Senior Legal Services is a nonprofit legal aid organization specializing in providing free legal assistance to seniors and other vulnerable populations. Their core mission is to defend the rights of clients to quality housing, essential government benefits, and protection from exploitation and discrimination, prioritizing those with the highest social and economic needs in Santa Cruz and San Benito counties.
The organization focuses exclusively on serving adults aged 60 and older, offering compassionate and dedicated advocacy across a range of critical legal areas. With a commitment to empowering individuals through knowledge and legal support, they address issues that directly impact dignity, safety, and financial stability, ensuring vulnerable community members are not left without representation.
Services Offered
- Attorney services
- Landlord-tenant and eviction defense
- Reasonable accommodations advocacy for individuals with disabilities
- Patient rights advocacy in nursing homes and residential care facilities
- Debt and consumer rights assistance
- Debt collection process guidance
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy options
- Elder abuse legal support
- Elder abuse restraining orders
- Government benefits navigation (Social Security, Medicare, Medi-Cal)
- Social Security over-payment disputes
- Durable powers of attorney
- Advance healthcare directives
- Wills
- Revocable trusts
Services are available to residents of Santa Cruz and San Benito counties, with all legal assistance provided free of charge to qualifying seniors and vulnerable adults. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supported through community donations and volunteer efforts.
