INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The American Civil Liberties Union has filed
a lawsuit claiming that problems with Indiana's automation of
welfare eligibility have cost some disabled residents food stamps
and other benefits.

The lawsuit seeks class-action status.

The suit claims there are several examples of problems,
including one woman with hearing problems and other disabilities
lost her Medicaid and food stamps after being told she could not
meet in person with a state case worker.

Secretary Mitch Roob of the Indiana Family and Social Services
Administration says the state will seek to have the lawsuit thrown
out. He says the state is complying with the law in denying or
eliminating benefits to clients whose applications lacked necessary
information.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)