Public Benefits

Finding the way through the benefits system can be complicated and challenging; however, 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 effect on their lives.

Public Benefits

LASRC’s advocates assist clients whose cash assistance, food stamps, Medicaid and emergency assistance have been terminated, reduced or denied by the Rockland County Department of Social Services. For families and individuals facing problems with those benefits we provide advice and brief services, engage in informed advocacy on their behalf and represent them in administrative hearings and attend court. We help with:

Improperly denied unemployment benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits
Veterans Benefits
Health Insurance (Medicaid, Medicare)
Public Assistance Benefits
Food Stamps
WIC (Women, Infants, Children)
cash assistance
nutrition assistance
childcare assistance
home energy assistance
prescription assistance

Disability Advocacy

disability

LASRC advocates provide counsel and advice, assistance with administrative filing, and full representation to adults, children, and their family members, working to obtain and maintain federal benefits such as:

  • Social Security Disability;
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI);

For disabled workers with children, this could also mean cash benefits for their spouses and for their children. We have recovered millions of dollars in back benefits and have secured monthly benefits for our clients.

unemployment

With the recent increase in the unemployment rate, the LASRC has been inundated with requests for representation at administrative hearings. More and more former employers are contesting our clients’ rights to receive benefits at a time when they need it more than ever. As a result, our advocates work to ensure that as many people as possible obtain and preserves the benefits that they are entitled to.