SEALS project

The SEALS Project A Collaboration Between the Welfare Law Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) and the Social Services Department at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)    The SEALS Project was designed to: Increase access to vital legal services for low-income patients at MGH through an innovative collaboration between the Welfare Law Unit at GBLS and the Social Services Department at MGH. Leverage the work of frontline advocates (such as doctors and hospital-based social workers) to help MGH patients access subsistence-level benefits that would improve their health outcomes. Collaborate with leaders in the MGH community on grassroots and statewide policy campaigns designed to advocate for low-income individuals with disabilities, and for low-income families who have family members with disabilities, who need help accessing and keeping their benefits. During the two-year fellowship: The Project presented eight workshops for social workers at MGH that focused on welfare benefits and services that were available to hospital patients. Approximately 12-25 social workers attended each workshop. MGH social workers referred over 100 cases to the Welfare Law Unit, out of which approximately 60 were accepted for full representation; the rest were referred to other GBLS units or agencies for help. The Project published 12 articles in the Social Services Department monthly newsletter, informing social workers about important welfare benefits issues.   Potential for Pro Bono Involvement Included: Representing clients at an administrative hearing, or in court in a request for judicial review of an administrative hearing decision. Accepting cases of clients who were referred for welfare problems, but who have other legal issues (especially housing and family law issues). Contributing to policy campaigns aimed at increasing access to benefits, and related services, for low-income individuals and families. Creating and/ or presenting a workshop for MGH social workers.   If you would like more information, please contact me at: ambikapanday@gmail.com or 646.245.9607.