This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Consumer Issues for Seniors in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529)
The statewide toll-free SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (877-727-7529) - provides free legal advice, information and referrals by telephone for all Pennsylvania seniors 60 and over.
Consumer Law Forms from Aging Safely
Aging Safely has developed a set of three consumer law forms that can be used as standalone letters or work together as a package to help older adults who have been victims of financial exploitation or identify theft: (1) Letter to a creditor to request debt forgiveness when a bill is owed; (2) Letter to a creditor to dispute a charge from a bank or company; and (3) Letter to a credit bureau to dispute an item on a credit report.
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Upsolve
If you need to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be able to file your bankruptcy through Upsolve. Upsolve is a national non-profit that helps people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Upsolve is an online program focused on assisting low-income Americans through Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Read about whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you!
Legal Services and Disaster Assistance for Older Adults
Legal aid organizations are quickly mobilizing to help older adults impacted by recent hurricanes, wildfires, and volcanoes. Older adults are at increased risk of disease and death during disasters due to a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, physical disability, cognitive impairment, and other functional limitations. Here is infomation from the National Center on Law & Elder Rights on several resources are available to legal aid programs looking to help older adults during and after a disaster.
Scams Targeting Senior Citizens in Pennsylvania (Video)
Three-part excerpt from Northwestern Legal Services' "Access to Justice" cable access television show broadcast on Erie Cablevision (Channel 2) in Erie, PA. June 28, 2007 Host: Robert Oakley, Esq., NWLS Director Guests: Linda J. Williams, Esq., Chief Deputy Attorney General of PA and John Tokarczyk, Senior Supervisory Agent, PA Bureau of Consumer Protection
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
A Guide for Seniors and Their Families: Issues on Aging
Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association [PDF]
A Guide to Legal Issues for Pennsylvania Senior Citizens [PDF]
The handbook from the Pennsylvania Bar Association provides valuable information on legal issues and questions that concern Pennsylvania's senior citizens and the persons and organizations that care for them. (2016-2017) [PDF Format, 83 pages]
Living Trusts
This publication from the Erie County Bar Association outlines what a living trust is, who needs one, advantages and disadvantages of having one, as well as myths and scams involving living trusts. (February 2019)
Trusts
Information from the Erie County Bar Association about using a Trust in personal estate planning and business planning. (August 2018)
SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529)
The statewide toll-free SeniorLAW Helpline - 877 PA SR LAW (877-727-7529) - provides free legal advice, information and referrals by telephone for all Pennsylvania seniors 60 and over.
Protecting Yourself From Financial Exploitation
Information from the SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia) on how to prevent financial exploitation. [PDF]
The Home Repair Contract
A Senior Citizen's Guide to Home Repair from the SeniorLAW Center (Philadelphia). [PDF]
Area Agencies on Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is the front door for aging services in your community. Your AAA is staffed with skilled workers who can provide information about services and also assist in obtaining access to those services. Use this finder to locate the specific Area Agency on Aging that covers your county.
Rights and Resources for Consumers of All Ages
Reference guide for all consumers regarding how to avoid scams and frauds.
Benefits and Rights for Older Pennsylvanians
This booklet from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging provides information about aging services available across the commonwealth. [PDF]
Beware of Living Trust Scams
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General on scams related to the establishment of living trusts.
Financial Planners or Scammers
Consumer Advisory from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General about solicitations from so-called experts offering financial and estate planning services.
Legal Services and Disaster Assistance for Older Adults
Legal aid organizations are quickly mobilizing to help older adults impacted by recent hurricanes, wildfires, and volcanoes. Older adults are at increased risk of disease and death during disasters due to a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, physical disability, cognitive impairment, and other functional limitations. Here is infomation from the National Center on Law & Elder Rights on several resources are available to legal aid programs looking to help older adults during and after a disaster.
PA Courts Public Access Policy - Filing Requirements in the Courts (Video)
Effective on January 6, 2018, a new Public Access Policy is in effect in Pennsylvania Courts. This policy imposes requirements on anyone filing court documents in the trial and appellate courts to safeguard information in the documents they file. The Pennsylvania Courts have released this series of videos that explain the judiciary’s new policy for protecting confidential information and the required steps you must take to protect that information when filing documents in the courts.
PA Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program
Overview of programs from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue including information on property tax relief; rebate estimate calculator; commonly asked questions; as well as downloadable forms and instruction booklet. Claimants or spouses 65 years of age or older; widows or widowers 50 years of age or older; and permanently disabled 18 years of age or older may qualify.
Preventing elder financial abuse: Guide for family and friends of people living in nursing homes and assisted living communities
This guide from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office for Older Americans is designed to help family members and friends of people living in nursing homes and assisted living communities learn how to prevent and report elder financial abuse. (November 2021)
Reporting elder financial abuse: Help for family and friends of people living in nursing homes and assisted living communities
This quick reference resource from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is focused on how to report elder financial abuse. This can help you quickly find the right resources in a tough situation. (September 2021)
Safety Tips for Seniors
Informational brochure offering advice to seniors on what to watch out for when they are out socially, traveling or simply enjoying their home life
Transportation - PA Department of Aging
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging on transportation issues and support for seniors.
Brochures for Older Consumers
Listing of information brochures on a number of topics for seniors from the National Consumer Law Center.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Provides Benefits for Millions of Adults Ages 50 and Older
Fact Sheet providing information on federal programs that provide nutrition assistance to older Americans from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). [PDF] (April 2018)
Upsolve
If you need to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be able to file your bankruptcy through Upsolve. Upsolve is a national non-profit that helps people file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Upsolve is an online program focused on assisting low-income Americans through Chapter 7 bankruptcy at no cost. Read about whether Chapter 7 bankruptcy is right for you!
How to File a Case in Philadelphia Small Claims Court
Explanation of the Small Claims Court process in Philadelphia from Philadelphia Legal Assistance as outlined in a brochure from the Philadelphia Municipal Court.