Legal Advice on Oil Spill Claims Available Through April

Event Date: Every Monday until April 25, 2011

Location: Community Center of St. Bernard, 1111 LeBeau St, in Arabi

Cost: No Cost

Time: 10 AM - 4 PM

Description: Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) will hold weekly Oil Spill outreach hours. Established in 1979, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services offers low-income people free legal aid for a variety of civil legal issues, including problems with income taxes & predatory home loans.

During the Oil Spill outreach sessions SLLS staff will discuss general questions about the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) claims process, assist clients with compiling their claims and calculating losses to submit to the GCCF, distribute informational materials about SLLS services and educational materials about the GCCF claims process, and perform intake procedures and set up appointments for clients who wish to discuss their claims, or other legal needs, directly with an attorney.

Although SLLS will answer general questions and distribute education materials to the general public, they are limited to providing direct legal services to those clients whose income is below 200% of the poverty level. These limits are $21,660 annually for a single person, $29,140 for a household of 2, $36,620 for a family of 3, and $44,100 for a family of 4. Clients should bring proof of their income such as a bank statement, social security award letter, or pay stub, in order to qualify for SLLS services. Residents who are not eligible for SLLS assistance will be directed to appropriate partner organizations. No appointment is needed to attend the Oil Spill outreach sessions. For more information, please phone SLLS at 504-340-1381 ext. 29.