News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
Every year in April, the Office for Victims of Crime leads communities and organizations like Lone Star Legal Aid in the annual observance of National Crime Victims’ Right’s Week (NCVRW). This year’s theme is How Would You Help? The week-long campaign promotes victim’s rights and those who advocate on their behalf. Raising awareness on crime victims’ rights helps victims rebuild […]
UPDATE: This change went into effect March 1, 2024. Low-income mothers in Texas will now receive Medicaid coverage for a year after giving birth. This approval, granted by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, marks a year-long initiative that encompasses half of all births in the state. In Texas, Medicaid enrollment grew steadily throughout the pandemic, increasing from about […]
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides beneficiaries to customers that are retired workers, disabled workers, as well as survivors of a passed loved one. Sometimes the SSA experiences overpayment issues which can cause distress on its customers. Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley announced he is taking four vital steps to immediately address overpayment issues. Customers whose benefits are withdrawn can […]
National Consumer Protection Week is the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) week-long campaign aimed at educating consumers about their rights to help them make well-informed decisions about money. Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams? Maybe you’re wondering about the best way to use credit, how to shop for a used car, or maximize your security online. National […]
Mark is a minor facing various disabilities and health challenges. His mom, Laura, found out about the Medicaid denial when she tried to take him to the doctor. Laura turned to Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) to appeal the denial and address the mistakes made by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) in her son’s case. She shared that because […]
Each February, young adults, their loved ones and domestic violence advocates nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). The purpose of this campaign is to promote education about dating abuse before it starts. Dating violence is more common than people think, especially among teens and young adults. 1 in 3 teenagers will experience […]
As of March 1, 2024, low-income mothers in Texas will receive Medicaid coverage for a year after giving birth. This approval, granted by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, marks a year-long initiative that encompasses half of all births in the state. In Texas, Medicaid enrollment grew steadily throughout the pandemic, increasing from about 4 million people in early […]
Houston, TX, January 12, 2024 – In a monumental win for the Carverdale community, Applicant USA Waste of Texas Landfills, Inc., affiliated with Waste Management, has officially withdrawn its application for a permit to expand the “Hawthorn Park” landfill on Tanner Road in the Carverdale area of Houston, Texas. This decision from Waste Management to withdraw from an ongoing contested […]
Paul was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and developed eye problems because of it. He is a minor and has been a Medicaid recipient for the last five years which has helped treat his eye condition. United Health Care, a Managed Care Organization (MCO), provided Paul with benefits throughout that time, until suddenly Paul was denied an […]
The 75th anniversary of Human Rights Day will be recognized on December 10, 2023. This day is focused on a year-long initiative that empowers progress and engagement. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a landmark document available in more than 500 languages and cherishes the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being regardless of race, […]
On December 3, 2023, International Day of Persons with Disabilities initiative joins partners around the world for a call to action. More than 1.3 billion people experience a significant disability today which represents 16 percent of the global population. Many people with disabilities are at an increased risk of developing a range of health conditions. They also suffer from unequal […]
Mr. Smith suffered from mental and visual impairments for most of his adult life when he was shot in the head, face, and arm. The bullets were so fragmented that they are currently still resting in his head and face. These impairments qualified him for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). He told Lone Star Legal Aid that his lack of […]
In a Victory for Clean Air Advocates in Texas, U.S. Court of Appeals Halts Sempra Energy Natural Gas Export Facility FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 Media contacts: Tom Pelton, Environmental Integrity Project (443) 510-2574 or tpelton@environmentalintegrity.org John Beard, Port Arthur Community Action Network (409) 626-1179 or john.beard901456@outlook.com Clarissa Ayala, Lone Star Legal Aid (832) 627-8404 or cayala@lonestarlegal.org Port Arthur, […]
October is National Crime Prevention Month, National Bullying Prevention Month and Cyber Security Awareness Month. These national observances spread awareness about prevention and personal safety among millions of Americans. Lone Star Legal Aid contributes to the safety of families and communities in Texas and Southwest Arkansas. Our Crime Victim Unit represents, educates, and advocates for victims of crime. LSLA also […]
October is not just a month; it’s a movement. The month marks a significant time of year for survivors of domestic violence. Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a way for survivors and advocates to connect across the nation, working to end violence against women, men, and children. This year, on October 19, 2023, DVAM will encourage people and organizations […]
In 2020, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), part of which continued Medicaid benefits for those already enrolled, regardless of any changes in eligibility. That continuous Medicaid coverage ended on March 31, 2023, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) began disenrolling recipients in May. HHSC began sending recertification letters to all Medicaid recipients […]
In 2013, Maira and Charlesh wed in Pakistan, aspiring to a brighter future in the United States. Charlesh migrated in 2015, followed by Maira and their child in 2017. They secured employment, obtained green cards, and aimed for U.S. citizenship. After arriving, Charlesh’s demeanor changed, leading to abuse and then a divorce and custody dispute. Charlesh deliberately isolated Maira and […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Harris County, TX – August 14, 2023 – Lone Star Legal Aid (“LSLA”), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free legal services to underserved communities, has achieved a significant victory for tenants by securing the dismissal of over 100 eviction cases at Cabo San Lucas and Redford Apartments in Harris County. In a remarkable demonstration of their […]
It wasn’t until 1990 that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law to give people with disabilities a chance at equal opportunity. People were living with disabilities that no one had ever heard of before but didn’t have equal access to justice. People were facing segregation, discrimination, and attacks on their basic human rights. Fast forward 25 […]
Our elderly population routinely faces several forms of abuse, like neglect and financial exploitation. Consistently educating the public through advocacy and action will provide awareness and prevention of elder abuse. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and today, June 15, is Elder Abuse Awareness Day! While physical abuse, neglect and abandonment are frequently used forms of elder abuse, financial exploitation […]