Legal Services Corporation Gets $15 Million in Disaster Relief Funding Legislation Passed Friday

WASHINGTON – The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) will receive $15 million for disaster relief and recovery as part of legislation signed by President Trump this morning that extends funding for the federal government through March 23.

The $15 million was part of the $89.3 billion disaster relief bill that Congress approved to help states, communities, businesses, and individuals respond and recover from recent natural disasters.

These funds will support the mobile resources, technology, and legal services necessary to help individuals affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and wildfires in California.  

"We are very grateful to Congress for recognizing the important role civil legal aid plays in getting disaster survivors back on their feet,” said LSC President Jim Sandman. “The $15 million Congress appropriated to LSC for disaster legal assistance will allow people to access insurance benefits, fight wrongful evictions, and fend off consumer scams."

LSC had initially requested a supplemental appropriation of $10.5 million to provide legal services to disaster survivors in Texas and Louisiana affected by Hurricane Harvey. LSC later requested an additional $12 million to assist disaster survivors in the states and territories struck by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Low-income families are especially vulnerable to the far-reaching impact of natural disasters. Victims need experts who understand the legal issues involved and who can help them secure temporary housing, file insurance claims, replace important legal documents, negotiate with landlords to make necessary repairs, and more. Legal aid is essential in helping victims get back on their feet following a disaster.