PUBLIC BENEFITS

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PUBLIC BENEFITS

GET HELP: PUBLIC BENEFITS

CASH ASSISTANCE

If you apply for cash assistance and are turned down, CLS can help you appeal to the county assistance office. Our advocates can also help you regain benefits if they change or are cut off.

CHILD CARE SUBSIDIES

Childcare subsidies help you pay for child care while you are in school, at work, or in other approved programs. CLS represents families seeking help with getting or keeping child care subsidies.

CRIMINAL RECORDS AND PUBLIC BENEFITS

CLS can assist individuals who cannot access public benefits due to a criminal record and determine eligibility for criminal record clearing.

HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES FOR SENIORS

CLS provides advice and representation to people whose eligibility to receive Long Term Services and Supports at home is denied or terminated, and those who are denied the services or hours of care that they need to live safely at home.

IDENTITY DOCUMENTS

If you need a photo ID, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, or other form of ID, CLS can help you collect necessary documents, figure out your options, and advocate for you with any relevant offices.

LIHEAP (HEAT ASSISTANCE)

CLS advocates are experts in determining your rights to LIHEAP. We may be able to represent you if you have been wrongfully denied.

MEDICAID

CLS represents people who have legal problems getting or keeping Medical Assistance, also known as MA or Medicaid.

MEDICARE

CLS can provide advice and advocate with providers for many legal issues related to Medicare, including appeals/denials/reductions, savings and extra-help programs, and balance billing issues.

NURSING HOMES

CLS provides legal advice and representation to people facing involuntary nursing home discharges, and those who have concerns about their Medicaid eligibility or quality of care.

PERSONAL CARE HOMES

CLS will directly represent Personal Care Home (PCH) residents with involuntary discharges, resident rights issues and quality of care concerns.

SNAP (FOOD STAMPS)

Most low-income people are eligible for SNAP, or food stamps. CLS can help you if your SNAP application is denied or your benefits are cut off or reduced.

SSI / SOCIAL SECURITY

CLS helps people with serious disabilities qualify for and keep Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration.

WIC

WIC is a health & nutrition program that offers women, infants, and children food vouchers for nutritious food. CLS may be able to help you if you have been denied WIC or if you have a problem with your WIC benefits.

NEWS ABOUT BENEFITS

Feb42026

Did the County Assistance Office make a mistake? You can appeal!

February 4, 2026

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…

Dec162025

SNAP Rules in Pennsylvania are Changing!

December 16, 2025

The federal budget reconciliation bill, which became law in July 2025, included devastating cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. CLS has created this page to help…

Dec92025

Work Requirements Are Coming for Many People on SNAP. Take Action to Keep Your Benefits!

December 9, 2025

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…

Dec82025

How to File an Appeal if You Lose SNAP

December 8, 2025

Starting September 1, 2025, many Pennsylvanians will only be able to get 3 months of SNAP every 3 years unless you can show you are…

Oct242025

SNAP and LIHEAP During the Government Shutdown

October 24, 2025

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…

Sep42025

Complying with SNAP Work Requirements in Pennsylvania

September 4, 2025

Starting September 1, 2025, many Pennsylvanians will only be able to get 3 months of SNAP every 3 years unless you can show you are…