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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. […]

In a recent article for The Texas Tribune, Erin Douglas writes that “Tens of thousands of coastal Texas residents have survived repeated extreme weather events, including Hurricane Harvey. For many, it has taken an emotional toll, and researchers warn that climate change could be ‘catastrophic’ for our mental health.” As the signs of climate change become more apparent in our […]

Launched in 2004, National Preparedness Month (NPM) is FEMA’s national annual preparedness outreach. NPM is managed and sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign. The Ready Campaign, in conjunction with the Ad Council, aims to educate and empower Americans during NPM and throughout the year to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. […]

English National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. The theme for 2022 is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” This year, Lone Star Legal Aid stands united with Texas Latinx and […]

Even if you earn more than 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, we may still help you if you qualify under one of our special projects. If you need free civil legal assistance, please fill out our online application or call 1-800-733-8394. While we cannot give free legal advice without agreeing to represent you as a client, we constantly share […]

The first set of poverty guidelines were developed in the 1960’s to define poverty on a sliding scale that would take family size and cost of living into consideration each year. The U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines determine eligibility for all forms of public benefits and assistance. All clients of Lone Star Legal Aid must meet financial and legal status eligibility […]

The County Indigent Health Care Program helps low-income Texas residents who don’t qualify for other state or federal health care programs have access to health care services. An indigent patient is a patient whose health insurance coverage, if any, does not provide full coverage for all their medical expenses and that their medical expenses, in relationship to their income.   Benefits […]

Our financial assistance and public benefits advocates help low-income families access nutritional, financial, and income-support benefits. We can help with  Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the program formerly known as Food Stamps Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security County Indigent Healthcare Unemployment Insurance Medicare/Medicaid Discrimination in government programs for race, national origin, sex, pregnancy, […]

People with disabilities face widespread discrimination, segregation, and exclusion. But federal disability rights laws can provide protection.  Disability discrimination in the workplace  Employment discrimination is when an employer treats an application or employee less favorably due to a person’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Disability victimization is the most […]

Workplace violence (WPV) is any act or threat of violence, harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behavior that occurs in a workplace. Hospitals and health systems have vigorous protocols to detect violence against their staff. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health care field has seen an increase in workplace violence and studies show rates will not be receding anytime […]

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT), Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), and Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) are legal aid organizations funded by Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to assist low-income Texans with their civil legal needs. LSLA has 14 offices in 76 counties with staff attorneys and pro bono volunteers ready to help take on your case. See below for […]

A Brief History of Discriminatory Language Instruments In the Southern United States from the 1920s to the 1940s, cities had laws requiring People of Color to live in certain areas. Property was also restricted by instruments that created “white only” subdivisions. In 1948, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Shelley v. Kraemer struck down racially restrictive housing covenants. In 1985, […]

In the Southern United States, 22.2 million people live below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funds many legal aid organizations so that low-income individuals and families can receive the help they need. In a 2022 report by LSC, known as The Justice Gap, it was found that 53% of low-income Americans “did not know […]

Port Arthur, Texas – A coalition of organizations led by Lone Star Legal Aid Group Client, the Port Arthur Community Action Network (PACAN), launched a Month-of-Action to stop the proposed Blue Marlin Crude Oil Pipeline.  Energy Transfer has proposed building a crude oil pipeline through the middle of Sabine Lake and down to an offshore export terminal off the coast […]

Lone Star Legal Aid’s mission is to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans, and to make legal information accessible for all. Our Crime Victim Unit assists survivors of crime with civil legal issues they are facing because of the crime committed against them. Our Justice for Crime Survivors Project provides services and assistance directly to victims […]

During exactly four years of marriage, Tiffany endured tragic physical, financial, and emotional abuse. It started on their honeymoon cruise when her husband Aaron smashed her head into the sink of their cabin. She encountered another night where Eric beat her up so badly, dragged her by her hair out in the yard, and left her on the street throughout […]

July is Military Consumer Month. Whether someone is a new recruit, a service member PCS’ing (permanent change of stations) with their family, or a soon-to-be veteran, the FTC wants to share some ways to steer clear of rip-offs and scammers. Individuals preparing to leave the service might be looking at ways to make a living while exploring new career options. […]

Doctors diagnosed Joseph with Progressive Glaucoma, which is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve resulting in permanent vision loss. He was told his eyesight would gradually fade over several years until he was blind, but little did he know he would be involved in an accident that would dramatically change his life sooner than he thought. […]