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

May22025

Pennsylvania Needs Medicaid and SNAP

May 2, 2025

Medicaid and SNAP strengthen Pennsylvania families. About 40% of all Pennsylvania children rely on Medicaid to access health care, along with Pennsylvanians from every walk…

May22025

Medicaid and SNAP Keep Seniors and People with Disabilities Healthy

May 2, 2025

Access to timely medical care and healthy food is a matter of life and death for people with chronic health conditions. Medicaid and SNAP work…

Mar122025

SNAP Fuels Pennsylvania

March 12, 2025

SNAP helps more than 2 million Pennsylvanians keep food on the table. Pennsylvania is stronger when families facing food insecurity can access nutritious meals through…

Mar52025

A doctor taking a patient's blood pressure

Medicaid Work Requirements Hurt Workers

March 5, 2025

Medicaid keeps workers healthy and employed. Work requirements make entire families sicker when people lose coverage. Medicaid is an efficient, effective program for keeping 3…

Sep252024

More people on SSI will get to keep their full benefits

September 25, 2024

Great news! Three big changes are coming to the SSI program on September 30, 2024. These changes will help thousands of people get more SSI…

Jun282024

SUN Bucks – Verano Comida de Asistencia para niños

June 28, 2024

El verano está a la vuelta de la esquina y este año hay un nuevo programa federal permanente de nutrición infantil destinado a mantener a…