NCJ Number
44345
Date Published
1977
Length
8 pages
Annotation
SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAMS, THE ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS LAW CENTER, AND THE TYPES OF SERVICES THAT CAN BE PROVIDED TO THE ELDERLY BY LAWYERS ARE DISCUSSED.
Abstract
THE FEDERALLY FUNDED LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION OPERATES 800 OFFICES IN ABOUT 300 DISTRICT PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. IN ADDITION, APPROXIMATELY 100 SPECIALIZED LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY ARE FUNDED THROUGH TITLE III OF THE OLDER AMERICAN ACT. OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR LEGAL SERVICES PROJECTS INCLUDE REVENUE-SHARING MONIES, TITLE XX OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, AND THE COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT TRAINING ACT. THE NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS LAW CENTER PROVIDES EXPERTISE ON LEGAL ISSUES CONFRONTING THE ELDERLY. FUNDED IN PART BY THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION, THE CENTER ACTS AS A SUPPORT AND INFORMATION CENTER FOR LEGAL AID PROGRAMS AND HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN SUCH AREAS AS INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT, GUARDIANSHIP, NURSING HOME PROBLEMS, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PENSION PROBLEMS, SOCIAL SECURITY, FOOD STAMPS, AND SPECIAL HOUSING QUESTIONS. THE CENTER ALSO HAS TASK FORCES ON OLDER VETERANS AND OLDER WOMEN. INVOLVEMENT OF THE PRIVATE BAR IN SERVING THE LEGAL SERVICES NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY MAY BEST FOCUS ON INDIVIDUAL CASES. THE CENTER URGES PRIVATE ATTORNEYS TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH GROUP LEGAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS OR LEGAL CLINICS. LAWYERS CAN HELP ELDERLY CLIENTS IN THEIR DEALINGS WITH GOVERNMENT BENEFIT AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PENSION PROGRAMS, PROVIDING INFORMATION ON ELIGIBILITY AND INTERPRETING REGULATIONS.