(a)

(1) The agency must establish procedures that permit an individual, or an authorized representative as defined at §435.923 of this chapter, to—

(i) Submit a hearing request via any of the modalities described in §435.907(a) of this chapter, except that the requirement to establish procedures for submission of a fair hearing request described in §435.907(a)(1), (2) and (5) of this chapter (relating to submissions via Internet Web site, telephone and other electronic means) is effective no later than the date described in §435.1200(i) of this chapter; and

(ii) Include in a hearing request submitted under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, a request for an expedited fair hearing.

(2) [Reserved]

(b) The agency may not limit or interfere with the applicant's or beneficiary's freedom to make a request for a hearing.

(c) The agency may assist the applicant or beneficiary in submitting and processing his request.

(d) The agency must allow the applicant or beneficiary a reasonable time, not to exceed 90 days from the date that notice of action is mailed, to request a hearings.

[44 FR 17932, Mar. 29, 1979, as amended at 81 FR 86448, Nov. 30, 2016]