Since its founding in 1966, CLS has been the cornerstone of Philadelphia’s public interest community. We represent low-income Philadelphians when they face the threat of losing their homes, incomes, health care, and even their families. Last year, CLS helped more than 14,000 clients access justice. CLS’s 60th Anniversary Party Join us for a fun, festive…
Did the County Assistance Office make a mistake? You can appeal! What can you appeal? They cut off your benefits (medical card, cash, or food stamps) You keep trying to reschedule a missed appointment, but they still cut you off. They lost your paperwork. They denied your application. Any other decision you disagree with. Appeal…
Starting September 1, 2025, many adults will need to work 20 hours a week to keep their SNAP. These work rules do not apply to people who meet an exemption. If you are not exempt or working 20 hours a week, you can only get 3 months of SNAP in 3 years. Download the Flyer…
The Philadelphia Bar Association’s Bar Reporter has a special #probonospotlight this week! Click here to read about Lanique Roberts’s path to CLS’s Justice Rising Advocates and her reflections on volunteering at our Clean Slate Clinics. Lanique writes, “In a city like Philadelphia, you never know who might need the assistance of CLS. As attorneys, we’re…
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are both halted because of the federal government shutdown. This leaves millions of Pennsylvanians without money for food or utility bills to keep their families warm as the weather gets colder. Read on for more information about resources that are…
The four 2025 Philadelphia Water Rate Case Public Input Hearings will be held at the following times: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 1pm. In-person hearing at the Philadelphia Gas Commission, 1515 Arch St, 18th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6pm. Virtual/Telephonic hearing. Information will be posted at https://www.phila.gov/departments/water-sewer-storm-water–rate-board/rate-proceedings/2025-general-proceeding/ Wednesday, April…
Currently, the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefit system is experiencing long delays in handling appeals from denials of UC benefits. People are waiting for their UC referee hearings and decisions for 2 to 6 months, depending on their location in the state. Most people who must wait that long suffer severe financial hardship. If you…
Community Legal Services and Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA) are thrilled to welcome three new members to our overlapping Boards of Directors. Diana Cortes, a partner at Morgan Lewis, is a longtime trial lawyer and former Philadelphia city solicitor/general counsel. Diana represents clients in crisis and complex litigation matters, including class actions and large group…
October 18, 2024 – Tomorrow, October 19, 2024, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) will publish the final regulations to implement Act 53 of 2020, commonly known as “the Occupational Licensing Reform Act.” The regulations will go into effect as of that date. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia (CLS) applauds these regulations,…
Great news! Three big changes are coming to the SSI program on September 30, 2024. These changes will help thousands of people get more SSI benefits. Previously, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reduced SSI benefits for people who received help from friends, family, or others in certain situations. This is called In-Kind Support and Maintenance…
