Legal Action Helps Clients Maintain Public Benefits to Meet Basic Needs
Written by: Legal Action of Wisconsin
Legal Action of Wisconsin helps clients secure and maintain the government benefits necessary to meet their most basic needs including food, shelter, health, and income.
Benefits involve many programs under both federal and state law. Each program has its own set of rules and objectives. Clients have the right to appeal any decision an agency makes about their benefits and should pay close attention to appeal deadlines. While we do not help clients apply for benefits, we help clients whose benefits are wrongfully denied, reduced, or terminated; were overpaid; or whose benefits are otherwise at risk.
For example, Chu, a single elderly man who receives public benefits, was notified his FoodShare benefit was ending. Like many others trying to navigate the complex public benefits system, Chu was unable to protect this benefit himself without legal help. We represented him at his hearing where we detailed his benefit qualifications and demonstrated that the attempt to discontinue Chu’s benefit was not legal. He was able to maintain his Foodshare.
Another client explains their story in their own words: “I applied for Wisconsin unemployment benefits. I received a letter wrongly stating that I did not qualify for benefits. I contacted Legal Action. They successfully represented me in my appeal and, at hearing, I testified regarding the harassment I suffered at the workplace and my employer’s lack of action to address this issue. […] Over $5,000 was deposited in my account because of this successful appeal. This money represents a significant portion of my yearly income. I’m happy to be back at work again –but am glad Legal Action helped me to stand up for my rights –both in the workplace and with the government agency –when I needed help the most.”
If you are facing a legal problem with your public benefits, please reach out to Legal Action for help. We often assist clients with issues related to:
- Child Care, Day Care, Foster Care, and Kinship Care Assistance
- FoodShare
- Social Security
- Wisconsin Works (W-2)
- Unemployment Compensation
- BadgerCare and Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Medicare
- Marketplace Insurance and Premium Payment Assistance
- Energy Assistance
- Disability Benefits
- Other Government Benefit Programs