“Barbara” sought ALRP’s assistance when the Social Security Administration (SSA) unreasonably found her to be at fault for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) overpayments. Barbara started receiving her SSI payments years ago because of her HIV/AIDS-related disabilities and her diagnosis of breast cancer. When she returned to work, she immediately reported her work information to the SSA. However, the SSA failed to adjust her SSI payments accordingly, resulting in Barbara’s overpayment. Even though Barbara did what she was supposed to do, she was found to be at fault for causing the SSI overpayment, all while she was undergoing intensive radiation therapy.

Insurance Attorney Lynnette Baclig jumped into action and helped Barbara file a waiver for these overpayments. Lynnette later appeared on Barbara’s behalf at the local SSA district office and successfully advocated for Barbara’s case to appear before an administrative law judge. Due to COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders, the hearing was postponed several times. After several long years of waiting for an in-person hearing, Barbara finally received a favorable decision from the judge, which granted the waiver and forgave Barbara’s overpayment debt.

“This decision is especially meaningful to Barbara now that she’s once again unable to work due to her disabilities. Barbara can now use her full SSI to pay for her basic necessities.” – Insurance Attorney Lynnette Baclig

“Peter” was served with an eviction lawsuit after he was unable to pay his rent due to a job loss stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. A former substitute teacher in San Francisco, Peter faced the loss of his 17-year tenancy after losing his job and having no income to pay for his rent.

When Peter sought assistance from ALRP, Director of Housing Litigation Jeff Dulgar immediately began advocating for Peter. Jeff helped Peter to apply for benefits and a housing subsidy that would allow him to afford his rent while he searched for new employment. Jeff also secured a settlement agreement that allowed Peter to stay in his home. With Jeff’s help, Peter was able to clear any outstanding balance with his landlord through rental assistance programs. Peter now feels confident returning to the job market with secure housing.

Director of Housing Litigation, Jeff Dulgar

“As we continue to witness the fallout from the COVID-19 Pandemic, now more than ever, tenants living with HIV need our help to defend against unjust evictions and stay in their homes. I am so glad we were able to defend this long-term tenancy, and connect our client with the services he needs to stay housed.”  –Jeff Dulgar, Director of Housing Litigation

Thursday, January 12, 2023
10:00 am – 12:00 pm  |  Virtual

Join us for Immigration and Public Benefits, a virtual presentation, in partnership with PRC on Thursday, Jan 12, 2023 from 10 am to 12 pm PST.

Learn the latest on:

• How HIV Service Providers can support their immigrant clients
• What public benefits are available based on immigration status
• How public benefits might affect public charge determinations
• Questions answered by an immigration attorney

This presentation is free and open to the public; however, advanced RSVP is required. Please register here.

For information or questions:
Carmen Ramirez – carmen@alrp.org

ALRP’s Staff Attorney Stephen Spano was one of several impassioned speakers at the December 1 World AIDS Day rally on the steps of San Francisco City Hall on Thursday night. Here are his insightful remarks

Our friends at Real Bad do a lot of good

“Jorge” had lived in his apartment for over a decade when a new landlord bought his property. Having had a good relationship with his former landlord, Jorge was distraught when problems with his new landlord began.

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An ALRP client “Barbara” with a mobility impairment was stranded in her home for extended periods of time because the building elevator was not functioning, and she could not safely go up and down the stairs. Read More »

The nephew of a long-time ALRP client shared this remembrance of his dear uncle and the role ALRP played in his colorful life.

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“At ALRP we fight zealously to keep our clients housed.

This case was compelling given the many health challenges facing our client. We fought back and we won.”  

                             — ALRP Staff Attorney Katie Torpey

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Huge thanks and appreciation go out to our Summer Law Clerks!