Alabama Senior Legal Assistance Program
What is the Senior Legal Assistance Program?
The Senior Legal Assistance Program (LAP) in Alabama provides legal assistance in non-criminal matters such as accessing health and long-term care, debt collection, housing, consumer issues, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, elder abuse, exploitation and fraud, defense of guardianship, advance directives, some end-of-life issues and other legal services to individuals 60 years of age and over in every county in the state.
Do attorneys work for the Legal Assistance Program?
Yes. The LAP for your area is staffed by lawyers licensed by the State Bar of Alabama or legal assistants who are supervised by attorneys.
How is the Legal Assistance Program funded?
The program is a federally required and funded program that also receives matching funds from state and local governments and in-kind support from the providers of the services.
How much do services cost?
There is no cost for information, education or representation for seniors through the legal assistance program. The program, funded in part by the Older Americans Act, welcomes all voluntary contributions, but they are not required in order to receive services. You may still be responsible for some court costs, however.
What if I decide to make a contribution or donation?
You may certainly do so. Send your contribution to the Area Agency on Aging office in your area and indicate that it is for legal assistance.
How do you determine eligibility for your services?
Our program targets people 60 years of age and older who are:
- in the most social or economic need;
- low income minorities; or
- in rural areas.
Second, the person must have the kind of problem that is handled by our program.
What kinds of cases do you handle?
We handle cases involving:
- Income maintenance
- Defense of guardianship
- Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Health care issues
- End-of-life issues
- Individual rights
- Powers of attorney
- Homeownership issues
Will I go through an income test in order to be eligible?
No. There are no income limits that would keep you from being eligible for services.
What other services do you provide?
We provide information and referral to other programs and services. Community education presentations on legal issues are also available.
What can I expect from the Legal Assistance Program staff?
- staff knowledgeable about the law, policy and/or regulations affecting you
- staff trained to listen to your concerns and take your problems seriously
- staff to represent YOU and not your family, the government or anyone else
- a confidential relationship with your legal representative
How do I contact the Alabama Senior Legal Assistance Program?
For legal help, call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-AGE-LINE.
What is the Alabama Elder Law Helpline?
The Alabama Elder Law Helpline can provide you with answers to many common legal questions. The helpline is staffed by an attorney and paralegal. Call 1-866-456-3959 for the Alabama Elder Law Helpline.
Please Note: No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.