The BLC mission is to provide accessible legal advocacy to people living with physical and mental disabilities so that they may obtain the resources necessary to overcome barriers to financial and medical stability.
Since 1997, BLC has provided legal advice and representation to low-income individuals with disabilities, in matters related to their entitlement to Social Security disability, and SSI benefits.
BLC is a compassionate legal services organization, committed to delivering:
- high-quality advocacy centered on a clients needs;
- honor for the humanity of every client; and
- a continually inclusive, collaborative environment for all.
Meeting at Our Clients’ Convenience
BLC assesses the needs and barriers of disabled persons in King County and the greater Puget Sound area, maintaining targeted projects to address the barriers faced by vulnerable populations in Western Washington. BLC makes direct legal representation accessible at the convenience of the client, and we assist in the benefits application and appeals process in a way that accommodates their disability. BLC specializes in workable advocacy plans for clients that face poverty, language barriers, homelessness, transportation, and mental illness.
BLC believes that advocacy for every client should include a strategy to make lasting improvements in the stability of health and housing. BLC has partnerships with Seattle advocacy groups, legal service providers, and the American government on behalf of disabled persons near the poverty line. BLC combats the recurrent denial of disability benefits and helps navigate the administrative process quickly and with compassion.
SSAP & DHAP Projects
The Social Security Advocacy Project (SSAP) has provided Social Security disability and SSI representation to vulnerable individuals since 1997. SSAP helps clients who have a legal problem with disability benefits that they are already receiving. SSAP focuses its resources on assisting clients who face multiple barriers (e.g. homelessness, mental illness, chemical dependency, limited language, and limited education), and have a legal problem that is likely to generate attorney fees.
The Disabled Homeless Advocacy Project (DHAP) was launched in April 2006 to address a well-documented need for SSDI/SSI representation for homeless individuals. DHAP delivers legal aid “in the field” at local shelters, libraries, and sites accessible to the homeless population. DHAP helps provide the accommodations, resources, and encouragement necessary to help keep homeless clients engaged in medical treatment and in their disability claim.
Through these projects, BLC helps disabled individuals living in poverty gain a measure of income stability: the first critical step toward stability in housing, medical treatment, and quality of life.
