Legal Services Eligibility

Our attorneys take civil legal cases. We do not handle criminal cases, accidents, or personal injury issues. Here are the kinds of cases we typically take:  

• Domestic violence and protective orders
• Government Benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security)
• Divorce/Child Custody/Child Support (in some situations and particularly when domestic violence or child safety are involved)
• Bankruptcy/Credit Problems
• Housing
• Expungement and Driver’s License Problems
• Unemployment Compensation
• Veterans Issues

Generally, you must be considered low-income OR a victim of domestic violence to qualify for help from our Legal Services program. There are exceptions, so if you are unsure, go ahead and apply.

To apply for legal services, click here.

Behavioral Health/FAST Program Eligibility

If you are interested in receiving help from our Behavioral Health or FAST Special Education programs, here are the basics you need to know about who we can help and what kind of help we provide:

There are no income requirements in order to be eligible. The only requirement is that the adult or child seeking services must have a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition.

Our adult behavioral health component assists individuals living in the community by providing advocacy, support and links to resources. In addition, we investigate complaints and grievances made by adult residents in state psychiatric hospitals.

The FAST (Family, Advocacy, Support, and Training)) component assists children with mental or behavioral health conditions and their families in navigating issues, especially those related to benefits and integration into school and community.  We also maintain a statewide peer support network for kids and families.

To apply for behavioral health services, click here.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Eligibility

If you are interested in receiving help from our Ombudsman/Long Term Care program, here are the basics you need to know about who we can help and what kind of help we provide:

• There are no income requirements in order to be eligible for help.
  
• We can field questions from anyone – resident, family member, a concerned member of the public – about an issue or concern with long-term care facilities in West Virginia.
  
• We also investigate abuse and neglect claims at long term care facilities. In addition, we work with residents and staff at long-term care facilities to resolve other issues, such as concerns over food quality, roommate incompatibility, billing issues and more.

To apply for Long-Term Care Ombudsman services call 1-800-834-0598 or click here for additional information.