WCIL’s Consumer Advocacy Programs provide members with information, guidance and direct assistance in two areas: 1) with local, state and Federal public benefit programs and 2) with the California Department of Rehabilitation.

The WCIL staff assist member with the following public benefit programs: General Relief, Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services, Food Stamps, State Disability Insurance, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. Their assistance includes help with benefits acquisition and mediation. The staff explain eligibility requirements, policies and procedures, provide assistance in completing benefit applications and direct consumers to local benefit offices. They are available to assist members in developing Plans for Achieving Self-Support (PASS). If a consumer is denied benefits the advocate explains the appeals process and can refer them to outside independent contractors who can assist the consumer to prepare their appeal. This can include researching the relevant regulations, gathering medical and psychological reports from the consumer’s healthcare providers and representing the consumer at hearings. The staff are skilled in mediating on behalf of consumers in cases of overpayments and changes in status.

For more information contact:

Stephanie Hydal