(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]