As you age, you may find you need legal support for various issues that arise. Getting legal assistance can be challenging and expensive, especially if you are on a fixed income. Thankfully, there are many resources to close the gap between you and the legal help you may need. This article provides information on legal services for seniors to get help with housing, family law, elder abuse, and other common legal matters seniors face.
Legal Services Corporation
The Legal Services Corporation is a government-funded organization that focuses on bridging the financial gap between low-income Americans and access to equal justice. This nonprofit organization funds civil legal services for Americans living under the federal poverty line. Seniors can receive assistance in the following areas through the Legal Services Corporation:
- •Representation for evictions and foreclosures.
- •Family law matters, including escaping domestic violence.
- •Accessing affordable housing.
To receive legal help in your area, you can search your location on LSC.gov.
Legal Services for Older Americans Program
The Legal Services for Older Americans Program was created by the United States Congress in the Older Americans Act. This program’s goal is to ensure that seniors over the age of 60 maintain their autonomy by making it easier for them to live independently and remain in their communities. Examples of the assistance seniors can expect from the Legal Services for Older Americans Program include:
- •Help drafting advance health care directives and other documents that express their end-of-life medical treatment preferences.
- •Legal representation in foreclosure or eviction proceedings.
- •Help accessing public benefits.
- •Legal representation for elder abuse claims.
The Legal Services for Older Americans Program is funded by each state’s Area Agency on Aging. To learn if you qualify for these services and to find an advocate in your area, search for your location.
LawHelp.org
LawHelp is a nonprofit organization operating in every state that connects low-income Americans with free legal resources. Through this program, seniors can get legal support and assistance completing court forms. LawHelp even provides seniors with self-advocacy tools to empower them while dealing with legal challenges. They also connect low-income Americans facing housing instability with legal assistance and appeal Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance application denials.
Find help in your area on LawHelp.org.
State protection agencies
Each state has an agency to provide legal counsel, advocacy, education, and support to older adults and people living with disabilities. This support improves the individual’s ability to access the court system and protect their civil rights.
Some services these agencies provide include:
- •Investigating suspected abuse.
- •Educating people with disabilities on their rights and entitlement to benefits.
- •Training on self-advocacy.
These agencies also connect seniors to caretakers. They assist older adults with wellness, community and independent living, and the prevention and investigation of elder abuse.
Find your state’s agency if you need assistance.
Client Assistance Program
People with disabilities have enumerated rights and benefits under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Client Assistance Program was established to ensure that people with disabilities who receive benefits and protections under the law have the advantage of legal counsel. Services that the Client Assistance Program offers to its participants include advising people with disabilities on their rights in connection to these acts and decreasing the amount of red tape they may face when trying to access benefits and services.
Contact your state’s Client Assistance Program office to get legal representation. Your state office will determine your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly
If you need tax assistance or advice, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free help to seniors aged 60 and over in filing their income tax returns during tax season. They also provide free tax assistance year-round. The TCE program is funded by the Internal Revenue Service and uses its funds to reimburse volunteer tax preparers for expenses incurred in their work with older adults. Locate TCE assistance in your area by searching on IRS.gov.
Getting free legal assistance is more accessible than ever
Finding the legal help you need can be daunting, but there are many available resources for seniors needing assistance. If you are a senior facing legal troubles, the resources above can connect you to expert legal professionals at little or no cost to you.
