- Equal Justice Under Law
May 2023 Public Benefits Alert!
Important Update for Veterans!
May 31, 2023The Public Health Emergency Has Ended!
May 31, 2023Public Benefits Alert! As of May 12th, 2023, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) updated its policy pertaining to non-citizens who are considered permanently residing under color of law (PRUCOL). Individuals eligible under this new update may be eligible for Safety Net Assistance (SNA). See Non-citizens Recognized as Permanently Residing Under Color of Law (PRUCOL) for Safety Net Assistance (SNA) Eligibility, https://otda.ny.gov/policy/gis/2023/23DC039.pdf.
NSLS’ Public Benefits Unit provides legal assistance to persons who experience problems with public benefits programs that are administered by the local Departments 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
We 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. Suffolk residents west of 112 can call 631-232-2400 and east of 112 can call 631-369-1112. Nassau residents can call 516-292-8100.