Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced on May 1, 2012 that an online version of the Social Security Statement is now available at www.socialsecurity.gov . The new online Statement provides eligible workers with secure and convenient access to their Social Security earnings and

The Pennsylvania Health Law Project will be offering informational workshops on some important changes in the ACCESS Plus program affecting program participants in Blair, Bedford, Cambria and Somerset counties. These workshops will be held on May 31, 2012 in Blair and Cambria counties. As of July

Karen Detamore, former Executive Director of Friends of Farmworkers, died unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Karen's loss is mourned by the entire public interest law community of Pennsylvania and our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Electronic Medical Records Will Reduce Time for a Decision The Social Security Administration and the Department of Defense (DoD) are working together to improve access to disability benefits for the nation’s Wounded Warriors, service members, veterans, and their dependents. A new nationwide project

The Internal Revenue Service is accepting applications for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grant programs, which will allow some organizations to apply for annual funding for up to three years. Applications will be accepted only through Grants.gov

The April edition of the Senior Health News , a free bi-monthly newsletter, is now available from the Pennsylvania Health Law Project. For prior editions or more information about the Pennsylvania Health Law Project, please see their website at www.phlp.org .

In 2011, Pennsylvania low-income wage earners received over seven and one-half million dollars in tax refunds by filing their state and federal tax returns through a free online program - PA I-CAN!® E-File - pioneered in the state by Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Services (SPLAS). PA I-CAN!® E

The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved funding legislation on April 26, 2012 that provides $328 million for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in Fiscal Year 2013, a cut of $20 million from current levels.