Resources

Advanced Directives

Read here for information and guidance on advanced directives, including Medical Power of Attorney and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. These documents allow you pre-determine end-of-life treatment and/or designate another person to make medical decisions on your behalf.


Ask for a hearing via telephone

Visit Texas Law Help for information regarding making a telephone appearance.


Bankruptcy

Texas Law Help outlines options regarding bankruptcy and bankruptcy alternatives during COVID-19. 


Changing a Court Date

Read instructions on how to request more time (continuance) befor your court date.


Child Visitation Rights

Texas Law Help answers your questions on COVID-19 and child visitation.


Child Support

If your income has decreased due to COVID-19, find out how this impacts your child support payments.


Employment and Wage Rights

Review U.S. Department and Labor resources here and read Texas Law Help information here. The Texas Workforce Commission has information at this link for job seekers.

Find information on unemployment, health and safety, and other employment rights during COVID-10. Watch a video from Legal Aid of North West Texas on unemployment benefits during COVID-19.


Housing

Find access to rental assistance during COVID-19 here, here, and here. Eligible beneficiaries include households who are at or below 80% AMI based on their current circumstances and/or who have been economically impacted by COVID-19.

Watch a video from Legal Aid of North West Texas about Landlord/Tenant issues and Eviction during COVID-19. Find information on Evictions here and information on Other Landlord Issues information here.

Texas Apartment Association (TAA) offers guidance (English and Spanish available) to households who may have experienced a loss or reduction of income and are concerned about paying their rent.

For general housing resources, visit Texas Law Help or the CARES Act info page.


Family Law Issues

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid posted FAQs about family law issues.

Family Law Under COVID-19 includes information on Child Support, Visitation, Vaccinations, and Other Questions

Watch a video addressing Family Violence During COVID-19.


First Responders

Planning forms for police, fire, and medical personnel.


Legal Hotlines (free)

SMU Dedman School of Law offers a free helpline (English and Spanish) for COVID-19 legal issues. The State Bar of Texas also offers a free disaster relief hotline.

For a complete list of free legal hotlines in Texas, click here.


Medical Leave (FMLA)

This Department of Labor article answers questions about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as it pertains to COVID-19.


Price Gouging

Click here for a description of price gouging and to receive instructions on how to file a complaint.


Public Benefits

The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program application was extended. Read the Texas Health and Human Services Q&A for info.

Click here for a video summarizing public benefits available during COVID-19, such as SNAP, SSI, CHIP, and Pandemic EBT.

Click here for help finding meals for students.


Unemployment Benefits

Read here for information on your unemployment rights. The Texas Workforce Commission has information here regarding unemployment benefits. Note that the Governor has waived the 10-day investigation period for persons applying for benefits.


Organizations Offering Assistance

You can receive help from Catholic Charities, Emergency Aid, and the Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas Emergency Housing Assistance.


Veterans Assistance

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits and relief to veterans.


Vaccine

Texas Health and Human Services provides up-to-date information on vaccines and their distribution throughout the state.


Wills

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas provides an overview of when you may need a handwritten will and provides the steps needed to prepare one so that it is legal in Texas.

Este video contiene información legal, no asesoramiento legal. El abogado Juan David Rosales de Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas solo proporciona información general sobre los testamentos ológrafos (manuscritos) y los requisitos bajo las leyes del estado de Tejas. Útil durante los momentos en que no puede reunirse fácilmente con un abogado en persona o cuando está demasiado enfermo para viajar, el testamento ológrafo puede ser una herramienta importante que se puede utilizar para compartir sus últimos deseos.