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Who is Eligible for HDRC Services?

HDRC has authority to represent individuals when:
  1. The individual has a disability, as defined in our CAP, WIPA or one of our P&A programs; and

  2. The individual meets the eligibility criteria as defined in our CAP, WIPA or P&A programs; and

  3. The individual has a problem that has resulted from or is related to the disability; and

  4. The individual's problem is within HDRC's current Client Services priorities.

HDRC considers the following questions to help determine when to offer assistance:

  1. Is the individual able to advocate for the resolution of his/her own problem?

  2. Are there other advocacy resources available to this individual?

  3. How immediate, severe and long-lasting are the effects of the problem on the individual?

  4. How complex is the individual's problem or the bureaucracy or service delivery system causing the problem?

  5. Does the individual have a claim backed up with strong moral or legal grounds or other evidence?

  6. Does this claim have the potential to impact the legal rights of other people with disabilities?

  7. Does this claim have a good possibility of satisfactory resolution through HDRC intervention?

  8. Does HDRC staff have the expertise necessary to resolve this problem?

  9. Does HDRC have adequate staff and resources to accept this case without negatively affecting existing clients?

Who is NOT Eligible for HDRC Services?

HDRC does not provide assistance when:

  1. The individual does not have a disability, or does not have a disability-related problem.

  2. The individual is already represented by another attorney or agency.

  3. The individual's problem is one commonly accepted by the private bar or by local legal services programs, or the legal expertise is available elsewhere.

  4. The individual's problem involves a statutory right to appointed counsel.

  5. The problem concerns the interests of service providers or families, guardians, or conservators of persons with disabilities, unless that interest is consistent with the interest of the person with a disability.

HDRC only assists with these issues in compelling and unique circumstances:

  1. Bankruptcy

  2. Consumer protection or products liability

  3. Conservatorship or guardianship of the person or property

  4. Criminal proceedings

  5. Estate planning and wills

  6. Family law - adoption, child support, custody, divorce

  7. Malpractice

  8. Private insurance issues

  9. Property disputes

  10. Tax issues

  11. Tort defense

  12. Workers compensation or ERISA

These questions help HDRC evaluate requests for assistance:

  1. Is the individual able to advocate for the resolution of his/her own problem?

  2. Are there other advocacy resources available to this individual?

  3. How immediate, severe and long-lasting are the effects of the problem on the individual?

  4. How complex is the individual's problem or the bureaucracy or service delivery system causing the problem?

  5. Does the individual have a claim backed up with strong legal grounds or other evidence?

  6. Does this claim have the potential to impact the legal rights of other people with disabilities?

  7. Does this claim have a good possibility of satisfactory resolution through HDRC intervention?

  8. Does HDRC staff have the expertise necessary to resolve this problem?

  9. Does HDRC have adequate staff and resources to accept this case without negatively affecting existing clients?

HDRC SERVICES:

  • No Income Requirements

  • No Forms to Complete

  • Always Free

TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE:

  • Visit Our Office

  • Call Us

  • Visit Our Website
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