Our client, who suffers from a chronic illness that prevents them from working during times of treatment or rest, requested SSI benefits to help their family stay afloat. After being denied, they turned to Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) for assistance to appeal the decision. Our attorneys worked to prepare necessary documents for a judicial appeal.
FRLS is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide.
How Our Non-Profit Law Firm Helped
FRLS supported our client through this difficult time by:
- Preparing the necessary documents for the court, including identification documents, income verification, and medical documentation
- Scheduling hearing dates around necessary medical treatment our client had to receive throughout the term or their case
- Explaining our client’s situation to their landlord who had sent them an eviction notice due to not being able to pay rent
The Outcome
Owing to the hard work of the FRLS team, the court approved five months of SSI payments as well as nine months of backpay for our client. This decision will help the client stay on top of life expenses during a time of medical and financial hardship.
Public benefits cases are a critical part of the work we do at FRLS. Our non-profit law firm assists qualified low-income individuals during times of medical hardship by helping them secure benefits such as Food Stamps (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income, Unemployment, and more.
See if you qualify for free legal help by calling 1-888-582-3410.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.