The Georgia Department of Human Resources
ELDERLY LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

What is the Elderly Legal Assistance Program?

The Elderly Legal Assistance Program in Georgia (ELAP) provides legal assistance in civil matters, housing, consumer problems, etc. to individtuals 60 years of age and older in every county in the state. The ELAP in your area provides representation by a lawyer, or a paralegal supervised by a lawyer.

How much do services cost?

The Elderly Legal Assistance Program, funded in part by the Older Americans Act, welcomes contributions but they are not required in order for you to be served. If you would like to make a contribution, send your donation to the office of the Area Agency on Aging or the ELAP for your area.

Who is eligible for this program?

The program tries to serve those in the most social and /or economic need, but any resident of Georgia who is at least 60 years of age and has a legal problem in any of the program's priority areas is eligible for assistance.

What kinds of legal services are available?

• Social Security (SS)

• Medicare/Medicaid

• Veterans' Benefits (VA)

• Pensions

• Landlord-Tenant Problems

• Public Housing

• Consumer Problems

• Insurance (health, life, auto)

• Elder Abuse or Exploitation

• Nursing Home or Personal Care Home

• Guardianship

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Information and forms are available on Living Wills, Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney. Limited assistance with estate matters such as Last Wills & Testaments and Year's Support Applications may be available in your area.

Community Education presentations are provided free of charge in your community.

What can I do to see a legal worker?

Make an appointment by calling the ELAP identified on the back of this brochure, your local Area Agency on Aging or the Division of Aging Services at (404) 657-5319 or 1-800-669-8387.

Interviews are held at the legal workers' offices, senior citizens' centers, nutrition centers, nursing homes, personal care homes or in your own home if you are unable to meet the legal worker at any other location.

What can I expect from ELAP?

• Confidential, competent, thorough and aggressive representation

• Staff who will listen to your concerns

• Staff who are knowledgeable about the law and regulations affecting you

• Staff who will represent YOU and not your family, the government, or anyone else

• A responsible representative who will keep you informed and safeguard any money, documents or important papers you entrust to him or her

What if I am not satisfied with my ELAP's services?

You have the right to file a complaint or grievance with the supervisors of the ELAP worker and /or with the Director of the Area Agency on Aging for your area. If your representative was an attorney, you may also file a complaint with the State Bar of Georgia.

Is there anyone at the State level that I can speak with about this program?

Yes. The Legal Services Developer, an attorney with the Division of Aging Services, is responsible for coordinating and developing all Elderly Legal Assistance Programs statewide. If you have problems reaching your ELAP or your Area Agency on Aging, contact the State Legal Services Developer at (404) 657-5319 or write to the:

Legal Services Developer
Division of Aging Services
2 Peachtree Street, N.W., 18th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3176