Legal Services of Miami resources.
Numerous civil issues are handled by Legal Services of Miami. The firm assists low income individuals who would otherwise not have access to counsel or representation. Assistance can be provided for issues such as denial on applications for government benefits, unsafe housing, disability, and attorneys can also help with evictions. While many other topics are covered, those are some of the main concerns that many lower income families and disadvantaged ask for.
Legal aid for housing is always in high demand in the Miami-Dade County area. Services are available for both tenants as well as homeowners, and some of what is available is below. A key objective is always on homeless prevention for anyone in the community.
- Tenants can get legal support when applying for public housing, section 8 subsidies, or transitional housing. There is also landlord/tenant mediation and representation services for renters. Free advice to stop evictions is also coordinated by the organization.
- Homeowners can receive free foreclosure counseling from Legal Services of Greater Miami, and they even help Mobile home owners as well. More information is below.
- Attorneys from the firm and partner groups such as the Florida Bar Foundation advocate for Affordable Housing and Apartments. They pressure developers and the government to create units in southern Florida.
For those that own their home and are facing a foreclosure, there is the Homeowner and Consumer Rights Project. This addresses predatory lending and can provide people with so called foreclosure defense. Other debt issues can be handled too, such as student loans and consumer issues. This is a form of holistic financial literacy provided to clients.
Clients can get information on alternatives to foreclosure and work with an attorney or their staff on creating repayment plans or entering into a loan modification. Other free aid from Legal Services of Miami can help with tax or condo liens, overdue property taxes, or even foreclosure rescue scams. There may be solutions available for them as well. The overall goal is to prevent homelessness in the Miami region. This also includes those who own their home.
Homeless prevention and rehousing is a key focus. As noted above, whether you rent or own, this is offered. The firm and its attorneys offer assistance to homeless individuals and helps them receive affordable housing and other government support. Examples of this can include section 8 vouchers, Supplemental Security Income disability benefits, grants for a security deposit, Medicaid, and food stamps.
Legal help is for the disabled as well, or people that are filing for SSDI benefits. Too many people are denied, or their application has been held up. Attorneys from the firm can help people file their claim or that may have had their benefits denied. The process can be complicated, and some guidance is always very valuable. There is representation for administrative hearings in Dade County and the staff are very knowledgeable about social security processes and regulations.
The Tax Clinic from Legal Services of Greater Miami is for low income families. Some of what may be provided includes audit support or help with appeals. There is free advice, most of whom are very familiar with IRS guidelines and processes. If and when needed, legal representation can be issued to resolve tax disputes.
Children in Miami-Dade may sometimes need help as well. It may be their need to obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits for a condition or are denied access to Health Care. Or they may be denied enrollment into a certain school or are faced with other challenges. Greater Miami Legal Services and groups such as the Florida Bar Foundation want to ensure that they have all the support and assistance they need for any benefit.
The above services are often combined with Children’s Health Access Initiative. This will ensure they get help from any financial assistance programs or public health care they are entitled too. There are also referrals if needed to clinics and other providers.
MLAP - Military Legal Advocacy Project helps veterans, their families, and the disabled in the region. Receive advice on legal needs. There is even support for active duty military personnel. Some of what may be offered include homeless prevention, access to permanent stable housing, and help in applying for VA benefits. Much more is offered for veterans that reside in the Miami area.
The main offices are below. Referrals are also available if your needs can’t be met.
- Serving Miami-Dade County North of Kendall Drive, 3000 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 500, Miami, FL 33137, (305) 576-0080
- Another location is the South Dade Law Center. This location is serving Miami-Dade County South of Kendall Drive and Monroe County, 11285 SW 211 Street, Miami, Florida 33189
- The Monroe County center can be reached at (877) 715-7464.
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