UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354

(Insert Address)

Date

Dear ______:

After careful consideration, we [were unable to take favorable action on your application/request for Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 services] [are cancelling/reducing the assistance you are presently receiving]. The specific reasons for our decision are:

(Insert here the adverse decision and all of the specific reasons for the adverse action.)

If you have any questions concerning the decision or the facts used in making our decision and desire further explanation, you may call or write the County Office (insert phone number) to request a meeting with (this office) (The County Committee) within 15 calendar days of the date of this letter. You should present any new information or evidence along with possible alternatives for our consideration. You may also bring a representative [or legal counsel] with you. You also have the right to appeal this decision to a hearing officer in lieu of, or in addition to, a meeting with [this office] [the County Committee]. See attachment for your appeal rights. (Attach Form FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 1900-1.) (For guaranteed loans, except loss claims, the applicant and lender must jointly request a meeting and/or an appeal.)

If you do not wish a meeting, as outlined above, a request for a hearing must be sent to the Area Supervisor, National Appeals Staff (address) ______, postmarked no later than (month) _____, (date) _____.

(insert date 30 days from date of letter.)

The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, handicap, or age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract), because all or part of the applicant's income derives from any public assistance program, or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The Federal Agency that administers compliance with the law concerning this creditor is the Federal Trade Commission, Equal Credit Opportunity, Washington, DC 20580.

      Sincerely,

(Decision Maker)

(County Supervisor may sign for County Committee)

(Title)

[55 FR 9874, Mar. 16, 1990]