Helping hands: Can’t afford a lawyer? You may be eligible for free legal aid in central PA

Who do you call if your SNAP (food stamps) benefits are denied or ended? Who do you call if your landlord is trying to evict you? Legal problems do not disappear without help, and help is available.

For over 55 years, MidPenn Legal Services’ attorneys and paralegals have provided free civil legal aid to residents of 18 counties in central Pennsylvania. What types of cases does MidPenn handle? MidPenn’s housing work involves eviction, habitability and foreclosure. Family law services include custody and domestic violence cases. If you have a criminal record that is keeping you from getting employment opportunities, MidPenn can help with an expungement.

MidPenn’s Low Income Taxpayer Clinic can help you if you are being audited or someone stole your identity. The MidPenn tax advocate can also help work out a payment plan if you owe the IRS money. If your family is in crisis but has been denied public benefits like SNAP or unemployment compensation, MidPenn advocates may be able to help you appeal that decision.

MidPenn’s services are free, but applicants must meet income-based eligibility requirements set by our funding sources. Those with civil legal problems can call 1-800-326-9177 to find out if they qualify. The intake unit is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

More information is available at www.midpenn.org.

Linda A. Lovett is MidPenn Legal Services’ grants manager.