Public benefits benefit the public
by Michelle Wrona Fox, managing attorney The concept of public benefits - the government giving aid to those who struggle to support or care for themselves and their families - finds its roots in the U.S. in the era of the Great Depression. ...
It's all connected: taxes, benefits, and family law
Understanding how family court decisions can impact taxes and public benefits By Darci Jay, staff attorney At Community Legal Aid, and in the broader social service arena, we understand now more than ever the importance of holistic service...
When getting more means some get less
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) - more harm than good? By Sarah Wiley, staff attorney Every year, Social Security increases recipients’ monthly checks by a certain percentage to keep up with inflation. This year, the Cost of Living Adjust...
Home for the holidays (part one)
The impact of housing instability on students by Shannah Cariño, District Homeless Liaison and McKinney Vento Specialist, Akron Public Schools “There’s no place like home for the holidays….” The beloved Christmas song couldn’t be more righ...
Expanding justice gap puts more Americans at-risk
by Steven McGarrity, executive director Gabe Clevenger was murdered by her estranged husband. On February 5, 2020, fearing for her safety, Gabe appeared in court before a magistrate and asked for a protection order. The magistrate denied ...
Thanksgiving: Welcomed at the table?
Immigrants, Refugees, and the story of the Mayflower by Koula Glaros-King, staff attorney Thanksgiving is intended to be a time for gratitude, giving, and togetherness. Most enjoy the holiday even knowing that its actual history bears little re...
Giving veterans the benefits they deserve - LGBTQ+ veterans and spouses
Benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans and spouses Kimberly Adams, law graduate and veterans advocate On the heels of the PACT Act (featured here in last week’s Big Ideas), even more VA benefit gaps were recently closed for veterans. This time, the ...
Advocates concerned veterans may miss out on benefits
Recent changes in VA benefits mean more veterans and surviving spouses qualify for help - but they may not know it. In August of this year, the PACT Act was passed, providing streamlined access to health care for veterans serving in areas of ...
Giving veterans the benefits they deserve - PACT Act
A call to social service partners: educate veterans on the PACT Act By Kim Adams, law graduate On August 2, 2022, the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 became ...
Working together to provide access to justice
by Ken Mirkin, managing attorney In our weekly Big Ideas series, we are often pointing out what’s gone wrong, educating on some key points, and putting forth ideas on how things might be righted. Instead, in today’s Big Idea, we’re c...