The judge announces from the bench that SSLS is available to provide advice and representation to financially eligible tenants who face eviction. Although SSLS is able to provide representation to tenants who appear in court without representation, SSLS encourages tenants who are served with a complaint for eviction to contact the office before the court date. In cooperation with the Somerset County Office on Aging and the Sussex County Office on Aging, SSLS provides legal advice, representation and preparation of legal documents for people age 60 or older. There are no financial eligibility requirements for the Senior Legal Assistance Projects, however, the projects target the frail and vulnerable, minorities and impoverished.
Utmost confidentiality is maintained.
The income criteria are higher than those for the basic project. The potential client should be referred by his or her Ryan White case manager. Call the appropriate SSLS office for screening and an appointment. The Ryan White Legal Assistance Projects are funded with federal Ryan White funds, administered through the local Metropolitan Statistic Area Ryan White Coordinating agencies. The FDR project is funded by the United Way of Somerset County and Legal Services of New Jersey and is available only to Somerset County residents.