Public benefits law involves government-funded assistance programs and services that support individuals in need, including but not limited to:

–Medicaid,
-Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI),
-Supplemental Security Income (SSI),
-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and
-Food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

Attorneys specializing in public benefits law help individuals navigate eligibility requirements, application processes, appeals, and compliance regulations to access and maintain necessary benefits. Their goal is to ensure that individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable or facing financial hardship, receive the support they are entitled to under the law.

Continuing Your Benefits and Appeals 

• Programs such as SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid often require the submission of annual or semi-annual renewal documents.
  • It is important to always update your address with your local department of social services office.
  • It is important to read all notices you receive closely and to follow any document submission or appeals deadlines provided on those notices.

LSNV provides individual advocacy to low-income, disabled individuals, and older adults in our service area who are seeking, or have been denied public benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSDI, and SSI. Our advocates also provide educational outreach and trainings on available public benefits services as well as information on eligibility for such benefits. Through the Ryan White Law Project, LSNV staff provide representation, entitlements counseling, and informational presentations to persons living with HIV/AIDS.