conduct for Virtual Hearings and the Technical Guidance for Accessing Hearings Via Google Meet.

Workers' Compensation Hearings

What is Workers' Compensation?

Workers' Compensation provides benefits to employees who are injured at work in Colorado, including medical treatment, lost wages, and permanent disability benefits.

Self-Represented Party Advisement

If you are planning to represent yourself in a  Workers' Compensation case, please read the Self Represented Party Advisement before your hearing.

The Hearing Process

• Location & Timing: Hearings are generally scheduled 120 to 180 days after an Application for Hearing is filed, and can be in-person or by video.
• Duration: Typically 1 to 3 hours.
• Evidence: The evidence in you case may include testimony from yourself and other witnesses, medical records, records form the employer.
• Decision: A written decision is issued within 15 business days after the hearing.
• More Information: Please see our Workers' Compensation FAQ for more information to help you get ready for your hearing.

Public Benefit Hearings

What is a Public Benefits Case?

These hearings involve disputes regarding eligibility and access to public assistance programs, such as Medicaid, Colorado Works, and other state-run benefit programs.

The Hearing Process

• Location & Timing: Hearings are generally scheduled within 60 days after the OAC receives your appeal. Most hearings are conducted by video or phone. You can also request an in-person hearing.
• Duration: Most public benefits hearings take approximately 1 hour.
• Evidence:  A representative of the State Agency or County Department will usually testify at your hearing. You will have the opportunity to testify and call other witnesses too. You can also give the judge documents or other evidence relating to your case.
• Decision:  The judge will issue a written decision within 20 days after the hearing. The Office of Appels is responsible for sending a copy of the judge's decision to you.
• More Information:  Please review our Summary of Hearing Procedures page for more information about what happens at a Public Benefits hearing. You can also find answers to many common questions on our Public Benefits FAQ page.

Intentional Program Violation (IPV) Cases

 These hearings occur when the County Department or State Agency believes you intentionally withheld information or gave false information to receive SNAP (food Assistance) benefits. In these cases, the agency must prove by clear and convincing evidence that you committed a violation. If the judge finds that an IPV occurred, you may be disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for a specific period of time (usually 12 months fora  first violation), and you may be required to pay back benefits you received. 

Please see our Procedures for IPV Hearings page for more information about what to expect at the hearing.

General Services Hearings

What is a General Services Case?

Any case handled by the OAC that is not related to Workers' Compensation benefits or public benefits is considered a General Services case.

The Hearing Process

• Location & Timing: Hearings are generally scheduled 90 or more days after the OAC received the case initiation documents. Most General Services hearings are conducted by video but you can also request an in-person hearing.
• Duration: Hearings may last from a few hours to several days, depending on the number of witnesses each party plans to call and the issues involved.
• Evidence: Although every case is different, the most common types of evidence you may need for your hearing include:
  1. Your testimony: You will usually be expected to testify at your hearing. This is your chance to tell the judge important facts about your case.
  2. Witnesses: Other people, including experts, can testify to what they know about your case.
  3. Documents: You may present documents related to your case, such as letters, contracts, business records, or medical records.
  4. Other evidence: You may bring photographs or other items that support your case.
• Decision: The timeframe for the judge's decision depends on the type of case and State agency involved but here are some general guidelines:
  • Special Education Cases: The judge and the parties will set a decision deadline before the end of the hearing. In many cases, this will be approximately 3-4 weeks after the hearing.
  • Teacher Dismissal Cases: The decision will be issued within 20 days after the hearing.
  • Civil rights Violations: The decision will be issued within 30 days after the hearing/
  • Other General Services Cases: In all other General Services cases, the decision will be issued within 60 days after the hearing.
• More Information: Our General Services FAQ page has answers to common questions about court procedures, filing requirements, hearing preparation, and other topics to help you get ready for your hearing.

Mediations

What is a Mediation?

Mediations are informal sessions where the parties involved in a dispute try to resolve their issues without a full hearing. A mediator helps facilitate communication and negotiation between the parties.

The Mediation Process

•  Location & Timing: Mediations are scheduled by the OAC and may be in-person or by video.
• Purpose: The goal is to resolve the dispute without going to a formal hearing.
• Outcome: If an agreement is reached, it may be submitted to the OAC for approval. If not, the case may proceed to a hearing.

Please see our Mediations page for more information about mediation at the OAC