Where to Call for Free Legal Help

Several organizations in Philadelphia offer free legal services and advocacy for older adults. Use this table to find the right agency for your specific issue.

What Each Legal Organization Handles

SeniorLAW Center

Located at 1650 Arch Street, Suite 1820, the SeniorLAW Center serves people 60 and older. Their main office number is 215-988-1244, and they run a statewide PA SeniorLAW HelpLine at 1-877-727-7529.

They focus on elder abuse, financial exploitation, and fraud. They also assist with housing issues like landlord and tenant disputes, as well as grandfamily custody cases. You can contact them for life planning help, including drafting wills and powers of attorney.

Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP)

PHLP operates a free helpline at 1-800-274-3258. They help older adults resolve problems with Medicaid, Medicare, and the Community HealthChoices (CHC) program.

If the County Assistance Office denies your Medicaid eligibility, you have the right to a DHS Fair Hearing. If your CHC plan cuts your services, you must file a grievance. PHLP can explain your appeal rights and deadlines, including how to keep services in place while you appeal.

Community Legal Services (CLS)

Community Legal Services offers free civil legal help for low-income Philadelphians. Their attorneys assist with housing problems, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and general benefits issues.

CLS also provides free legal help with utility shutoffs. If you face a termination notice from PECO, PGW, or the Water Department, CLS can help you understand your rights and apply for assistance programs like UESF.

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA)

PCA is the Area Agency on Aging for Philadelphia. They connect older adults to insurance and benefits counseling through the PA MEDI program.

PCA’s protection and advocacy services include the Ombudsman program and Older Adult Protective Services. You can reach PCA at their main helpline, 215-765-9040, for referrals to legal and advocacy programs.

If your family needs help managing daily activities at home, New Century Home Care is a licensed home care agency in Philadelphia, PA. We provide non-medical personal care, companion care, and respite services. Call 215-974-0000 or fill out the “I am a client” form on our website to discuss your options.

Planning Documents to Get in Place

Every older adult should consider setting up advance directives before a medical crisis occurs. You can learn more in our legal documents guide.

A Pennsylvania financial power of attorney allows someone to manage your loved one’s finances. By law, to be valid, this document must follow specific steps:

1. Be signed and dated by the principal.
2. Be acknowledged before a notary.
3. Be witnessed by two adults (the agent and notary cannot be witnesses).

A health care power of attorney names someone to make medical decisions if your loved one cannot. This document must be signed, dated, and witnessed by two adults, but it does not require a notary.

Keep Medicaid rules in mind if you plan to become a paid caregiver. Family members can be paid through the CHC waiver, but the waiver will not pay a caregiver who is also the participant’s spouse, legal guardian, or representative payee. The waiver also excludes a participant’s power of attorney from being hired as their paid caregiver.

Suspect Abuse or Exploitation?

If you suspect an older adult is facing physical abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, report it. Under the Older Adults Protective Services Act, anyone can make a report.

In Philadelphia, call PCA’s Older Adult Protective Services line at 215-765-9040. This line is open 24/7; reports can be anonymous and are confidential. If the person is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately.

When to Hire a Private Elder Law Attorney

Free legal clinics handle many common issues, but some situations require a private attorney who charges fees. You should contact a private elder law attorney for complex financial planning related to Medicaid.

The County Assistance Office reviews all financial transfers during the 5-year look-back period. They examine tax returns and bank records for both the applicant and their spouse. Transfers for less than fair market value can cause a penalty period of ineligibility. An attorney can help you understand these rules and request an undue hardship waiver if needed.

You may also need private legal help to handle estate recovery. Pennsylvania can recover the costs of nursing home care, home and community-based waiver services, and related hospital costs from the estate of a recipient who was 55 or older. An attorney can explain how the state considers the estate value and protections for a surviving spouse or dependents living in the home.

New Century Home Care supports older Philadelphians with daily activities so they can live safely at home. Contact us at 215-974-0000 or select the “I am a client” form online to start services. You can also explore our Philadelphia Senior Resource Guide for more local programs.