Public Benefits Unit


The Public Benefits Unit assists clients with getting, keeping, and resolving problems with SNAP, TANF, SSI, LIHEAP and other public benefits.

The Unemployment Compensation Unit assists clients with Unemployment Compensation.

Practice Areas: Public Benefits   Food Stamps   Medical Assistance   SSDI   SSI   Welfare   Utilities

Intake Procedure:

Applicants may come to walk-in intake or call the telephone intake line, except that applicants whose legal problem is SSI need to apply through Community Legal Services (CLS).  For the intake hours at CLS, see the SSI page of CLS's web site.

Applicants may also apply online (for legal problems other than SSI).

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicant must be LSC eligible and a resident of Philadelphia.

Funded By: Legal Services Corporation

Professionals

David Hill - Attorney

David Hill is the Supervising Attorney of the Public Benefits Unit.

Kathleen Taintor - Paralegal

Self-help Materials

Affordable Care Act Subsidy Calculator
If you are not eligible for Medical Assistance, you may be eligible for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act Subsidy Calculator will calculate how much it would cost for you to get health insurance from one of the Affordable Care Act's health insurance exchanges (or "marketplaces").
Assistance with applying for public benefits, UC, and EITC

If you need help applying for public benefits, unemployment compensation, or the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), free help is available from the City of Philadelphia.  You can get one-on-one counseling from BenePhilly over the phone or in person.

The toll-free number for BenePhilly is 844-848-4376.  You can also walk in to one of six BenePhilly Centers.

COMPASS
Domestic Violence and Welfare Support Requirements
Finding the County Assistance Office that serves your address
Healthy PA - Pennsylvania's Medicaid Expansion

Pennsylvania's expansion of Medicaid, known as "Healthy PA," was approved in August 2014.  If you were previously not eligible for either Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may be eligible for Healthy PA.  Enrollment begins on December 1, 2014 for benefits that will become available on January 1, 2015.  If you currently receive Medicaid, your benefits might change because of Healthy PA.  See the Healthy PA web site for more information.

To apply, visit www.compass.state.pa.us or call (866) 550-4355.

Medical Assistance Estate Recovery

This video explains the basics of Medical Assistance ("Medicaid") Estate Recovery and answers frequently asked questions about the program.

Medicare information from CLS
PECO assistance programs
PGW assistance programs and grants
Termination of the General Assistance Program
Water bill assistance program
Weatherization assistance
Youth Justice: Young Parents and Welfare Benefits

Explains the benefits programs available to young parents.