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

Jan72020

New SNAP time limit starting April 2020 for Philadelphians aged 18-50 who are not working and not exempt

January 7, 2020

Starting April 1, 2020, over 35,000 Philadelphians – and over 90,000 Pennsylvanians — will be newly subject to the SNAP three month time limit for…

Nov202019

TAKE ACTION: Tell Social Security Not to Create Additional Burdens for People with Disabilities!

November 20, 2019

NEW: Everything you need to know about this harmful proposed rule The Social Security Administration just announced that it wants to change its rules for…

SSI: How to Appeal and How to Apply (in 11 languages)

August 22, 2019

Learn how to apply for SSI and appeal if your application is denied. In 11 languages. English Should I Apply for SSI? What Should I…

Aug12019

Don’t Let USDA Take Food Away from 3.1 Million Americans – Including over 100,000 Pennsylvanians.

August 1, 2019

Families Should Be Able to Take a Raise, Work More Hours, or Save for a Rainy Day Without Risking Losing their Food Assistance Overnight. The USDA…

Jul222019

CLS Files Lawsuit Challenging Unconstitutional General Assistance Cuts

July 22, 2019

This afternoon, Community Legal Services (CLS) and Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of almost 12,000 low-income Pennsylvanians who will lose their…

Feb52019

Oppose the Presidential Administration’s Proposal to Take Food Away from 755,000 People

February 5, 2019

The Presidential Administration’s proposal would take food away from 755,000 people, including 90,000 Pennsylvanians.