 For many people, public benefits from county, state or federal government programs are often the only source of household income. Reduction or loss of these benefits can have a devastating impact. LAWO assists clients with benefits issues through representation in administrative hearings, and in court if necessary, when benefits have been denied, terminated, or reduced. Legal Aid’s staff of attorneys and paralegals provides assistance with public benefits issues through legal advice, providing referrals, document preparation and full representation in limited cases. We can help you with:
- Problems with Department of Job and Family Services benefits, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), State Disability Assistance, and Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits
- Veterans benefits
- Health Insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, VA, private
- Programs that can assist you in paying your rent
- Programs that can help you pay certain kinds of emergency expenses
LAWO’s Benefits Planning Project staff also can work with disabled clients who are currently employed or who are considering employment. LAWO will advise clients about the ways that different types of employment may affect their benefits, including detailed explanations of how wages will affect the client’s total income and health benefits. The analysis can be customized to address variations in employment preferences (full-time, part-time, self-employment) and is accompanied by a benefits and earnings comparison chart tailored to meet the client’s needs.
|
| Securing economic stability for Ken
Navigating regulations established by government agencies can be very complex, making life even more difficult for those who depend on government benefits. While on full disability, Ken became eligible to receive state assistance with monthly Medicare premiums. Although he had been accepted into the program in 1999, he continued to pay the cost of his Medicare coverage six years later, as he waited for the aid to begin. Not aware that legal aid would handle a benefits case, Ken felt it was his responsibility to find out why the state was not paying the Medicare premiums. Growing more and more discouraged, his community support specialist directed Ken to legal aid for help. In less than one year, a benefits specialist represented Ken at a hearing, where he was awarded a full settlement for premiums dating back to 1999. The funds allowed him to pay off balances on several credit cards and a significant portion of child support he owed. "Legal aid fights for people like me. They don’t treat you like a second-class citizen. They treat you fairly," said Ken. |  |
|
|
