Withholding, delaying, or discriminating with respect to the payment of public benefits, such as food stamps, disability, or unemployment assistance causes human suffering for which litigation is often the only recourse.

The Barbara McDowell Public Interest Law Center pursues high-impact litigation cases where public benefits are unconstitutionally withheld from or denied to disadvantaged persons and groups on a discriminatory basis. In addition, the BMPILC advocates for legislation to ensure equal access to and provision of benefits to citizens in need.