Failure to process applications and recertifications forced thousands of families to face food instability.
Dechert LLP, The Legal Aid Society and New York Legal Assistance Group filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) and Human Resources Administration (HRA) for failing to process applications and recertification for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and cash assistance—both essential forms of federal and state benefits for low-income people used for the purchase of food and other basic needs — within the 30-day timeframe required by federal and state law. These delays forced thousands of families to make impossible decisions like whether to pay their rent or feed their children.
The lawsuit seeks to direct DSS and HRA to comply with their legal obligation to meet all processing timelines required by law regarding SNAP and cash assistance applications and recertifications and to maintain reliable and functional application and recertification application processes, such as eligibility interviews and verification procedures.
“These benefits go to the heart of our most essential human needs,” said Dechert partner Ben Rosenberg, who led Dechert’s litigation team in this pro bono effort. “When these SNAP and cash assistance applications and recertifications systemically fall through the cracks of HRA’s dysfunctional processing system, families are in danger of falling through with them. We are proud to work with The Legal Aid Society and NYLAG to prevent that from happening.”
The Dechert team included Ben Rosenberg, Chip Boisvert, Arielle Dragon and Andrew Stahl.
Dechert has a longstanding commitment to providing pro bono legal services to individuals and organizations who cannot otherwise afford legal counsel. This commitment exists in all of Dechert’s offices in the United States and internationally. Each year, the firm handles hundreds of pro bono matters, covering a broad range of issues, including civil rights, international human rights, child advocacy, veterans, prisoner civil rights, landlord tenant, access to public benefits, immigration, criminal law and the representation of nonprofits, small businesses and social enterprises. In 2022, Dechert was again ranked by The American Lawyer among the ten top firms for pro bono both in the United States and internationally.
About Dechert
Dechert is a leading global law firm with 21 offices around the world. The firm advises on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity, and efficient management of legal issues to deliver commercial and practical advice for clients.
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