CLS applauds H.R. 7976, the Protecting Families in the Time of COVID-19 Act, which was recently introduced in Congress by Representative Gwen Moore. This federal legislation will ensure that families separated by child welfare have the support and time they need to reunify during this public health crisis. Contact your federal legislator today to let…
With many bipartisan allies, Rep. Gwen Moore (D. Milwaukee) is calling for child and family allies to prevent a looming tragedy of permanent family destruction—the lifelong termination of the legal parent-child relationship. Families are fearful that the national and state public health crises brought about by COVID 19 has created nearly insurmountable obstacles to maintaining…
The COVID-19 pandemic has had drastic and tragic effects on Pennsylvania’s long-term care facility residents and the staff who care for them. More than 4,700 long-term care (LTC) residents have died from COVID-19, accounting for 68% of all deaths in Pennsylvania. Immediate action must be taken to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population and to ensure their rights. It is vital that LTC residents and their advocates have…
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) issued a blanket ban on utility shutoffs, protecting customers from losing their utility service because of unpaid bills. In October 2020, the PUC changed the ban to allow shutoffs, BUT low-income customers (below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, or FPL) remain…
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 the COVID-19 crisis. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) included a provision providing for emergency additional SNAP (food stamp) benefits so that low income families could have access to food during the pandemic. Nearly 40% of Pennsylvania SNAP households, including many…
Reflections from CLS Deputy Director of Operations and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Brenda Marrero on racial injustice.
Starting Monday, May 18th, Pennsylvania will accept applications for its new LIHEAP Recovery Crisis Program. Eligible households could receive grants of up to $800 sent directly to their utility or fuel vendor. Grants are available to pay for heating or electric bills. You can also get help to fix broken heaters or other energy equipment.…
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 children? If not, we want to hear from you. Were you aware that IRS wanted you to use their web portal to get COVID-19 payments by April 22 (if you receive…
Utilities companies in Philadelphia are not currently shutting off service during the COVID-19 crisis! If you are already without utility service during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be able to have your utilities restored. Electricity – PECO PECO adopted a policy of restoring customers whose service is currently disconnected to ensure access to electric service…
Need help deciding if you can or should return to work? Use our checklist to find out what your rights are! This information was last updated on Wednesday, May 13 2020 As businesses receive loans to rehire workers and governments loosen restrictions on business operations, workers across Pennsylvania will face a hard dilemma about how…
