PROVIDED BY THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS AND BAY AREA LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
1-888-895-7873
The Florida Senior Legal Helpline
A program of Bay Area Legal Services, Inc., a non-profit public interest law firm. Funded by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and Bay Area Legal Services.
How We Can Help You:
- Consumer
- Housing
- Family Law
- Probate
- Advance Directives
- Medicaid and Medicare
- Social Security and SSI
- Elder Abuse
- Relative Caregiver
Leer in Español
We are unable to handle criminal, traffic, or personal injury issues.
What is the Florida Senior Legal Helpline?
The Florida Senior Legal Helpline provides free civil legal advice and brief services over the telephone to eligible Florida residents 60 years and older. Callers will be screened for eligibility and must be within our income guidelines to be scheduled a telephone appointment for free services. Helpline advocates provide advice to seniors to help them resolve their legal problems. When appropriate, callers are referred to state and local regulatory agencies. When clients need representation in court or other extended legal services, we help them find legal resources in their communities.
Our screening service is available between 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). Telephone appointments are scheduled with English and Spanish-speaking advocates. Helpline advocates use a translation service for hard-of-hearing clients and those who speak languages other than English or Spanish.
Confidentiality & Privacy
As a law firm, we keep the information you share with us confidential. Sometimes it may be necessary to discuss your problem with someone else to help you resolve it, but we will only do so with your permission.
Our Services
Eligible callers are scheduled a free telephone appointment with an attorney or paralegal. Most clients will receive answers to their legal questions during their telephone appointment. The advocates may also mail supplemental information relevant to the issues discussed.
In some cases, follow up calls will be necessary to report the results of legal research. In other cases, an advocate may make a conference call to a third party to resolve an issue. When clients need assistance beyond telephone advice and brief services, they may qualify for referrals to free legal services providers in their local communities. These providers work in partnership with the Helpline and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to maximize resources available to vulnerable and low-income seniors.
What to Expect When Calling
To contact the helpline call:
1-888-895-7873
9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
(excluding holidays)
When your call is answered, our screening staff will identify themselves and then ask you a brief series of questions to complete your application for services.
These questions include your name and address, household information, county of residence, and the type of legal problem you are calling about. Eligible Florida residents age 60 and older who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be scheduled a callback telephone appointment. Callers are subject to income but not asset guidelines.
Please be advised that in most instances you may only call the Helpline about your own legal problem. If you are calling on behalf of another person, you must hold a Power of Attorney (or Durable Power of Attorney if the grantor/principal is now incapacitated) and provide that document to the Helpline staff before an appointment will be scheduled for you.
Please be ready at the time scheduled for your appointment with any relevant documents, plus a pen and paper so you may take notes. Please be patient – sometimes our advocates have a complex call or legal emergency, and may be late with your call.
If you miss your callback appointment, the advocate will try again. If necessary, you may reschedule your appointment.
Non-legal Issues
For information on non-legal issues that impact seniors, such as health and wellness, long-term care, community-based care and caregiver support, please call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER.
Proporcionado por el Departamento de Asuntos de Personas Mayores de Florida, Bay Area Legal Services, Inc.
1-888-895-7873
LÍNEA DE AYUDA LEGAL PARA PERSONAS MAYORES DE FLORIDA
Un programa de Bay Area Legal Services, Inc., una firma de abogados de interés público sin fines de lucro. Financiado por el Departamento de Asuntos de Ancianos de Florida y Servicios Legales del Área de la Bahía.
How We Can Help You:
- Consumidor
- Vivienda
- Ley de Familia
- Trámites de testamento
- Documentos con instrucciones sobre decisiones médicas
- Medicaid y Medicare
- Seguro Social y SSI
- Maltrato de ancianos
- Parientes cuidando de ancianos
Read in English
No podemos manejar asuntos criminales, de tráfico o agravio (que generan honorarios).
¿QUÉ ES LA LÍNEA DE AYUDA LEGAL PARA PERSONAS MAYORES DE FLORIDA?
