PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Workers losing their jobs as a result of the Crozer Health closures will have a special opportunity to learn about how to file for necessary benefits.
More than 3,200 people in Delaware County will soon be without jobs following the shutdown of Crozer’s hospitals, EMS services and medical practices.
Erica Briant, director of community engagement and training for Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, said that’s why the organization is stepping up — along with Philadelphia Legal Assistance — with a webinar on Thursday, May 1 at 5:30 p.m. for Crozer employees.
“We’re going to have some attorneys that practice unemployment compensation law explaining to people exactly what their options are, how to apply, what to expect,” she said.
Webinar organizers want to break down the stigma that surrounds unemployment benefits, because that sometimes leaves people hesitant to go after them.
“Unemployment compensation is a social insurance program. You and your employers have paid into it over the years,” said Julia Simon-Mishel, supervising attorney for Philadelphia Legal Assistance’s unemployment compensation unit. “It is here for this exact situation.”
Both groups have sought to help people who may have been denied benefits in the wake of the closures.
“Legal Aid is here to challenge the denial with the appeals process,” said staff attorney Lee Scoratow. “We hope to not have to leverage that capability very much here, but it is available.”
The webinar is free for Crozer employees, but participants must register online in advance.