Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1.0 SERVICE DEFINITION 1.1 Legal advice and representation in civil matters, including consultation, negotiation, and preparation of legal documents. Conducting community education presentations on legal issues related to the elderly. 1.2 Please note – due to the fact that the Division of Services for Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities is procuring the Legal Services for our target population of persons sixty (60) years of age and older, and not the State, the following law does not apply for this service – (Title 29 Del. C. § 2507 prohibits the retainer of attorneys to provide legal services to the State and its agencies without the consent of the Governor and the Attorney General.) 2.0 SERVICE GOAL 2.1 To provide access to the legal system for the persons sixty (60) years of age or older. 3.0 SERVICE UNIT 3.1 The unit of service is one (1) hour of service as defined in 1.1 of the Service Definition. 4.0 SERVICE AREA 4.1 Legal services are available to all eligible residents of the State of Delaware. 4.2 Providers of legal services must provide statewide service coverage. 5.0 ELIGIBILITY 5.1 Services are available to all Delaware residents who are 60 years of age and over 5.2 Priority 5.2.1 Priority will be given to those participants who are: 5.2.1.1 Older individuals with the greatest social or economic need, as defined in the Older Americans Act, with particular emphasis on: 5.2.1.1.1 Older individuals with low-incomes 5.2.1.1.2 Older individuals who are minorities 5.2.1.1.3 Older individuals who identify as LGBTQ 5.2.1.1.4 Older individuals with limited English proficiency 5.2.1.1.5 Older individuals living in rural areas. 5.2.1.2 Legal assistance shall only be provided in matters related to: Public Benefits: Legal assistance for older persons to access public benefits (including SS/SSI/SSDI, Medicaid and Medicare, veterans benefits and unemployment compensation) Advanced Directives: Legal assistance for older persons to draft advance directives and designate surrogate decision makers who will effectuate their wishes if they become incapacitated Guardianship: Legal assistance on issues related to guardianship with a focus on representation for older persons who are the subject of guardianship actions Housing: Legal assistance for older persons to access available housing options, including low income housing programs that allow them to stay independent in their homes and communities Foreclosure and Eviction: Legal assistance for older persons facing foreclosure or eviction proceedings that jeopardize their ability to stay independent in their homes and communities LTC Private Financing: Legal assistance for older persons to gain access to the full benefit of appropriate long-term care (LTC) private financing options Financial: Legal assistance for older persons to maintain their long term financial solvency and economic security LTC Transition: Legal assistance to ensure elder rights protections for older persons transferring from long-term care (LTC) facilities to home and community-based care Elder Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation: Legal assistance for older persons who have experienced elder abuse, including consumer fraud and the financial exploitation of older persons
