Advocacy for Immigrant and Refugee Communities (Video Replay)

This panel examines several aspects of advocating for immigrant clients in their Social Security and SSI disability appeals. We will cover eligibility rules, and special concerns, including language access and how immigrant and refugee communities are often unequally affected by economic, social, and other obstacles to health and healthcare. Attendees will learn how to navigate Social Security’s rules for immigrant claimants, including documentation and technical eligibility. We will also explore strategies and resources for proving disability.

Speakers:

Violeta Arciniega, Maximizing Access to Federal Disability Benefits Project, New York City's Legal Aid Society

Emilia Sicilia, Senior Staff Attorney and Statewide Coordinator, Disability Advocacy Program, Empire Justice Center

Michelle Spadafore, Senior Supervising Attorney, Project Director, NYLAG’s Disability Advocacy Project

This program was originally presented as part of the 2024 Partnership Conference.