News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
Sandy is a 74 year-old widow in East Texas who struggled to maintain her household after her husband passed away. Although she was with her common law husband for 29 years, and they had children together, they never formally married. “I was never married before him, and I have never even dated anyone else,” said Sandy. Sandy applied for legal […]
A common question encountered in the world of law is the difference between legal aid and pro bono. The latter is considered a more familiar term among the general public and is often conflated with nonprofit legal aid work. However, there are important differences between these two practices. The term “pro bono” is a Latin term meaning “for the public […]
Summer P-EBT (June-August 2022) is for families with children (K-12) who were certified for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) during the 2021-2022 school year or during summer 2022. Children born on or after Aug. 1, 2015, who receive SNAP, are eligible for summer P-EBT. It is a one-time benefit of $391 for each eligible […]
Jim Bradson is a Navy veteran who relies solely on his Social Security Retirement (SSR) income. During the pandemic, he became indebted to four companies, including the e-commerce company, PayPal. Bradson was already in settlement repayment with the other three companies when he received notice that PayPal sold his debt to a collections company, which then filed a lawsuit. Bradson […]
There have been reports of SNAP fraud all over the country. Thieves use a method called “card skimming” to steal SNAP benefits. Thieves do so by placing a device on a store’s card-swiping machine to copy EBT card information. Card skimming can happen to anyone who uses a credit, debit or EBT card, including SNAP participants. HHS will never call or […]
Hurricane season officially ends today, but extreme weather can take many forms. As we head into winter, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home and your car before […]
A lawyer’s job requires them to have a specific skill set that provides benefits beyond the courtroom. Such skilled legal services are often expensive and beyond the reach of many potential clients. When a lawyer provides their services without charge, this is called Pro Bono. Pro Bono volunteer work is especially encouraged for low-income clients and legal aid nonprofits, as […]
Overview Most Affordable Care Act Coverage Plans will stay the same, leading into each new year. However, new rules implemented this past year will affect coverage in 2023, reducing your cost. If you haven’t been able to find a plan, or this is your first-time shopping for an affordable health plan, we will go over what you need to know […]
Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week is an annual celebration of our services to Veterans. Texas has the second-highest population of veterans in the nation. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual survey of homeless and formerly homeless Veterans, legal issues account for five of the top 10 unmet needs of homeless Veterans. Obtaining access to free legal services can […]
In civil matters, all Texans have the right to represent themselves in court. This is called “Pro Se.” Self-representation may be simpler with certain civil legal issues than others, so it is important to do your research. Some people may choose to represent themselves because they cannot afford to hire an attorney. Lone Star Legal Aid, and other legal aid […]
In 2019, the U.S. reported a population of 54.1 million people age 65 or older (the most recent year for which data is available). They represented 16% of the population–more than one in every seven Americans. Older adults consistently experience the most significant percentage of loss during and after natural disasters compared to younger age groups (Fernandez, Byard, Lin, Benson, […]
Although we try our best, we don’t have enough resources to represent everyone who needs us. One study has shown that we can directly help only 20% of the people who qualify and need our help. If we are unable to take on your case, there is hope. You may be wondering what resources are available to non-clients. Lone Star […]
Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to those 65 years or older and adults with disabilities. Medicare is split into four parts: A – hospital insurance B – physician/outpatient services C – Medicare provided by private insurance companies D – prescription drug coverage If you need help affording Medicare in Texas, you have options. The state offers four […]
Annually in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is recognized to raise awareness of how organizations can come together to educate our communities and collectively advocate to end domestic violence. Each year, Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) takes the time to reflect on where we have been in advocating for domestic violence and representing victims, and where we are going […]
You and your family’s personal safety comes first when preparing for a disaster. Disasters can take lives, homes, cars, as well as all of your personal belongings. Having your personal information and documentation safe is vital to start the recovery process. Taking the time to protect these documents will save you from unnecessary stress following a disaster. You can also […]
Lone Star Legal Aid is one of three legal aid providers in Texas, helping low-income Texans face civil legal issues that create additional barriers to their well-being. We have many units dedicated to different client issues. Here is an exhaustive list of the free services we offer to clients who qualify. If you have been affected by unfair selling […]
With the approval of the student loan forgiveness plan, over 8 million borrowers qualify for debt relief. However, the details on how to qualify or apply for relief may be difficult to keep track of, making many parties vulnerable to scams disguised as “assistance.” You do not need to do anything or pay anyone upfront to apply for the new […]
The Houston metro area is home to the nation’s second-largest veteran population and Texas’ largest. Our Military & Veterans Unit (MVU) provides free civil legal services to low-income United States military veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses throughout Texas. We can help with: Veteran benefits; Bankruptcy, Expunctions & Non-Disclosures of misdemeanor and felony cases; Custody & Child Support; Consumer Issues, […]
On August 24, 2022, the 46th Administration officially announced a final extension to student loan payments and forgiveness for federal student loan debt of up to $20,000. In the month since, more information has been provided to explain who qualifies and how to claim relief. Student loan payments can be deferred until December 31, 2022. Payments will resume in January […]
As a nonprofit legal aid, Lone Star Legal Aid assists the needs of underserved communities. Our goal is not only to represent our clients, but also educate and inform them on the inner workings of the legal system. Those facing legal challenges for the first time may only understand the courtroom as it’s portrayed in the media, film, or television. […]