Legal Resources

2-1-1 is the telephone number of a call center that offers information and provides referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Examples of service referrals include:

• Basic human need resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance and utility assistance
• Physical and mental health resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, counseling, drug, and alcohol intervention
• Employment support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs
• Support for older adults and persons with disabilities: home healthcare, adult daycare, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, and homemaker services
• Support for children, youth, and families: childcare, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services
   

To connect people to local public service lawyer referral programs and legal information in their state.

• Provides online list of resources by state.

Assists people of low and moderate incomes find free legal aid programs in their communities, answers to questions about their legal rights, and court forms to help them with their legal problems. It is a network of 25 statewide legal information portals.

To promote equal access to justice and to provide high quality civil legal assistance to low-income persons

• LSC distributes grants to legal aid organizations across the US.  Website provides an online search tool to find civil legal aid services for low-income individuals and families (households with annual incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty guideline).  Legal assistance may be provided in the areas of family law, housing, consumer issues, employment, and more.

To improve the quality of legal services provided to people as they age and people with special needs; the primary focus is education. (NAELA does not provide direct legal services.)

• Provides online search tool to find an Elder Law or Special Needs attorney
• Sponsors continuing legal education programs on Elder and Special Needs Law for attorneys
• Provides publications and educational materials to its members on a wide range topics
• Provides support to other organizations serving people as they age and people with disabilities
• Advocates on public policy issues facing seniors and people with special needs.

To provide professional case management services and financial aid to Americans with chronic, life threatening and debilitating illnesses

• PAF Case Managers serve as active liaisons between the patient and their insurer, employer and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job retention and/or debt crisis matters as they relate to their diagnosis; may also be assisted by doctors and healthcare attorneys. PAF seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability.
• Offers a national financial resource directory and educational publications.
• Offers an annual scholarship program for survivors.
• PAF TotalAssist provides direct financial assistance to insured patients who meet certain qualifications to help them pay for the medication copays, medical insurance premiums and other healthcare costs related to the treatment they need. For details, visit  www.totalassist.org or call 866-512-3861.

To provide free education on legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and caregivers, through events, materials, and resources. 

• Offers free in-person and online educational events, educational materials, and resources on topics such as health and disability insurance, work, education, finances, government benefits, estate planning, caregiving, and more.  
• Provides one-on-one help through a Legal & Financial Navigation program.