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Bronx Legal Services reviews free legal programs for veterans, low‑income taxpayers and civil legal aid
Summary
A Bronx Legal Services paralegal described free legal assistance available to veterans and low-income residents, including employment/unemployment representation, consumer-debt defense, Medicare/Medicaid navigation, landlord‑tenant advocacy and IRS case navigation; services cover the five boroughs and parts of Westchester County.
A paralegal representing Bronx Legal Services spoke to the Bronx Community Board 11 Health & Human Services Committee about free legal services the organization offers to veterans and low-income residents across New York City and Westchester County.
The presenter said Bronx Legal Services operates a veteran project offering legal advice and representation on employment matters, disability-related workplace discrimination, consumer issues such as debt collection and fraud, health-care benefits navigation (including Medicare savings programs and Medicaid questions), and landlord‑tenant assistance to help veterans retain housing. The paralegal said veteran services are provided regardless of income and that other clinic services (Low Income Tax Clinic) operate under income guidelines.
On tax-related matters, the presenter said the clinic helps residents who receive IRS notices, negotiates payment plans or evaluates eligibility for relief programs, and assists with identity-theft or fraudulent filings (including guidance on obtaining an IRS ID.me account). The presenter also summarized other civil legal practice areas available through Legal Services, including immigration, social-security disability, education-related matters and broader landlord‑tenant representation.
The presenter noted Bronx Legal Services has outreach materials and brochures and invited the board and community to refer residents. Committee members responded with thanks and personal testimony about prior positive experiences with Bronx Legal Services' representation.
No formal committee votes were taken on legal-service matters during the meeting; the meeting later adjourned by motion.
