Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) is a non-profit organization that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and communities in 23 counties in Northern California.
LSNC’s mission is to promote justice and empower people by advancing the rights and interests of the poor through effective legal advocacy and education.
LSNC has eight local offices in Sacramento, Auburn, Chico, Eureka, Redding, Ukiah, Vallejo, and Woodland, as well as several special programs that target the specific needs of its clients.
This article will provide an overview of LSNC’s services, eligibility criteria, intake process, and contact information.
Services Offered by Legal Service of Northern California
Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) provides legal representation, advice, information, and education on a wide range of civil legal issues.
such as:
Housing
Legal Service of Northern California (LSNC) helps tenants with:
- eviction defense,
- habitability problems,
- security deposits,
- subsidized housing,
- fair housing and discrimination,
- foreclosure prevention, and
- homelessness prevention.
Health
LSNC helps clients with:
- Access to health care.
- Medi-Cal, Medicare.
- Covered California.
- Health plan denials.
- Medical debt.
- Disability rights.
Public Benefits
Legal Service of Northern California, helps clients with:
- CalWORKs.
- CalFresh.
- General Assistance/Relief,.
- Unemployment Insurance.
- State Disability Insurance.
- Social Security benefits.
Consumer
Legal Service of Northern California helps clients with:
- Debt collection.
- Bankruptcy.
- Credit reporting.
- Identity theft.
- Predatory lending.
Education
Legal Service of Northern California helps students with:
- Special education.
- School discipline.
- Enrollment.
- Access issues.
Family
Legal Service of Northern California helps:
- Survivors of domestic violence.
- Sexual assault and human trafficking with restraining orders.
- Custody,
- Support and immigration relief.
Senior
LSNC provides free legal advice, education and outreach to older adults (age 60+) on variety of civil legal issues through its Senior Legal Services program.
Disaster
LSNC helps disaster survivors with:
- FEMA appeals.
- insurance claims.
- landlord-tenant issues.
- public benefits.
And other legal problems arising from natural disasters.
LSNC also engages in systemic advocacy and community education to address the root causes of poverty and inequality in Northern California.
Also, LSNC works with community partners to identify and address emerging legal issues affecting low-income people and communities.
Eligibility Criteria for Legal Service of Northern California Services
LSNC serves low-income individuals and communities who meet certain income and asset guidelines based on the federal poverty level.
The income guidelines vary depending on the size of the household and the type of legal problem.
Generally, clients must have an income below 125% of the federal poverty level to qualify for LSNC services.
However, some exceptions may apply for certain cases or populations.
For example, seniors (age 60+) do not have to meet any income or asset limits to receive services from the Senior Legal Services program.
In addition to income and asset limits, LSNC also considers other factors when determining eligibility for services.
These factors include:
- The type and complexity of the legal problem.
- The availability of resources and staff.
- The potential impact of the case on the client and the community.
- The availability of other sources of legal assistance.
LSNC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation in providing its services.
Intake Process for Legal Service of Northern California Services
LSNC has different intake methods depending on the location and the type of legal problem.
Clients can contact their local LSNC office by phone or online to request services.
Some offices also offer walk-in hours or appointments for in-person intake.
Clients can find the contact information and intake hours of their local LSNC office on the website.
Legal Service of Northern California (LSNC) also has a toll-free number (1-800-222-1753) that connects callers to the nearest LSNC office or special program.
The toll-free number operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays.
When contacting LSNC for services, clients should have the following information ready:
- Their name, address and phone number.
- Their income and household size.
- A brief description of their legal problem.
- Any relevant documents or papers related to their legal problem.
Responsibility of Legal Service Of Northern California
LSNC staff will conduct a brief screening to determine eligibility for services and refer clients to the appropriate attorney or advocate.
Depending on the nature and urgency of the legal problem, clients may receive different levels of service from LSNC.
These include:
Brief advice
Clients may receive general information or guidance on how to handle their legal problem by themselves.
Brief service
Clients may receive limited assistance with specific tasks or steps related to their legal problem.
Full representation
Clients may receive ongoing representation by an attorney or advocate who will handle their case from start to finish.
Referral
Clients may be referred to another agency or organization that can better assist them with their legal problem.
Conclusion
Legal Services of Northern California is a valuable resource for low-income individuals and communities who need free civil legal assistance in Northern California.
LSNC offers a range of services on various legal issues, such as housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, family, senior and disaster.
Also LSNC also advocates for the rights and interests of the poor through systemic advocacy and community education.
Legal Service of Northern California serves clients who meet certain income and asset guidelines and other eligibility criteria.
Clients can contact their local LSNC office or the toll-free number to request services.
LSNC staff will screen clients for eligibility and provide them with the appropriate level of service or referral.
Facts about The Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC)
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) |
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Coverage Area | 23 counties in Northern California |
| Mission | Promote justice, empower people through legal advocacy and education |
| Local Offices | Sacramento, Auburn, Chico, Eureka, Redding, Ukiah, Vallejo, Woodland |
| Special Programs | Tailored to address specific client needs |
| Services Provided | Legal representation, advice, education on civil legal matters |
| Legal Issue Areas Covered | Housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, family, more |
| Systemic Advocacy | Address root causes of poverty and inequality in Northern California |
| Eligibility Criteria | Income and asset guidelines based on federal poverty level |
| Eligibility Exceptions | Seniors aged 60+ exempt from income/asset limits for Senior Services |
| Non-Discrimination Policy | Does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, age, and more |
| Intake Methods | Phone, online, walk-in appointments, toll-free number |
| Screening Process | Determine eligibility, direct to appropriate legal assistance |
| Service Levels | Brief advice, brief service, full representation, referral |
| Community Education | Partner with community organizations to address legal issues |
| Toll-Free Hotline | 1-800-222-1753, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Contact Information | Local office contact details available on LSNC website |
| Focus on Empowerment | Empower clients by providing legal information and support |
| Target Audience | Low-income individuals and communities |
| Geographical Focus | Northern California |
FAQs
What is Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC)?
Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) is a nonprofit organization that offers free civil legal.
What is the main goal of LSNC?
LSNC aims to empower those with low incomes by providing legal representation and education for their rights and concerns.
Where are the local offices of LSNC located?
LSNC has eight local offices in Sacramento, Auburn, Chico, Eureka, Redding, Ukiah, Vallejo, and Woodland.
What types of legal issues does LSNC assist with?
LSNC provides legal support for housing, healthcare, public benefits, consumer affairs, education, family issues, elderly care, and disaster-related concerns.
LSNC assists with eviction defense, habitability problems, security deposits, fair housing and discrimination, foreclosure prevention, and homelessness prevention.
LSNC helps clients with access to health care, Medi-Cal, Medicare, health plan denials, medical debt, and disability rights.
Are there specific programs for seniors?
Yes, LSNC’s Senior Legal Services program provides free legal guidance and education to older adults (aged 60+) on a variety of civil legal matters.