Public Benefits
Securing vital public benefits so that people can survive.
For many, including families with children, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, public benefits mean access to food, housing, and health care. However, the complex government systems that control benefits are nearly impossible to navigate without an advocate who specializes in public benefits. That’s where we come in.
$5.9M
secured last year in ongoing yearly public benefits for our clients
Services
We are committed to getting individuals, children, and families the benefits to which they are entitled. NYLAG’s expert services include:
- Accessing and maintaining benefits, including Medicaid, Medicare, Public Assistance, and SNAP
- Challenging wrongful denial, reduction, or termination of benefits
- Preparing medical and financial advance planning documents
- Advocating for homecare for the elderly and those with disabilities to allow them to live safely in their own homes
- Navigating access to shelters for people without homes
- Ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive benefits to gain access to housing, lost income, food, and health care
- Helping veterans secure benefits connected to their service
- Working with immigrants to ensure access to health care, food, and housing
- Helping to build food security through obtaining nutritional assistance (formerly food stamps)
Need free legal services or financial counseling?
Help us provide free legal services to veterans, and others with low incomes, in need of public benefits to survive.
The Latest on Public Benefits
After Russia invaded Ukraine, some local émigrés lost their retirement income
Many Russian émigrés lost access to Russian pensions after the invasion of Ukraine and have petitioned the Social Security Administration to increase monthly payments to offset the loss. NYLAG’s Michelle Spadafore spoke with GBH News about the issue.
Demand for food and cash assistance in New York at highest levels in years
NYLAG’s Abby Biberman spoke with the Times Union about the recent spike in demand for food and cash assistance for low-income residents in New York. “Anecdotally, our clients are experiencing a lot of problems with their benefits lately,” Biberman said. “We’ve seen a lot of delays.”
Ahead of Veteran’s Day, Brownsville honors local vets at 4th annual parade and resource fair
Ryan Foley and Sian Azzinari of NYLAG’s Veterans Practice spoke with the Brooklyn Paper about the importance of community events to reach veterans in need of legal support.
