News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
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. […]
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. […]
Today the world provides opportunities for communities to promote a better understanding of elder abuse and neglect of older people. Organizations are working with community partners and professional groups around the world to raise awareness about adult abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Our elderly population routinely faces several forms of abuse, like neglect and financial exploitation. Consistently educating the public […]
June is the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the benefits that homeownership brings to families, neighborhoods, and communities across America. To learn more about National Homeownership Month, read the Presidential Proclamation. June is also the beginning of the Gulf Hurricane Season. Lone Star Legal Aid joins National Homeownership Month by sharing resources […]
Extreme heat conditions have been reported all throughout Texas for the past few summers. Make sure you’re prepared to beat the heat with our tips, resources, and explanation of renters’ rights. Tips for Staying Cool According to KHOU, “If the heat index hits at least 108 for two consecutive days, Houston Health Department will open cooling centers.” If you lose […]
Gregory, a Houston father, contracted COVID-19 and then his family’s life took a turn for the worst. Gregory lost his job due to contracting the virus, his landlord illegally locked the entire family of their home for not being able to come up with enough money to pay the rent, and they had no medical coverage. Gregory could not work […]
The rise in recent school shootings Mass school shootings are a traumatic event that can potentially trigger mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people who were directly impacted by a violent threat such as a school shooting. Studies show that adolescent trauma has more lifelong effects on young people with developing brains. This causes them to […]