June 1991

Cover

 
  • The Rights of the Disabled in the Food Stamp Program

    Recognizing the special challenges elderly and disabled people face in obtaining a nutritious diet, the Food Stamp Act provides them with preferential treatment. However, narrow regulatory interpretations by the Department of Agriculture deny full benefits to many of these food stamp recipients. This article highlights the areas in which disabled persons encounter problems in receiving the full benefits to which they are entitled.

    By Eve H. Shapiro and David A. Super

  • The Case Against the Thrifty Food Plan as the Basis for the Food Component of the AFDC Standard of Need

    This article argues that the thrifty food plan should not be used as the basis for the food component of the AFDC standard of need because it is an inadequate measure of the cost of obtaining a nutritious diet.

    By Mary Ellen Natale and David A. Super

  • Questionable Rule Denies Food Stamps to Self-Employed Workers

    Numerous legal services clients turn to self-employment ventures to improve their situations. The food stamp benefits of these self-employed workers are reduced by a regulation of the Department of Agriculture which denies them an exclusion for their capital costs. This article analyzes the regulation and suggests possible remedies.

    By David A. Super and Marilyn Katz

  • Practical Uses of Computers in Legal Services

    Computers can improve the work of a legal services office by increasing the quality and quantity of work and by freeing staff to spend more time on clients and advocacy. This article discusses how computers help to achieve these goals.

    By John Paul Kemp

  • The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990: An Analysis of Health-Related Provisions

    This article summarizes key changes made in the Medicaid Act by OBRA-90; eligibility rules for pregnant women and children, working families and medically needy, and elderly and disabled persons, as well as rules regarding services and cost containment are covered.

    By Michele Melden, David Gates, and Michael Parks

  • Protecting Pension and Health Benefits When an Employer Goes Bankrupt or Terminates Employee Benefits

    This article discusses some of the remedies available for individuals who lose their employee benefits through unemployment or the bankruptcy or financial problems of their employer.

    By Vicki Gottlich