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

Jul172020

CLS and Morgan Lewis File Lawsuit Challenging Denial of Emergency SNAP Benefits for the Poorest Pennsylvanians

July 17, 2020

On July 16, 2020, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia(“CLS”) and Morgan Lewis filed a class action lawsuit against The United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) on behalf of Pennsylvanians denied emergency food assistance during…

Jul172020

More SNAP on your EBT Card: What You Need to Know

July 17, 2020

Extra SNAP benefits are now available for the second half of July! If you get SNAP, you may get extra benefits on your EBT card…

May182020

Problems Using The IRS Web Portal to Get COVID-19 Payments? We Want to Hear from You!

May 18, 2020

Are you a non-tax filer who receives federal benefits, including SSI, SSDI, RRB or VA benefits? Did you get $500 in stimulus money for your dependent…

May112020

Did you lose a job or work hours during the coronavirus crisis? You might be eligible for emergency cash assistance from Pennsylvania.

May 11, 2020

Deadline Extended to July 12! Starting May 11, 2020, the Department of Human Services will accept applications for its new cash assistance program called the…

Apr172020

Economic Stimulus Payments: Your Questions Answered

April 17, 2020

This information was last updated on Tuesday, June 23 2020 Starting in April 2020, the government is sending most people checks for $1,200 (plus $500…

Apr92020

Changes to Public Benefits Rules and Procedures Due to Coronavirus

April 9, 2020

Community Legal Services is working to ensure low-income Philadelphians have access to important medical, food, and income support benefits through local County Assistance Offices during…