For over three decades, the Family Advocacy Unit at Community Legal Services has represented thousands of low-income parents in child welfare cases. We have a unique interdisciplinary practice model and a demonstrated commitment to holistic, high-quality parent representation. In addition to individual representation, Community Legal Services engages in systemic advocacy at the local, state and…
We all know instinctively, and it is borne out in the research, that children do better with their families. Removal from home is a serious intervention into a child’s life, one of the most serious that our society allows. It should only happen for the most important reasons, to ensure a child is safe while…
Download the full report Like most Americans, people with criminal records need to be employed to support themselves and their families. Unfortunately, a criminal record is a barrier to being hired for a job, or once hired, keeping the job. High unemployment rates make finding employment even more difficult for persons with criminal records. …
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has been failing in its job to protect nursing home residents. Over the past several years, DOH has significantly decreased the issuance of sanctions against nursing homes and has adopted and employed an investigatory strategy that dismisses 92% of the complaints against nursing homes. Additionally, when DOH finds that…
What is a Social Security/SSI overpayment? An “overpayment” is when the Social Security Administration (SSA) gave you benefits when they shouldn’t have or paid you more than they were supposed to. If SSA thinks they overpaid you, they will want their money back. If you do nothing, SSA will collect the overpayment by taking money…
You have the right to be served in your language when you deal with the Social Security office. They are required to provide free interpretation for people who don’t speak or understand English well. Oral Interpretation: No matter what language you speak, you have the right to an interpreter to help you communicate with people…
When you turn 18, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your case to see if you still meet the requirements to receive SSI. The rules change when you turn 18, and some people lose their benefits. START PREPARING NOW for review of your SSI case! Here’s how: Keep all of your school records. The Social Security…
What is SSI for children? SSI for children is a cash assistance program for low-income families who are caring for children with physical and/or mental disabilities. How does the Social Security Administration (SSA) decide if my child is disabled? SSA will look at how severe your child’s medical conditions are and how they interfere…
Community Legal Services does not help people apply for Social Security Benefits. You can apply for benefits by: Telephone: You can call 1 (800) 772-1213 (between 7 a.m.-7 p.m.) to schedule an appointment to apply for Social Security Benefits. In person: You can also apply for Social Security Benefits by walking in to your local Social Security…
What is a Dismissal? A “dismissal” is when Social Security turns down your application, after you appealed it, without actually deciding whether you are disabled. This often happens if you did not go to a hearing. If your case is dismissed you must act quickly, within 60 days. What should I do if I get…
