Case Name: Jose G. HERNANDEZ, Appellants, v. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, Appellee
Court: Florida District Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction: Florida
Decision Date: 2000-08-14
Citations: 764 So. 2d 910
Docket Number: No. 1D99-1755
Parties: Jose G. HERNANDEZ, Appellants, v. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, Appellee.
Judges: BOOTH, MINER and VAN NORTWICK, JJ., CONCUR.
Reporter: Southern Reporter, Second Series
Volume: 764
Pages: 910–910

Head Matter:
Jose G. HERNANDEZ, Appellants, v. DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, Appellee.
No. 1D99-1755.
District Court of Appeal of Florida, First District.
Aug. 14, 2000.
Sally G. Schmidt, Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc., West Palm Beach, Attorney for Appellant.
William Byrne Isaacs, Port Charlotte, Attorney for Appellee.

Opinion:
PER CURIAM.
Appellant appeals the denial of food stamp benefits from October 15, 1998 through December 8, 1998. We find the hearing officer's conclusion that Appellant was responsible for the delay in processing Appellant's application is not supported by competent, substantial evidence. We also find that the hearing officer erroneously interpreted the applicable law, and we therefore reverse. § 120.68(7)(d) and (10), Florida Statutes.
The record on appeal clearly shows the Department, on its own, rescheduled its interview with Appellant, and subsequently did not promptly inform Appellant of his responsibility to provide further verification of his worker's compensation benefits, as required by 45 C.F.R. § 206.10(a)(2)(i). Any error in processing Appellant's application was caused by the Department, and Appellant is entitled to the requested benefits. 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(h)(3).
Accordingly, the Final Order is reversed, and we remand and direct the Department of Children and Families to authorize food stamp benefits to Appellant, retroactive from October 15, 1998 through December 8,1998.
BOOTH, MINER and VAN NORTWICK, JJ., CONCUR.