Benefits Assistance
Programs that provide assistance for people who are having difficulty understanding and/or obtaining grants, payments, services or other benefits for which they are eligible. The programs may help people understand the eligibility criteria for benefits, the benefits provided by the program, the payment process and the rights of beneficiaries; provide consultation and advice; help them complete benefits application forms; negotiate on their behalf with benefits administration staff; and/or represent them in administrative processes or judicial litigation. Included are benefits counseling organizations that offer a range of advocacy services and legal aid programs that offer more formalized legal assistance.
Discrimination Assistance
Programs that provide assistance for people who believe that they have been treated unfairly or denied normal privileges based on their age, gender, race or ethnic origin, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.
Elder Law
Programs that provide information and guidance for individuals who need assistance in the area of law which relates to the rights and needs of older adults, especially in the areas of age discrimination, consumer fraud, estate planning and management, living trusts, trust administration, probate, property law, retirement planning, pension benefits, Social Security benefits, Medicaid and Medicare, disability planning, long-term care alternatives, health care decisions, elder abuse, guardianships and conservatorships.
Ex-Offender Legal Assistance
Programs that provide legal assistance for people with a history of incarceration who need advice related to their status as ex-offenders (also known as returning or returned citizens).
Family Law
Programs that provide assistance for people who are involved in disputes or legal actions which affect their domestic relationships.
Immigration/Naturalization Legal Services
Programs that provide legal assistance for immigrants, nonimmigrant visa applicants, asylum seekers and lawful permanent residents who are seeking naturalization. Services are generally provided by nonprofit immigration law offices and may involve information and consultation about benefits under immigration law including procedures for obtaining student, visitor and employment-based visas; family immigration; asylee status; lawful permanent residence status; or citizenship.
Insurance Law
Programs that provide assistance for people who want to appeal the denial of automobile, health, homeowners, renters or life insurance or cutbacks in insurance benefits; who need to file an insurance claim; or who need to initiate or respond to litigation regarding the settlement of an insurance claim.
Landlord/Tenant Assistance
Programs that provide assistance, information and support for tenants and/or landlords who are involved in rental housing disputes; or which administer state laws or local ordinances which govern rent control and other aspects of tenant/landlord relations.
Lawyer Referral Services
Programs that maintain lists of private attorneys and link people who need legal assistance with lawyers who specialize in the required area of law.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Programs
Programs that investigate and attempt to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of nursing facilities, residential care homes, assisted living facilities and other supervised living facilities for older adults. The program also promotes policies and practices that improve the quality of life, health, safety, welfare and rights of residents; monitors laws, regulations and policies that affect those who live in long-term care facilities; provides the public with information about long-term care options; and promotes the development of consumer organizations concerned about long-term care. Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long term care system.
Notary Public Services
Public officials who are authorized by the state to administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits and depositions, attest to the authenticity of signatures and take acknowledgment of and certify deeds and other conveyances.
Wage/Benefits Garnishment Assistance
Programs that provide legal assistance for people who have received a judgment in their favor and need to file for a writ of execution and attach the wages or benefits of the individual in order to obtain payment; and/or which help individuals who have had a judgment made against them ensure that the amount of money that is garnished does not exceed the limits established by federal law and that their rights are not violated.
