|
|
By Tonya Sams
Navigating Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can be complicated. The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland provides free help for residents who face delays, denials, or confusing eligibility rules.
How Legal Aid Works
“Individuals applying for Medicaid and SNAP must apply through their county’s Job and Family Services office,” said Emily Adams, senior attorney in Legal Aid’s Health & Opportunity Practice Group. “Oftentimes, there are more applications than there are workers to process them, so individuals may have a hard time getting their application processed in a timely manner. We have contacts at the Department of Job and Family Services (JFS)that are able to alert us that an application has been submitted, and we work with them to get them processed.”
When benefits are denied or terminated, Legal Aid staff review the case to determine why. Denials often occur because of missed recertification deadlines, missing paperwork, or, in the case of SNAP, when applicants cannot reach someone at JFS to complete an interview. In those situations, Legal Aid helps clients submit paperwork and reschedule interviews.
“If it’s because the individual doesn’t qualify anymore because they make too much income, we can look at their pay stubs and compare them against income criteria,” Adams said. “If they do meet the criteria, we submit that information to their county’s JFS office and work with them to get qualified again.”
Upcoming Rule Changes
Accessing benefits may become more difficult under new requirements.
- Beginning Dec. 31, 2026, Medicaid applicants will need to work, attend school, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours a month to qualify.
- The age limit for able-bodied adults without dependents who must meet work requirements for SNAP has already increased from 54 to 64, according to recent federal changes.
These rules could create additional challenges for older adults and low-income workers already struggling with eligibility.
How to Get Help
Residents facing benefit issues can contact Legal Aid by calling 888-817-3777 or completing an intake form at lasclev.org/apply. A full schedule of Legal Aid Brief Advice Clinics is available at lasclev.org under the “Events” tab.
About the Author: Tonya Sams is the development and communications manager with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
