When should customers request mediation?

Mediation requests must be made within 30 days of receipt of the original adverse decision letter, or an unsuccessful informal review.

A customer can request an appeal without first going to mediation. There are no mediation rights after an appeal hearing.

Does the 30-day timeframe to file an appeal stop when a customer requests mediation?

Yes, on the day following the postmarked date that Rural Development receives the customer's written mediation request.

What happens if mediation does not resolve the problem?

The customer is notified in writing of the right to appeal the original adverse decision within the days that remain for the original 30-day time period.

How much time is there to complete mediation?

30 days to request mediation after an adverse decision has been issued.

10 days to agree to the selection of a mediator, once notified by the independent mediation service.

45 days for the mediation service to complete the mediation.