An immediate crisis is created when there is a termination of benefits or ceasing of processing applications for safety-net programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Payments (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) during the Coronavirus Pandemic, unemployment, or disability benefits. What actions can lawyers and advocates do to advance the rights of our most vulnerable during this moment of unprecedented uncertainty and health danger in America? What remedies and policy recommendations should be advanced at the federal and state levels? What due process rights are implicated and require close protection during this unprecedented time? How does this impact individuals with disabilities? From the eyes of a public benefit applicant, what are the challenges faced and perspective of those whom we serve, and most in need of critical assistance at this time?
April 20, 2020 RAPID RESPONSE
Coronavirus: Protecting Safety-Net Public Benefits During the Pandemic
Panelists
- Greg Bass, Senior Attorney, National Center for Law and Economic Justice
- Joy Fowler, Spokesperson on behalf of Public Benefit Applicants
- Elizabeth Lower-Basch, Director of Income and Work Support, Center for Law & Social Policy
- Michelle Salomon Madaio, Senior Attorney, Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc.
Moderator
- James J. Pierson, Chair, Program Director and Assistant Professor, Business Programs, Chatham University; Vice Chair, Economic Justice Committee, ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice
Joint Sponsors: ABA Commission on Homelessness & Poverty, ABA Section of State and Local Government Law
Co-Sponsors: ABA Coalition on Racial and Ethnic Justice, ABA Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights & Responsibilities, ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession, ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, ABA Criminal Justice Section, ABA Diversity and Inclusion Center, ABA Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division, ABA Section of Litigation, ABA Senior Lawyers Division
Resources
Presentations: Joy Fowler, Elizabeth Lower-Basch, Greg Bass, Michelle Madaio
CLASP Responds to COVID-19
Immigrant Eligibility for Public Programs During COVID-19
OFA publishes guidance on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for the TANF program
U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA), “Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) No. 13-20, “Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Division D Emergency Unemployment Insurance Stabilization and Access Act of 2020” (March 22, 2020)
FNS SNAP Pandemic Planning Guidelines
SNAP State by State COVID-19 Waivers
Medicaid Emergency Authority Tracker: Approved State Actions to Address COVID-19
State Action on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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