November 2019 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER / November 2019

South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) is a non-profit law firm. We provide free legal services in a wide variety of civil (non-criminal) legal matters to eligible low income residents of South Carolina. Our mission is to provide legal services to protect the rights and represent the interests of low income South Carolinians.

No Benefits and No Improvements

Rick had been getting social security disability benefits since 2004. In its initial determination, Social Security Administration (SSA) found that Rick’s disability stemmed from stomach issues, back injuries and mental limitations. At the end of 2013, SSA determined that Rick was no longer disabled, and his benefits were to be terminated. Rick did not know how to explain this. He did not feel any improvement in his health. His only explanation was that he refused to have surgery on his back. He was 52 years old with a limited education and continued to be unable to work. Rick appealed the termination of his benefits.

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Beware Of Scams Targeting Seniors During The Holidays

It is November and the holiday season has begun! While this season generally brings food, family and fun, it can also expose some of the more vulnerable members of our communities to a heightened risk of scams and fraud. Senior citizens and those who care for them need to be especially vigilant against these tricks.

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Helping Veterans

Veterans Day is a day we celebrate those who have served in the Armed Forces. However, separation from service can be an exciting and confusing time as veterans readjust to civilian life. At South Carolina Legal Services, we work to meet the civil legal needs of those who have served our country.

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Race Equity Project and Community Lawyering

At the beginning of 2019 South Carolina Legal Services created the Cultural Humility Unit.  The Cultural Humility Unit is a team of South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) staff dedicated to aiding and empowering communities impacted by systemic inequity.

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WAYS IN WHICH SOUTH CAROLINA LEGAL SERVICES IMPACTS THE LIVES OF LOW-INCOME SOUTH CAROLINIANS

Employment

  • Protecting laid-off workers’ unemployment benefits to help them and their families avoid homelessness, hunger, and financial disaster
  • Helping workers overcome legal barriers to a job, such as a criminal record or a driver’s license
  • Enforcing workers’ rights to a safe workplace, free from discrimination and retaliation
  • Recovering workers’ hard-earned wages when unlawfully withheld by unscrupulous employers

Elder Law

  • Helping seniors defend their legal rights, preserve their safety net, and ensure their place in the community
  • Representing seniors in a comprehensive range of legal issues, including landlord-tenant disputes, consumer protection issues and mortgage problems
  • Helping seniors plan for the future by executing Wills and Advance Directives documents
  • Advising seniors and their families about supportive decision making and safeguarding against unnecessary guardianships and conservatorships
  • Protecting seniors from abuse and neglect