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Medicare Savings Programs in Texas

Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to those 65 years or older and adults with disabilities. Medicare is split into four parts:  A – hospital insurance B – physician/outpatient services C – Medicare provided by private insurance companies D – prescription drug coverage  If you need help affording Medicare in Texas, you have options. The state offers four […]

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2022: The Power of the Purple Ribbon

Annually in October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is recognized to raise awareness of how organizations can come together to educate our communities and collectively advocate to end domestic violence. Each year, Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) takes the time to reflect on where we have been in advocating for domestic violence and representing victims, and where we are going […]

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Disaster Preparedness: Getting Your Paperwork in Order

You and your family’s personal safety comes first when preparing for a disaster. Disasters can take lives, homes, cars, as well as all of your personal belongings. Having your personal information and documentation safe is vital to start the recovery process. Taking the time to protect these documents will save you from unnecessary stress following a disaster. You can also […]

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What kinds of issues can legal aid help me with?

Lone Star Legal Aid is one of three legal aid providers in Texas, helping low-income Texans face civil legal issues that create additional barriers to their well-being. We have many units dedicated to different client issues. Here is an exhaustive list of the free services we offer to clients who qualify.   If you have been affected by unfair selling […]

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Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

With the approval of the student loan forgiveness plan, over 8 million borrowers qualify for debt relief. However, the details on how to qualify or apply for relief may be difficult to keep track of, making many parties vulnerable to scams disguised as “assistance.”   You do not need to do anything or pay anyone upfront to apply for the new […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s Military and Veterans Unit: Meet the Team

The Houston metro area is home to the nation’s second-largest veteran population and Texas’ largest. Our Military & Veterans Unit (MVU) provides free civil legal services to low-income United States military veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses throughout Texas.  We can help with: Veteran benefits; Bankruptcy, Expunctions & Non-Disclosures of misdemeanor and felony cases; Custody & Child Support; Consumer Issues, […]

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The 411 on Student Loan Forgiveness

On August 24, 2022, the 46th Administration officially announced a final extension to student loan payments and forgiveness for federal student loan debt of up to $20,000. In the month since, more information has been provided to explain who qualifies and how to claim relief.   Student loan payments can be deferred until December 31, 2022. Payments will resume in January […]

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What is the difference between criminal and civil law?

As a nonprofit legal aid, Lone Star Legal Aid assists the needs of underserved communities. Our goal is not only to represent our clients, but also educate and inform them on the inner workings of the legal system. Those facing legal challenges for the first time may only understand the courtroom as it’s portrayed in the media, film, or television. […]

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September is National Preparedness Month – Don’t Wait, Communicate 2022

Launched in 2004, National Preparedness Month (NPM) is FEMA’s national annual preparedness outreach. NPM is managed and sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign. The Ready Campaign, in conjunction with the Ad Council, aims to educate and empower Americans during NPM and throughout the year to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. […]

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Explanation of Language Access Rights

English National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. The theme for 2022 is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” This year, Lone Star Legal Aid stands united with Texas Latinx and […]

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What if I don’t qualify for legal aid?

Even if you earn more than 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, we may still help you if you qualify under one of our special projects. If you need free civil legal assistance, please fill out our online application or call 1-800-733-8394. While we cannot give free legal advice without agreeing to represent you as a client, we constantly share […]

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What are the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines?

The first set of poverty guidelines were developed in the 1960’s to define poverty on a sliding scale that would take family size and cost of living into consideration each year. The U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines determine eligibility for all forms of public benefits and assistance. All clients of Lone Star Legal Aid must meet financial and legal status eligibility […]

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County Indigent Healthcare Program

The County Indigent Health Care Program helps low-income Texas residents who don’t qualify for other state or federal health care programs have access to health care services. An indigent patient is a patient whose health insurance coverage, if any, does not provide full coverage for all their medical expenses and that their medical expenses, in relationship to their income.   Benefits […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid’s Financial Assistance and Public Benefits Unit Overview

Our financial assistance and public benefits advocates help low-income families access nutritional, financial, and income-support benefits. We can help with  Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the program formerly known as Food Stamps Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security County Indigent Healthcare Unemployment Insurance Medicare/Medicaid Discrimination in government programs for race, national origin, sex, pregnancy, […]

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Crime Victim Unit – Supporting Survivors of Healthcare Workplace Violence

Workplace violence (WPV) is any act or threat of violence, harassment, intimidation, or disruptive behavior that occurs in a workplace. Hospitals and health systems have vigorous protocols to detect violence against their staff. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health care field has seen an increase in workplace violence and studies show rates will not be receding anytime […]

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Which legal aid organization serves my Texas county?

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT), Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), and Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) are legal aid organizations funded by Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to assist low-income Texans with their civil legal needs. LSLA has 14 offices in 76 counties with staff attorneys and pro bono volunteers ready to help take on your case. See below for […]

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What is legal aid?

In the Southern United States, 22.2 million people live below 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Legal Services Corporation (LSC) funds many legal aid organizations so that low-income individuals and families can receive the help they need. In a 2022 report by LSC, known as The Justice Gap, it was found that 53% of low-income Americans “did not know […]

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Gulf Coast Residents Launch Environmental Campaign

Port Arthur, Texas – A coalition of organizations led by Lone Star Legal Aid Group Client, the Port Arthur Community Action Network (PACAN), launched a Month-of-Action to stop the proposed Blue Marlin Crude Oil Pipeline.  Energy Transfer has proposed building a crude oil pipeline through the middle of Sabine Lake and down to an offshore export terminal off the coast […]

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Lone Star Legal Aid on Crime Survivor Advocacy, Education and Resources: Catch us on KPFT Radio

Lone Star Legal Aid’s mission is to protect and advance the civil legal rights of low-income Texans, and to make legal information accessible for all. Our Crime Victim Unit assists survivors of crime with civil legal issues they are facing because of the crime committed against them. Our Justice for Crime Survivors Project provides services and assistance directly to victims […]

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