PUBLIC ANNOUCEMENT FROM IDAHO LEGAL AID SERVICES – MARCH 5, 2014:
Thanks to a grant received by the Idaho Commission on Aging, Idaho Legal Aid Services has expanded its statewide, toll-free attorney staffed Senior Legal Hotline. This free service is provided to Idaho seniors aged 60 or older, regardless of income. Callers can discuss their civil legal issue with an attorney and receive advice and referrals. The Senior Legal Hotline was previously limited to low-income seniors and functioned two days per week. However, a grant from the Administration for Community Living to the Idaho Commission on Aging has allowed the Hotline to expand services to all seniors and increased operation from Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm (MST). The Hotline attorneys can assist callers on any civil legal issue, including landlord/tenant disputes; family law matters such as divorce or guardianships; consumer issues such as debt collection or consumer contract questions; and questions regarding Medicaid eligibility.
Sunrise Ayers, one of the Hotline attorneys, said of the expanded Hotline, “Seniors should not feel like they have to stumble through complicated legal matters alone, the Senior Legal Hotline is a free resource for them, to help them make informed decisions on important legal issues they are facing.”
The expanded Senior Legal Hotline is possible due to a Model Approaches to Statewide Legal Assistance Systems-Phase II grant, awarded by the Administration for Community Living to the Idaho Commission on Aging. Idaho is one of only six states in the country to receive this grant. As one of the grant recipients, Idaho has the opportunity to develop innovative strategies for providing effective and efficient legal services to seniors across our state. If you would like more information about this grant or opportunities for community stakeholders to be involved, you can contact Cathy Hart, of the Idaho Commission on Aging at 208-334-3833 or Sunrise Ayers at 208-345-0106 orsunriseayers@idaholegalaid.org.
Senior Legal Hotline:
(866) 345-0106 or Español (866) 954-2591 (toll free);
(208) 345-0106 (Boise calling area)
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday* 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Mountain Time)
*Excluding holidays and other office closures.
