SSI is a federal, needs-based program relied upon by many low-income elderly and/or disabled individuals, and is often used by recipients to cover their most basic necessities, including food or housing. An SSI overpayment matter involves an allegation that a client was provided the funds in error, which may result in a termination or reduction of benefits, along with a request to refund the benefits already provided. The law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP has graciously offered to host a CLE eligible training on this topic on Friday, July 22, from noon to 1:30 PM at their Downtown offices. The training will cover SSI overpayment basics with the goal of preparing volunteers to participate in Bet Tzedek’s SSI clinic. At this clinic, which is held on the second Friday of every month, volunteers have the opportunity to sit and meet with a client in order to help secure the facts necessary to evaluate his or her SSI overpayment case. In some instances, volunteers are able to engage in on-the-spot informal advocacy, such as helping point a client to the relevant code section that resolves their legal issue. Volunteers are not required to represent the clients on an ongoing basis, but we can certainly facilitate that for anyone that is interested in providing ongoing representation! This is a great opportunity for transactional attorneys seeking to engage in pro bono work. In addition, the opportunity is open to non-attorneys.
NOTE: Space is limited. If you are interested in attending, please email Diego Cartagena at dcartagena@bettzedek.org.
NOTE: Guests will be asked to make their own parking arrangements.