La Línea de Ayuda Legal para Personas May- ores de Florida proporciona asesoramiento legal civil gratis y servicios breves por teléfono a residentes elegibles de Florida de 60 años o más. Las personas que llaman serán evaluadas para determinar su elegibilidad y deben estar dentro de nuestras guías de ingresos para programar una cita telefónica para servicios gratis. La línea de ayuda brinda asesoría a personas mayores para ayudarles a resolver sus problemas legales. Cuando sea apropiado, las personas que llaman serán referidas a agencias reguladoras estatales y locales. Cuando los clientes necesiten representación en las cortes u otros servicios legales extensos, les ayudamos a encontrar recursos legales en sus comunidades.
Nuestro servicio de evaluación está disponible de 9:00am-4:30 pm, lunes a viernes (excepto feriados). Las citas telefónicas se programan con defensores que hablan inglés y español. Los defensores de la Línea de Ayuda también están capacitados para usar un servicio de traducción para clientes con dificultades auditivas y clien- tes que hablan otros idiomas aparte del inglés o español
CONFIDENCIALIDAD Y PRIVACIDAD
Como bufete de abogados, mantenemos confidencial la información que usted nos comparte. Algunas veces puede ser necesario discutir su problema con otra persona para ayudar a resolverlo, pero solo lo haremos con su permiso.
NUESTRO SERVICIOS
Se programa una cita telefónica gratis, a las personas elegibles que llaman, con un abo- gado o asistente legal. La mayoría de los clientes recibirán respuestas a sus preguntas legales durante su cita telefónica. Los defen- sores también pueden enviar por correo información suplementaria pertinente a los asuntos discutidos.
En algunos casos, será necesario hacer llamadas de seguimiento para informar los resultados de la investigación legal. En otros casos, un defensor puede hacer una llamada de conferencia a un tercero para resolver un problema. Cuando los clientes necesitan asistencia más allá del asesoramiento tele- fónico y servicios breves, pueden calificar para referirlos a proveedores de servicios legales gratis en sus comunidades locales. Estos proveedores trabajan en asociación con la Línea de Ayuda y el Departamento de Asuntos de Personas Mayores de Florida para maximizar los recursos disponibles para las personas mayores vulnerables y de bajos ingresos.
QUÉ ESPERAR CUANDO LLAMA
Para ponerse en contacto con la línea de ayuda llame al:
1-888-895-7873
9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Lunes a Viernes
(excepto días feriados)
Cuando contestan su llamada, nuestro per- sonal de evaluación se identificará y le hará una breve serie de preguntas para así ayudarle de mejor forma.
Estas preguntas incluyen su nombre y direc- ción, condado de residencia y tipo de prob- lema legal por el cual está llamando. Se pro- gramará una llamada de cita telefónica a los residentes elegibles de Florida de 60 años o más, que son ciudadanos de Estados Unidos o residentes permanentes legales. Las personas que llaman están sujetas a guías de ingresos pero no de bienes.
Tenga en cuenta que en la mayoría de los casos solamente puede llamar a la Línea de Ayuda sobre su propio problema legal. Si está llamando en nombre de otra persona, usted debe tener un Poder (o Poder de Represent- ación Permanente si el beneficiario está incapacitado) y proporcionar ese documento al personal de la Línea de Ayuda antes de que se programe una cita para usted.
Esté preparado al momento de la llamada pro- gramada teniendo a mano cualquier docu- mento pertinente, además de pluma y papel para tomar notas. Por favor tenga paciencia – en ocasiones nuestros defensores tienen una llamada complicada o una emergencia legal y pueden retrasarse en llamarle a usted.
Para ponerse en contacto con la línea de ayuda llame al: 1-888-895-7873 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Lunes a viernes
(Excepto días feriados)
Si pierde su llamada de cita telefónica, el defensor intentará llamarle de nuevo. Si es necesario, usted puede volver a programar su cita.
FAQs
What services are available for seniors in Florida? ›
- Adult Care Food Program.
