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.
$5.6M
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
Gothamist: NYC will soon stop cash assistance for residents who fail to meet work requirements
Abby Biberman, Associate Director of NYLAG’s Public Benefits Unit, recently spoke with Gothamist about the upcoming rule change that will adversely affect low-income New Yorkers who receive cash assistance from the Human Resources Administration (HRA).
Testimony: The Intersecting Insecurities of Hunger and Housing Instability
Graham Horn, Staff Attorney in the Shelter Advocacy Initiative and the Public Assistance and SNAP Project at NYLAG testified in support of four bills, which would encourage the United States Congress to pass and the President to sign vital reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, an expanded Child Tax Credit, and a renewed Farm Bill with increased funding for life-saving food aid — all of which could contribute to improving health outcomes for our clients.
CityLimits: City Hall Announces Near-Elimination of Benefits Case Backlog As Challenges Persist
Recent updates from Adams’ administration on reducing the backlog for SNAP and cash assistance do not tell the full story. Abby Biberman, Associate Director of NYLAG’s Public Benefit Unit, highlighted with CityLimits the struggles faced by those who are being denied benefits.
