Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/11/2018 -- In a decisive win for many poverty-stricken individuals across the state, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has just voted to eliminate Act 80 of 2012, effectively reinstating the General Assistance (GA) program, which supplies modest cash assistance to those living in deep poverty due to a severe disability, domestic abuse, or other factors that prevent them from working.
On July 18, 2017, in a 7-0 decision, the court ruled Act 80 unconstitutional, as it bundled together disparate provisions including the elimination of the GA program. This has been hailed as a great victory for many Pennsylvanians who are living with substantial disability and those seeking treatment for opioid addiction. It will also provide assistance to those waiting to appeal a denial of disability benefits.
As Social Security lawyers helping disabled clients in Camden, NJ, and throughout Greater Philadelphia, the attorneys at Silver & Silver applaud the decision by the court and see it as a necessary step in providing assistance to those who need it most.
When the program was eliminated in 2012, an estimated 68,000 Pennsylvanians lost the monthly benefits they relied on to afford food, rent, transportation for medical care and other basic needs. Although $205 per month might not sound significant, for many, this was the difference that kept a roof over many people's heads. Additionally, the state saw little monetary return from cutting the program, as it resulted in higher costs to local and state governments for incarceration and services for the homeless.
To learn more about the decision, visit https://clsphila.org/GA or contact Philadelphia's disability and employment attorneys at Silver & Silver today.
About Silver & Silver
For over forty years, the legal team at Silver & Silver has been representing clients in Philadelphia and the greater Delaware Valley region. Their attorneys focus mainly on disability and personal injury cases, as well as workers' compensation and employment litigation. They work closely with doctors, physical therapists, accountants, life care planners, and other experts to help win your case.
For a free legal consultation, call 484-653-5804 or visit http://www.silverandsilver.com/ today.