Section 305 ILCS 5/11-8.1 - Appellants' rights(a) Upon receipt of an appeal the Illinois Department, Public Aid Committee, or Commissioner of Appeals, as the case may be, shall review the case. The appellant shall be entitled to appear in person and to be represented by counsel. He shall be afforded an opportunity to present all relevant matter in support of his claim for aid, or his objection to (a) termination of aid, or (b) the amount of aid, or (c) a determination to make a protective payment.(b) Whenever any applicant appeals the denial of any application for assistance and the reason for denial is due to the failure of the applicant to comply with procedural requirements, including but not limited to, failure to keep an appointment, failure to produce acceptable proof of eligibility, or failure to request more time or assistance in obtaining acceptable proof of eligibility, the denial shall be rescinded if at any time before the decision on the appeal is made, the appellant complies with the procedural requirements that caused the denial and all other requirements necessary to process the application. When the denial is rescinded under this subsection, the Illinois Department shall grant or deny the application based upon all relevant substantive eligibility factors and issue a new decision. If the application is approved, cash assistance shall begin effective 30 calendar days after the original application date and the starting date of all other assistance shall begin based on the original application date.