Establish a Law Clinic Benefits Coordination Program

Proposal Presented for the Master Plan For Aging (#120)

Disclaimer

Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.

 

Summary

Maximize pre-release support for incarcerated individuals including a Law Clinic Benefits Coordination Program, expansion of nonprofit partnerships for on-site benefit coordination, and coordination with government agencies for on-site and virtual support. 

 

Justification

Individuals who are released from prison have difficulty obtaining essential benefits for survival in the community. Pre-release support to individuals who are incarcerated would provide those individuals with an improved opportunity for increased in-person assistance, expanded access to existing non-profit services, and reduced bureaucratic hurdles. 

 

Full Proposal

This proposal brings together law students, nonprofits, and government agencies to maximize the effectiveness of pre-release support for incarcerated individuals.

  • Establish a Law Clinic Benefits Coordination Program
    • Partner with law schools across New York State to involve law students in reentry efforts. Law students, supervised by clinical professions, would assist incarcerated individuals in applying      for benefits like Medicaid, SSI, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) before release.
    • Law Students could provide in-person support at correctional facilities or virtual support for remote locations. This ensures that individuals in all facilities receive assistance.
    • Develop a standardized training program to teach law students the steps to help with benefits applications. This would include understanding eligibility, gathering necessary documentation, and navigating application processes.
  • Expand Nonprofit Partnerships for On-Site Benefits Coordination
    • Formalize partnerships with nonprofits like The Fortune Society, Osborne Association, Parole Preparation Project, RAPP, and Exodus Transitional Community to place benefits coordinators in correctional facilities. These coordinators would guide incarcerated individuals through the process of applying for essential benefits. This would require ensuring that DOCCS directs each correctional facility’s director to expand access to facilities to nonprofits, including representatives of those nonprofits who were formerly incarcerated.
    • Nonprofit coordinators and law students would work collaboratively, sharing expertise to ensure comprehensive support, including help with documentation and resolving any bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Coordinate with Government Agencies for On-Site and Virtual Support
    • Designate Human Resource Administration (HRA) and Social Security Administration (SSA) staff to work with law clinics and nonprofits, providing expertise and expediting applications. Staff could rotate visits to facilities or provide virtual office hours to assist with applications.
    • Agency staff would help incarcerated individuals obtain identification cards and Social Security cards before release, as these are critical for accessing benefits. 

 

 

MPA Council Commentary

This proposal is categorized as near-term. Components of this proposal are currently being implemented between DOCCS and non-profit organizations which coordinate benefits applications. Other components of this proposal are categorized as near-term, utilizing public avenues for implementation and expansion. Proposed first steps for implementation could include engagement with the non-profit and the private sector for the development of new Law Clinics and support programs. Any additional resources or funding allocations would be subject to the annual budget process and available resources.