New Pennsylvania Law Allows Old and Minor Convictions to be Sealed
As of November 14, 2016, people with certain misdemeanor convictions can ask the court to seal their record. A sealed record will…
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Youth Justice: SSI Benefits
Billie Washington was struggling to make ends meet. A former home care attendant, she was no longer able to work…
Youth Justice: Child Care Subsidies
Billie Washington was struggling to make ends meet. A former home care attendant, she was no longer able to work…
Transition Memo on Philadelphia Department of Human Services
For over three decades, the Family Advocacy Unit at Community Legal Services has represented thousands of low-income parents in child…
Report: Philadelphia Should Expand Its Kinship Care Program
We all know instinctively, and it is borne out in the research, that children do better with their families. Removal…
Report: Legal Remedies and Limitations on the Employment of People with Criminal Records in Pennsylvania
Download the full report Like most Americans, ex-offenders need to be employed to support themselves and their families. Moreover,…
Careless: How the Pennsylvania Department of Health Has Risked the Lives of Elderly and Disabled Nursing Home Residents
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has been failing in its job to protect nursing home residents. Over the past…
Has Social Security Told You You’ve Been Overpaid?
What is a Social Security/SSI overpayment? An “overpayment” is when the Social Security Administration (SSA) gave you benefits when they…
Getting Help from the Social Security Office When You Don’t Speak or Understand English Well
You have the right to be served in your language when you deal with the Social Security office. They are required…
If you are 16 or 17 and receive SSI, start preparing now for review of your SSI case!
When you turn 18, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your case to see if you still meet the requirements…
SSI for Children
What is SSI for children? SSI for children is a cash assistance program for low-income families who are caring for…
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits
Community Legal Services does not help people apply for Social Security Benefits. You can apply for benefits by: Telephone: You can…
Has Social Security Dismissed Your Case?
What is a Dismissal? A “dismissal” is when Social Security turns down your application, after you appealed it, without actually deciding…
Who is Eligible for Social Security Benefits?
Millions of children and adults depend on benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for their basic income. SSA provides…
SSI for Non-US Citizens
What is SSI? SSI is a monthly cash payment from the Social Security Administration. These payments are for individuals who…
Good News: Philadelphia Will No Longer Collect Bail Forfeiture Judgments Issued Before March 4, 2010!
How did that happen? On September 30, 2014, the Philadelphia courts issued an official order stating they will no longer…
