News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
Normally, tax relief for the year only comes the following year when you file your taxes, no matter how much you need it now. Many families are eligible to receive half of the Child Tax Credit for next year’s taxes as a monthly payment starting in July. For every child 6-17 years old, qualifying families will get $250 each month, […]
All offices will reopen for telephone and online applications on Monday, June 21, 2021. Have a safe and happy weekend!
Funding is available for City of Galveston residents. To participate in the City of Galveston Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Have a direct referral from one of the local non-profit social service agencies Qualify as a family as defined by HUD Must be a legal resident/citizen of the United States Must be a City […]
Funding is available for Harris County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Harris County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that […]
Funding is available for Fort Bend County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Fort Bend County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Fort Bend County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a […]
Funding is available for Brazos County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Brazos County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Brazos County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that […]
Funding is available for McLennan County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the McLennan County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of McLennan County A member of the household must have a valid government-issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that was […]
Funding is available for Montgomery County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Montgomery County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Montgomery County A member of the household must have a valid government-issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that was […]
Funding is available for Smith County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Smith County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Smith County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that […]
Funding is available for Bell County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Bell County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Bell County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that […]
Starting June 14, 2021, funding is available for Brazoria County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Brazoria County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Brazoria County. A member of the household must have a valid government-issued photo ID. Must have a […]
La participación del estado de Texas en los programas federales de beneficios por desempleo pandémico está terminando. Como resultado, la última semana de beneficios en la que la Comisión de la Fuerza Laboral de Texas (TWC) pagará los beneficios federales por desempleo pandémico bajo el Plan de Rescate Americano es la semana de beneficios que finaliza el 26 de junio […]
Enrolled students (up to 21 years of age) in families that temporarily lost access to free or reduced-price school meals for the 2020–2021 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). P-EBT benefits can be used to buy food from any retailer that accepts the Lone Star Card. Who is eligible? […]
In observance of Memorial Day, all Lone Star Legal Aid offices will be closed on Monday, May 31, 2021. All offices will reopen on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Have a safe and joyous holiday!
Since the first Coronavirus appearance in December 2019, the United States has experienced a multitude of obstacles, including the weight of isolation, unemployment, housing and food instability. In addition, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has continually been on the receiving end of prejudice and racial discrimination. Why is this happening more than ever before? There is still […]
Mrs. Martinez’s son Jason was 13 years old when he passed away from a severe illness. Jason was in the hospital from December 2020 to January 2021. With medical bills piling up, Mrs. Martinez applied for Medicaid and was never sent an approval or denial letter for the deceased child. While he was still living, the hospital continuously reached out to collect the mounting debt and insensitive phone calls were the last thing Mrs. Martinez […]
It has been three months since Winter Storm Uri hit in February and left Texans scrambling for home and vehicle repairs. Although many Texans may have taken care of repairs on their own by now, they may be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). What can FEMA help me with? FEMA provides assistance […]
The amount you pay in property taxes as a homeowner is determined by multiplying the assessed (calculated or estimated) value of your property and your tax rate. You can protest these values if you believe they are wrong. It may vary by county, but in most cases, the deadline to protest property taxes in Texas is May 15 or 30 […]
The Federal Communications Commission is offering an Emergency Broadband Benefit Program that provides support for broadband (internet) services and certain devices to help low-income households stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. About the Emergency Broadband Benefit The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide […]
May 9-15, 2021 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. This week is dedicated to informing, preparing, and planning for disastrous weather this hurricane season. Rain, wind, and water can happen anywhere, not just on the coast, so it’s keen to start preparing as soon as possible. It is important to consider how COVID-19 might affect your preparation plans. Make sure everyone […]