- Community Care For the Elderly (CCE)
- Comprehensive Assessment & Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES)
- Elder Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
- Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP)
- Health & Wellness.
- Home Care for the Elderly (HCE)
- Memory Disorder Clinics.
Elder Law is defined as any legal issue involving health and personal care planning for the senior population and their caregivers.
What qualifies you for legal aid in Florida? ›Generally, you will be eligible if your income does not exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. In some counties and in some cases, domestic violence and elderly clients may not be subject to the income guidelines.
Does Florida have an agency on aging? ›The Department of Elder Affairs administers programs and services for elders across the state of Florida through 11 Area Agencies on Aging, which operate as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).
At what age do seniors stop paying property taxes in Florida? ›Additional Homestead Exemption for Low Income Seniors Age 65+
Does Florida pay caregivers? ›Yes, caregivers can be paid by the state to take care of their own family members (barring spouses and legal guardians) , although eligibility criteria, benefits and coverage differ between jurisdictions.
Are seniors protected in Florida? ›Protection From Abuse and Neglect
The Florida Statues protect senior citizens from all forms of abuse, including financial exploitation, sexual exploitation, fraud, assault and battery, as well as neglect.
The key to asset protection when an elder is already in the nursing home is: 1) a good elder law attorney; and 2) a good durable power of attorney/estate plan that will allow the attorney-in-fact the power to protect assets. If the elder is competent, of course, the elder would participate in all decision making.
What is a Florida durable power of attorney? ›A Florida durable power of attorney form represents a way in which an individual, or principal, can have someone act for them with regard to their finances and other areas of life. The durable type of POA stays in effect even if the principal ends up in a situation where he or she cannot think or act or communicate.
What is the maximum income for legal aid? ›You are on a low income or receive income-related benefits, such as income support, income-related ESA or JSA. If your monthly income, excluding PIP or DLA is above £2657 you will not be eligible for legal aid. If your income is less than that, your expenditure will be assessed to see if you are eligible.
How can I get free legal advice in Florida? ›
CLSMF HELPline 1-800-405-1417
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida's (CLSMF) HELPline is an attorney-staffed telephone advice, brief services, pro se, and referral system serving low income individuals, seniors, and other vulnerable people with civil legal issues throughout Central Florida.
When a court decides someone is "indigent" - with few assets and no funds to pay an attorney - generally either a private lawyer will be appointed by the court and paid with county funds, or a public defender program will be appointed to represent the person.
Can I get paid for caring for my parents in Florida? ›In Florida, we have limited programs that will pay us to be caregivers to our family members. If your loved one is a Medicaid recipient on the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program, the caregiver can apply to be paid through the Consumer Directed Care option.
What can social services do for the elderly? ›Adult social services cover a range of support and activities to support people who are older or live with a disability or a physical or mental illness. You can get in touch with us if you need help with things like: daily tasks to look after yourself and your family. your mental health.
How do I remove an elder from my home? ›What's an adult child to do when their aging parent insists on living independently? The only way you can legally force someone to move into a long-term care facility against their will is to obtain guardianship (sometimes called conservatorship) of that person.
Do you pay property taxes after 65 in Florida? ›Senior Exemption Information
The property must qualify for a homestead exemption. At least one homeowner must be 65 years old as of January 1. Total 'Household Adjusted Gross Income' for everyone who lives on the property cannot exceed statutory limits.
Homestead Exemption: Every person who has legal or equitable title to real property in the State of Florida and who resides thereon and in good faith makes it his or her permanent home is eligible to receive a homestead exemption of up to $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes.
Does Florida tax Social Security? ›Social Security Benefits: Florida doesn't tax Social Security benefits, either. Income Tax Range: Not applicable (no income tax). Inheritance and Estate Taxes: There are no inheritance or estate taxes in Florida. For more information, see the Florida State Tax Guide for Retirees (opens in new tab).
How much do family members get paid for Caregiving in Florida? ›Family members, hired as care providers, must accept the Medicaid hourly compensation rate. In Florida, this is estimated to be between $9 – $13 per hour.
