News and stories about our work to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans.
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 Customers whose benefits are withdrawn can […]
Morgan is a 20-year-old diagnosed with ADHD, Autistic Disorder, Aspergers Syndrome, depression, and seizures. He was employed at Walmart, Sears, and Home Depot as a maintenance man, placing work orders, stocking, and unloading furniture. He failed to meet production demands which caused him stress and anxiety and eventually lost focus of his work tasks. He was later fired for poor […]
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 […]
UPDATE: CHECK OUT OUR LITC SERVICE PAGE FOR A LIST OF NEW TAXPAYER RESOURCES In these FAQs, we explore the ins and outs of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) with Karyna Lopez, Litigation Director, shedding light on eligibility criteria, recent regulatory changes, required documentation, and more. How can I determine if I qualify for the EITC? If you have […]
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 2019, the U.S. reported a population of 54.1 million people age 65 or older (the most recent year for which data is available). They represented 16% of the population–more than one in every seven Americans. Older adults consistently experience the most significant percentage of loss during and after natural disasters compared to younger age groups (Fernandez, Byard, Lin, Benson, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Access to justice is a fundamental right that gives every person access to legal remedies for their legal problems. However, for people with low-incomes, access to justice can be a challenge. Legal aid ensures access to justice regardless of a person’s financial means. What is Legal Aid? Legal aid is a system of providing legal assistance to individuals who cannot […]
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 […]