News and stories about our work advancing civil legal rights for low-income Texans.
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After the 2021 winter freeze, 80-year-old Carolyn Addison Rivera’s life was upended. Like countless Texans, her home suffered damage from frozen pipes. When she turned to a plumber for help, the work performed was substandard and came with an inflated bill. When Carolyn rightfully disputed the charges, the plumber retaliated by slapping a mechanic’s lien on her home. Suddenly, she […]
Free multicultural holiday concert set for December 13; donations support access to justice Houston, TX — Lone Star Legal Aid is honored to be the beneficiary of the 8th annual Holiday Voyage presented by Apollo Chamber Players. This Houston tradition celebrates the season through a blend of global, multicultural music. The free concert takes place Saturday, December 13, 2025, at […]
Michael Manuel is a hardworking Texan living with a vision impairment who was hired at Amazon in September 2023 through Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. He asked for reasonable accommodations so he could do his job safely; instead, the employer failed to provide them and later terminated him for “absenteeism”—a charge Michael believed was retaliation for requesting accommodations. With […]
At Lone Star Legal Aid, we believe that safety, stability, and justice should never depend on someone’s income. Every day, our attorneys and advocates stand beside Texans facing eviction, domestic violence, denied benefits, unsafe housing, consumer fraud, and other life-altering legal crises. Last year alone, we closed more than 25,000 cases for veterans, survivors, seniors, families, and vulnerable communities across […]
For many families, Social Security benefits are a vital source of support. When those benefits disappear unexpectedly, it can truly shake their world. This was the reality for our client, Ms B, a dedicated 45-year-old mother of two, who faced an overwhelming situation when her disabled son’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits were suddenly stopped. Even though she had tried […]
Mallory and Nelson exchanged their vows in 2007 and were married until 2023. During their marriage, Nelson exhibited abusive behavior and engaged in illegal activities. Tragically, their 11-year-old grandson experienced severe trauma due to Nelson’s actions, which contributed to serious health issues, including seizures. Mallory didn’t think twice. She needed an escape, and this was it. Mallory contacted Lone […]
Our client, Autumn, is a minor who never received notice if her Children’s Medicaid was renewed for the new year. Her mother renewed her benefits along with her other young daughters. One daughter received renewal, while Autumn did not receive a response. Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) told Autumn’s mother that her case would be escalated, but they never […]
Taxpayers may be eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check if they were overlooked during the first wave of checks in 2021. When the IRS sent out stimulus checks due to the financial adversity caused by COVID-19, many taxpayers failed to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their tax returns. The IRS will be paying $2.4 billion to one million Americans […]
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) honored the dedication of 27 employees during its final quarterly board meeting in 2024. Certificates of Appreciation, presented by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), recognized these individuals for their remarkable service of 25 years or more to advancing justice for underserved communities. Highlighting the ceremony were employees with exemplary tenures, including Gloretta Thornton, honored for […]
Sophia and Ricky were married for five years and had four children together, two of whom were autistic. She has always been a very dedicated mother, supporting her family in the face of intense adversity. She found herself in circumstances she never thought she would be in, and her protective instincts kicked in. Ricky did not express any abusive behaviors […]
For Immediate Release November 19, 2024 Lone Star Legal Aid proudly hosted a series of impactful events and community education presentations last week as part of Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week (TVLAW). Designed to provide critical legal resources to veterans and their dependents, these events addressed common legal challenges faced by those who have served our nation. Throughout the week, […]
Pat, a grandfather of two boys ages one and three, called Lone Star Legal Aid seeking custody of his grandsons after the boys’ parents, Hannah and Jonathan, were incarcerated following their conviction for causing the death of the boys’ infant sibling. The infant boy was smothered between a mattress and a wall while the parents were under the influence of […]
Uber and Lyft take your safety very seriously and work in collaboration with law enforcement to make sure every rider feels safe and every driver follows procedure. From the time you are picked up to the time you are dropped off at your destination, your experience should not make you feel uncomfortable in any way. There are safety tips all […]
Lone Star Legal Aid’s (LSLA) Communications Assistant, Natalie Cochran interviewed LSLA’s Supervising Attorney of Program-Wide Units, Lindsay Eustace who answered questions about our Rise to Recovery Program. The Opioid epidemic has had devastation consequences across our communities, leaving countless consequences, and leaving countless individuals facing a range of legal challenges. Our Rise to Recovery Program recognizes the urgent need for […]
Claire met Drew at church in Illinois, and they quickly connected, fell in love, and got married. They were 25 years old. Claire says Drew seemed like the perfect man, but she later learned that all his kindness and lavish treatment toward her during their short honeymoon phase was what experts in family violence refer to as “love bombing.” It […]
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 […]
