Frequently Asked Questions about Appealing CSSD Orders and Decisions
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Table of Contents

1. How do I appeal an agency decision?
2. What agency decisions can be appealed to the Office of Administrative Hearings?
3. How do I appeal an agency decision to the Office of Administrative Hearings?
4. How much time do I have to request an appeal?
5. What can I do to help see that my request for formal hearing is processed timely?
6. Who will notify me of a hearing date?
7. What if I need to change the date for the hearing?
8. What actions do I appeal to Superior Court?

1. How do I appeal an agency decision?

The method used to appeal an agency decision depends on what action was taken. Many actions can be appealed by requesting an administrative review. This is basically asking for a reconsideration of the decision or action. If you disagree with the results of the administrative review, you can appeal to the Department of Revenue through the Office of Administrative Hearings or the Alaska Superior Court. See questions 2 and 8 to determine where to appeal the decision.

2. What agency decisions can be appealed to the Office of Administrative Hearings?

Either parent may appeal the agency’s Administrative Support Order, which sets the monthly child support amount. Other decisions that may be appealed to the Office of Administrative Hearings include paternity establishment or disestablishment; the decision to vacate a default child support order; and decisions related to the nondisclosure of personal information. Please read agency notices carefully. Any notice which states that an “administrative appeal is not available” must be appealed to the Superior court. Additionally, please remember that you can’t appeal court orders to the child support agency; you must go back to court if you want a court order changed. However, CSSD can help you modify a child support order issued by the court.

3. How do I appeal an agency decision to the Office of Administrative Hearings?

It is best if you request a formal hearing on the form attached to the administrative decision, but you can also appeal using your own letter. Alaska Administrative Code requires you to clearly state the disputed issues and provide a brief summary of why you think the agency’s decision is incorrect. You must also provide any documents necessary to support your position.

4. How much time do I have to request an appeal?

A request for formal hearing must be sent to CSSD within 30 days from the date of the administrative review decision. In an appeal to the Superior Court, you must file your appeal directly with the court within 30 days from the date of the administrative review decision.

5. What can I do to help see that my request for formal hearing is processed timely?

Please write MS 24 on your envelopes and letters sent or delivered to the child support agency. Do not address formal hearing correspondence to your caseworker.

6. Who will notify me of a hearing date?

The date for a formal hearing is set by the Office of Administrative Hearings. A hearing notice will be sent via certified mail from their office.

7. What if I need to change the date for the hearing?

You need to make your request directly to the Office of Administrative Hearings. The appropriate contact number is on your hearing notice.

8. What actions do I appeal to Superior Court?

If you disagree with a CSSD decision that has no administrative appeal option, you can appeal directly to the Superior Court. Decisions made by an Administrative Law Judge through the administrative appeal process can also be appealed to the Superior Court.