Product Description

This all-day training offers the nuts-and-bolts on how immigration status affects eligibility for state and federal public benefits. In the morning, you get an overview of how immigrants obtain legal status, how to read immigration documents in order to understand a person’s legal status, and updates on any new immigration statuses, or other federal developments affecting access to benefits. You also learn from health law experts about MassHealth and other subsidized health care programs available to immigrants and their dependents. In the afternoon, you hear from benefits experts about other public benefits potentially available to low-income legal immigrants including: state and federal subsidized housing programs, emergency shelter, cash assistance (TAFDC and EAEDC) and the federal SNAP and child nutrition programs.

ABOUT BASIC PUBLIC BENEFITS ADVOCACY TRAININGS

MCLE and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) collaborate annually with a training series designed for both community-based organizations and public/private sector legal advocates who assist low income Massachusetts residents. The training series covers the nuts and bolts of federal and state public benefits, tax credits, tenant and utilities rights and more.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30am - 9:32am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Jeanne Funk, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  
• 9:32am - 10:35am

  Immigrants, Documents & Public Charge

  Jeanne Funk, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  
• 10:35am - 10:45am

  Break
• 10:45am - 11:45am

  Health Benefits & Immigrants

  Victoria Pulos, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  
• 11:45am - 12:40pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 12:40pm - 1:40pm

  Cash & Nutrition Benefits

  Patricia J. Baker, MLRI , Boston
  Naomi Meyer, Esq., Greater Boston Legal Services , Boston
  
• 1:40pm - 1:50pm

  Break
• 1:50pm - 2:25pm

  Housing & EA Shelter Benefits

  Mark Martinez, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  Andrea M. Park, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  
• 2:25pm - 3:00pm

  Know Your Rights

  Jessica Chicco, Esq., MIRA Coalition , Boston
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Cochairs

Faculty

Fees

• $35.00 - Legal Services Attorney
• $35.00 - Nonlawyer Advocates
• $125.00 - All Others

To apply for a need-based scholarship for this program, email scholarships@mcle.org.