News and stories about our work advancing civil legal rights for low-income Texans.
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When Hurricane Harvey struck Texas in 2017, our offices were shut down and employees were urged to evacuate and stay safe. As 60 inches of rainwater swept through streets of Houston, plumes of smoke had engulfed our main office downtown. The flooding had caused an electric explosion within the building, which quickly escalated into a fire. Employees fretfully kept an […]
Having high quality, affordable health coverage is beneficial for children and their families. With children heading back to school in August, coverage will help parents can rest easy knowing their children can get the routine preventive care that keeps them healthy and the medical help they need if they get sick or injured. Healthy children are better prepared to succeed in school […]
In response to the recent developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a new order to extend the eviction moratorium until October 3, 2021. The new order will “temporarily halt evictions in counties with heightened levels of community transmission” to prevent tenants from being evicted and help combat the rise of the Delta variant. […]
This Sunday, August 8, 2021, Lone Star Legal Aid is joining Sisters of Charity Church for an outreach event starting at 10 AM at the Brookdale Villages Apartments. We will be there to help enroll your children for Medicaid and CHIP benefits as well as answer any of your questions. If you are looking to enroll your children on-site, make sure you bring […]
Overview Each year at the end of July, we recognize World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Trafficking is a serious crime and violation of human rights. Thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of trafficking in their own countries and abroad. You can be a part of World Day Against Trafficking by jumpstarting the conversation to put an end to trafficking worldwide. With the widespread […]
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) will lower health insurance for Texans struggling to make ends meet during the ongoing pandemic. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMD) encourages consumers who have received unemployment in 2021 to update their application or enrollment during the Special Enrollment Period that runs from July 1 and August 15, 2021. People who were approved to receive unemployment for any week in 2021 may be able to find lower […]
Some people who are separated or have recently been divorced have been facing unique issues accessing Covid-19 recovery aid being provided through the IRS, namely the economic impact/stimulus payments and the soon-to-be deposited advance child tax credit payments. The first two Economic Impact payments were distributed based on information from 2018 to 2019 returns, and the third payment was calculated […]
The Brazoria County Housing Authority (BCHA) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is opening soon. Applications will be accepted from July 12, 2021 at 8:00 am, until July 16, 2021 at 4:00 pm CT. (No exceptions!) To apply during the opening period, complete the online application here. No paper applications will be accepted. In order to get on the […]
Normalmente, la desgravación fiscal para el año solo llega el año siguiente cuando declara sus impuestos, sin importar cuánto la necesite ahora. Muchas familias son elegibles para recibir la mitad del Crédito Tributario por Hijos para los impuestos del próximo año como pago mensual a partir de julio. Por cada niño de 6 a 17 años , las familias que […]
With at least 4 million Texans having filed for unemployment since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in eviction cases as well. Tenants and landlords have been awaiting an update on the federal moratorium on evictions. The moratorium has now been extended until July 31, 2021. To get this protection from eviction, tenants must submit […]
Natalie Cochran sat down with Christian Pineda and Elizabeth Green to talk about the Connecting Texas Kids to Coverage Unit at Lone Star Legal Aid and how their work benefits the community. Listen here starting at 50:30.
Normally, tax relief for the year only comes the following year when you file your taxes, no matter how much you need it now. Many families are eligible to receive half of the Child Tax Credit for next year’s taxes as a monthly payment starting in July. For every child 6-17 years old, qualifying families will get $250 each month, […]
All offices will reopen for telephone and online applications on Monday, June 21, 2021. Have a safe and happy weekend!
Funding is available for City of Galveston residents. To participate in the City of Galveston Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Have a direct referral from one of the local non-profit social service agencies Qualify as a family as defined by HUD Must be a legal resident/citizen of the United States Must be a City […]
Funding is available for Harris County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Harris County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that […]
Funding is available for Fort Bend County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Fort Bend County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Fort Bend County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a […]
Funding is available for Brazos County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Brazos County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Brazos County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that […]
Funding is available for McLennan County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the McLennan County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of McLennan County A member of the household must have a valid government-issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that was […]
Funding is available for Montgomery County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Montgomery County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Montgomery County A member of the household must have a valid government-issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that was […]
Funding is available for Smith County residents for rental payments, utility payments, and household internet expenses, where applicable. To participate in the Smith County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following criteria: Must be a resident of Smith County A member of the household must have a valid government issued photo ID Must have a financial hardship that […]