PUBLIC BENEFITS UNIT | LEGAL SERVICES OF LONG ISLAND

Focuses on supporting the integrity, safety, and well-being of low-income families by maintaining economic stability. Provides legal assistance to persons who experience problems with public benefits programs that are administered by the local Department of Social Services, including: Welfare (TANF and Safety Net), Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), Child Care Assistance, HEAP, Emergency Shelter for the homeless, Unemployment insurance appeals and overpayments, other emergency assistance programs. Also assist low-income households in establishing Supplemental Needs Trusts to eliminate the Medicaid spend down and assist homeless families to obtain rent supplements from DSS to enable families to leave the shelters or retain permanent housing.