City Expands Right to Counsel for Eligible Philadelphia Tenants into Two Additional Zip Codes

Following the success of initial rollout, low-income tenants in 19134 and 19144 zip codes are now guaranteed legal representation when facing eviction​   PHILADELPHIA –  Starting February 1, 2023, low-income renters in Philadelphia zip codes 19134 and 19144 are entitled to free legal representation if they are facing eviction. Legislation providing for guaranteed legal representation, known…

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Transition Paper: PA’s UC System Remains in Disarray and Is Not Prepared for a Recession.

Pennsylvania’s UC System No Longer Can Be Relied Upon to Serve Unemployed Workers. Traditionally, Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation (UC) system was simple and effective.  An unemployed worker went to an “unemployment office,” filed a claim, and got about the business of finding a new job.  As a result of declining administrative funding, that system started to…

New CLS Report Uncovers Glaring Inequities in the SSA System

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are critical lifelines for millions of people with disabilities. However, more than a decade of underfunding has made it extraordinarily difficult for people to access the vital benefits they need to survive. Applicants and beneficiaries must navigate woefully inadequate interpretation services, an outdated phone system,…

CLS Files Lawsuit to Challenge Pennsylvania’s Childline Registry

PHILADELPHIA, PA – On August 10 parents, caregivers, and community organizations filed suit in the case of A.W. v. Commonwealth to challenge Pennsylvania’s ChildLine Registry as unconstitutional. The suit, filed in Commonwealth Court, alleges that parents and caregivers are listed on the Registry and labeled as “child abusers” without first having a chance to defend…