Can you get paid to take care of your elderly parent in Florida? ›Florida's Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program (SMMC LTC) includes a Participant Directed Option (PDO) that allows older adult Floridians or their designated representatives to hire, train, and manage care providers, and spouses and adult children may be hired and receive compensation for caregiving ...
How much is relative caregiver funds in Florida? ›
Families participating in the Relative/Non-Relative Caregiver Program (RCG/NRCG), in an open dependency case, will receive up to six months of a higher monthly payment rate beginning July 1, 2022: $518 (for ages 0 to 5), $532 (for ages 6 to 12), and $622 (for ages 13 to 18).
What can social services do for the elderly? ›Adult social services cover a range of support and activities to support people who are older or live with a disability or a physical or mental illness. You can get in touch with us if you need help with things like: daily tasks to look after yourself and your family. your mental health.
What discounts can over 60s get? ›- Ride the Rail. It's really important for older people to keep a strong social network. ...
- Iceland Over-60s Discount. ...
- More Points at Boots. ...
- Movie Savings. ...
- Free TV. ...
- Cheaper Haircuts. ...
- Free Bus Pass. ...
- Free Prescriptions.
(a) “Senior citizen” means a person who is 60 years of age or older.
How do you qualify for low income senior housing in Florida? ›What are the Qualifications for Section 202 Senior Housing? Residents of the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly must be at least 62 years of age and have household incomes that meet HUD's Low income or Very Low Income criteria .
Can social services force elderly into care? ›They can do this if the needs identified by social care needs assessment are not being met at home, if they could endanger other members of their household, or they no longer have the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves.
What happens when an elderly person Cannot take care of themselves? ›A conservator or guardian is appointed and supervised by the court and is normally granted the authority to manage the personal, financial, and health care decisions of an adult who is not able to do so on their own.
What powers do social services have over the elderly? ›Social Services obligations
Local authorities can make the decision to move someone into care, against their wishes or their family's wishes, in the following situations: if their care needs are not being met at home. if the elderly person is a risk to the safety of other people living in their home.
- Extra pension payments.
- Money off your council tax.
- Help towards hospital travel costs.
- Free Strictly Come Dancing.
- Lost pensions or bank accounts.
- Free eye tests.
- Free travel.
- Help with housing costs.
- Pension credits. ...
- Free prescriptions and Sight tests. ...
- Subsidised travel. ...
- Annual flu jab. ...
- The job seekers allowance. ...
- Special support grant. ...
- Student support grants. ...
- State Pension.
What perks do you get when you turn 60? ›
...
The 5 over 60s discounts that you could be missing out on
- Senior rail cards. ...
- Cheaper menus in restaurants. ...
- Discounts in retail outlets. ...
- Older person's bus pass. ...
- Free prescriptions.
The senior citizen can get a discount of 5% on the purchase. If you are above 60 plus, check the Publix stores for daily and weekly offers available for senior citizens. You are sure to find at least one senior discount or coupons and deals available every day of the week.
Does Walmart give a senior discount? ›Does Walmart Offer a Senior Discount? Unfortunately, Walmart does not offer a discount to senior citizens. One of Walmart's biggest competitors, Target, also does not provide a discount to older adults.
Does Chick fil a give senior citizen discounts? ›All Chick-fil-A locations offer free refillable drinks or a 10% discount to support their senior customers aged 50 or above.
What is the income limit for Section 8 housing in Florida? ›| Miami-Dade County, FL HMFA MFI: $59,100 | Extremely Low Income Limit 30% of Median | Very Low Income Limit 50% of Median |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $19,200 | $32,000 |
| 2 Person | $21,950 | $36,600 |
| 3 Person | $24,700 | $41,150 |
| 4 Person | $27,400 | $45,700 |
You MIGHT be rejected if the background check reveals… Drug-related crimes; • Violent crimes; or • Other crimes that could threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the building by other residents or PHA employees. The PHA will look at arrests and convictions that occurred within the past 5 years.