Green background with black text reading: How the Pandemic Response Has Failed Young People & What We Need to Thrive

Report: How the Pandemic Response Has Failed Young People & What We Need to Thrive

Consumer Rights, Employment, Housing, Public Benefits, Seniors, Youth Justice

This report was written by Youth Justice Project inaugural Youth Action Board members, Deja Morgan, Alexi Chacon, and Madison Nardy.  When the coronavirus was declared a global pandemic in March 2020, young people across the country became unemployed, had to adjust to a virtual learning environment, experienced loss, housing insecurity, and more with no clear…

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Applying for SSI A Short Guide for Case Managers

Public Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides a modest monthly income to older adults aged 65 and older, and adults and children with serious disabilities who are struggling to make ends meet. Here’s how to apply!   1. Prepare paperwork. a. Financial info: Be ready to tell the Social Security Administration (SSA) about all income (like wages,…

Community Legal Services of Philadelphia and Morgan Lewis Obtain Settlement to Provide Emergency SNAP Benefits to Qualifying Pennsylvanians

Coronavirus, Public Benefits

BREAKING NEWS: CLS and superstar pro bono co-counsel Morgan Lewis just settled litigation that will deliver $712 million emergency SNAP (food stamp) benefits to approximately 650,000 of the neediest Pa households! In addition, the USDA will be changing their national policy so that approximately 12 million families nationwide will get additional SNAP benefits they are owed.…

Brief: The Treasury Department Must Ensure Fair Access to Stimulus Payments for All

Consumer Rights, Coronavirus, Public Benefits

We are so excited that the American Rescue Plan has authorized a third round of stimulus payments–offering an essential lifeline to so many people struggling during the pandemic and their dependents.  We are hopeful that people, particularly non-filers, do not face the same significant obstacles getting the $1400 dependent payments like they did for the…

No Child Should Live in Deep Poverty: Strengthen TANF for PA Families and for Racial Justice

*Highlights, Public Benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federally-funded block grant that provides cash assistance to the poorest Pennsylvania families. Parents are required to actively look for work or participate in a job training program. TANF additionally provides support for children under 18 being cared for by grandparents or other relatives, and for survivors of…

Report: Racial Disparities in Access to Supplemental Security Income Benefits for Children

*Highlights, Public Benefits

SSI for children is crucial support for families in need. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides critical financial support to people with disabilities who experience economic hardship, including 1.1 million children. SSI income is crucial not only because it can boost families out of poverty, but also because in many states, SSI recipients are automatically eligible…

CLS Releases Recommendations for the Biden-Harris Administration

*Highlights, Employment, Housing, Legislation, Public Benefits

Community Legal Services of Philadelphia (CLS), one of the largest and most respected legal services programs in the nation, congratulates President-Elect Joseph Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on their successful election. As President-Elect Biden said in a recent speech: “We must make the promise of the country real for everybody — no matter their…